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[Pages S2193-S2194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 136--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL SAFE
DIGGING MONTH
Mr. WICKER (for himself, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Fischer, and Ms.
Duckworth) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
S. Res. 136
Whereas each year, the underground utility infrastructure
of the United States, including pipelines, electric, gas,
telecommunications, water, sewer, and cable television lines,
is jeopardized by unintentional damage caused by those who
fail to have underground lines located prior to digging;
Whereas some utility lines are buried only a few inches
underground, making the lines easy to strike, even during
shallow digging projects;
Whereas digging prior to locating underground utility lines
often results in unintended consequences, such as service
interruption, environmental damage, personal injury, and even
death;
Whereas the month of April marks the beginning of the peak
period during which excavation projects are carried out
around the United States;
Whereas in 2002, Congress required the Department of
Transportation and the Federal
[[Page S2194]]
Communications Commission to establish a 3-digit, nationwide,
toll-free number to be used by State ``One Call'' systems to
provide information on underground utility lines;
Whereas in 2005, the Federal Communications Commission
designated ``811'' as the nationwide ``One Call'' number for
homeowners and excavators to use to obtain information on
underground utility lines before conducting excavation
activities;
Whereas the 1,700 members of the Common Ground Alliance,
who are dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental
protection, and the integrity of services, promote the
national ``Call Before You Dig'' campaign to increase public
awareness about the importance of homeowners and excavators
calling 811 to find out the exact location of underground
lines;
Whereas the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job
Creation Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-90; 125 Stat. 1904)
affirmed and expanded the ``One Call'' program by eliminating
exemptions given to local and State government agencies and
their contractors regarding notifying ``One Call'' centers
before digging; and
Whereas the Common Ground Alliance has designated April as
``National Safe Digging Month'' to increase awareness of safe
digging practices across the United States and to celebrate
the anniversary of 811, the national ``Call Before You Dig''
number: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging
Month; and
(2) encourages all homeowners and excavators throughout the
United States to call 811 before digging.
____________________
