Utility Safety Partners is seeking stakeholder input on draft legislation that would formalize a notification system for underground infrastructure disturbances
Utility Safety Partners (USP) (formerly Alberta One-Call) is proposing that the Government of Alberta adopt comprehensive provincial damage prevention legislation for buried and above-ground utilities in Alberta. As part of this effort, USP has developed draft legislation they plan to provide to the Government of Alberta for possible inclusion in a future legislative session.
If implemented, the legislation would require infrastructure owners (such as municipalities, utility operators, etc.) to register all buried and above-ground infrastructure with a centralized notification centre and respond to locate requests by ground disturbers within a set period of time. The legislation is intended to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of service disruptions by eliminating accidental damage to infrastructure during construction activities. The legislation could have cost and workload impacts for some municipalities related to identifying and registering infrastructure and responding to locate requests. According to USP, 73% of RMA members already have their infrastructure registered with USP under the current voluntary model.
To provide input on the draft legislation, visit USP’s damage prevention legislation microsite, which includes a fact sheet, backgrounder, copy of the draft legislation, and public comment form. Based on comments received, USP plans to amend the draft legislation and solicit one final round of comments before submitting to the Government of Alberta.
Karrina Jung
Policy Advisor
780.955.4085
karrina@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com