Excavations: subsurface installations.
The bill significantly updates the California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board (commonly known as the Dig Safe Board), which oversees the implementation of the Dig Safe Act. By instituting stricter requirements for operators to respond before excavation can commence, SB 778 seeks to minimize incidents of accidental damage to vital infrastructure like gas and water lines. The modifications also obligate local agencies to consider certain factors when setting fees for services related to excavation notifications, thereby potentially removing financial barriers that could deter compliance with excavation safety protocols.
Senate Bill 778, introduced by Ochoa Bogh, aims to amend several sections of the Government Code related to excavations and subsurface installations. This bill revises existing procedures for excavators to follow prior to beginning excavation work, specifically refining the protocols for notification and responses from operators of subsurface installations. Notably, it modifies requirements concerning the use of vacuum excavation equipment, fee structures for local agencies responding to excavator notifications, and the processes to follow during excavation emergencies. The provisions are designed to enhance safety during excavations and ensure better protection of subsurface installations from damage.
General sentiment surrounding SB 778 appears to be supportive among safety advocates and regulatory bodies, who view the enhancements as necessary for improving public safety and preventing costly damages. However, some local agencies may express concerns regarding the increased burdens or responsibilities imposed by the new requirements, particularly in relation to the costs of compliance and the mandates for fee determination. Overall, the bill is perceived to strike a balance between the need for safe excavation practices and the operational capacities of local agencies.
A point of contention arises from the implications of the bill for local agencies, as SB 778 introduces new duties that may be viewed as state overreach into local governance. Critics argue that the revisions could lead to substantial administrative burdens without sufficient resources for local agencies to effectively implement the changes. Moreover, the bill's removal of the annual reporting requirement for incident events—previously compiled by regional notification centers—has sparked discussions on accountability and transparency in excavation practices, as stakeholders weigh the trade-offs of reduced reporting against enhanced operational flexibility.