Proposed Changes to Rules

Rulemaking to Update the Commission’s Rule for Enforcement of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act.
Case No. URS-2023-00251

The proposed regulatory action, amends certain provisions of 20 VAC 5-309-10 et seq.  These regulatory amendments, pursuant to Va Code § 56-265.30, update the Commission’s regulations to align with recent statutory amendments to the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (“Act”), Va Code § 56-265.15 et seq.  Among other things, these regulatory updates add new definitions; update terminology to align with the Act; clarify the scope of the Commission’s inspection authority, and require that, in the event of an unintended release of hazardous gas or liquid, an excavator must remain on site, at a safe distance, until such time as emergency response personnel arrive on site.

Interested persons may file comments on the Proposed Rules by January 12, 2024, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments.

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To view the Order for Notice and Comments concerning the rulemaking proceeding to revise the Commission’s Rules for Enforcement
of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, 20 VAC 5-309-10 et seq.,
go to: https://va811.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/URS-2023-00251-Order-for-Notice-and-Comment.pdf
or click the button below.