2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes § 87-113. Notification required when damage done.

§ 87‑113.  Notification required when damage done.

(a)       The person doing an excavation that results in any known damage to an underground utility shall, immediately after the discovery of the damage, notify the utility owner of the location and nature of the damage and shall allow the utility owner reasonable time to repair the damage before completing the excavation in the immediate area of the damaged underground utility.

(b)       The person responsible for conducting any excavation that results in damage to an underground utility where the damage may endanger life, health, or property shall, immediately after the discovery of the damage, take action to protect the public and property, notify the utility owner, notify the police or fire departments, and take any other actions to minimize the hazards until the arrival of the utility owner's personnel, the police, or the fire department. The excavator shall delay any backfilling in the immediate area of the damaged underground utility until authorized by the utility owner unless it is necessary to prevent injury or property damage to others. Repair of any damage shall be performed by the utility owner or by qualified personnel authorized by the utility owner. (1985, c. 785, s. 1.)