The North Carolina Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act (Article 8A of Chapter 87) was enacted to protect public safety and underground infrastructure during excavation and demolition activities. Its primary goal is to prevent damage to underground utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and communication lines.
Key provisions include:
- Mandatory Notification: Before any excavation or demolition, individuals must contact the state’s Notification Center to identify underground facilities.
- Facility Marking: Utility operators are responsible for marking the location of their underground lines within a specified timeframe.
- Excavator Responsibilities: Excavators must follow safe digging practices and respect marked utility lines to avoid damage.
- Emergency Protocols: Special procedures are outlined for emergency excavations where immediate action is required.
- Enforcement and Penalties: The Underground Damage Prevention Review Board oversees compliance and can impose civil penalties for violations.
This law ensures a systematic and uniform process for safe digging, helping to prevent injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs.
PLEASE NOTE: On October 1st, 2025 new changes were applied to the existing law. Learn more about how these updates will affect your industry by reviewing the Law Quick Reference Guide or by downloading the HOUSE BILL 247 – Summary PowerPoint. Still have questions or concerns about the law changes and need answers? Contact NC811 directly with our NC LAW FAQ Form and a member of our staff will assist you.
Note: the Act dated 10/1/2025 above has all updates to the law underlined.