<section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-101" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Authority” means the Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Business day” means a calendar day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Clear evidence” means a visible indication that an underground facility or structure is not marked as required in § 12–126 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Contract locator” means a person contracted by an owner specifically to determine the approximate horizontal location of the owner’s underground facilities as specified in the ticket issued by the one–call system.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Cross–bore” means an intersection of an existing underground facility by a second underground facility resulting in contact between the two facilities that results in the original facility being damaged, dislocated, or disturbed.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Damage” means any excavation activity that results in the need to repair an underground facility due to a weakening or the partial or complete destruction of the facility, including the protective coating, lateral support, cathodic protection, or housing for the underground facility.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Demolition” means an operation in which a structure or mass of material is wrecked, razed, rended, moved, or removed using any tool, equipment, or explosive.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Designer” means a licensed architect, professional engineer, professional land surveyor, or professional landscape architect, as those terms are defined in the Business Occupations and Professions Article, who prepares a drawing for a project that may require excavation or demolition.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Detectable underground facility” means an underground facility that utilizes a location device that is installed underground, such as an electronic marker or a traceable wire that may be detected above ground with an electronic locating device.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Emergency” means a sudden or unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or injury to, life, health, property, or an essential public service.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Excavation” means an operation in which earth, rock, or other material in or on the ground is moved, removed, or otherwise displaced by using any tool, equipment, or explosive.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Excavation” includes grading, trenching, digging, ditching, dredging, drilling, boring, augering, tunnelling, scraping, cable or pipe plowing, pipe bursting, and driving a mass of material.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Excavator” means a person that performs an excavation or a demolition.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Extent of work” means a clear and concise description of work to be done at a property, including the property address or specific distance and direction from a specified point, not to exceed 1,320 feet, that completely depicts the scope of work and that the excavator can complete within the designated life of the ticket.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Education and Outreach Fund.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Legal holiday” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the day on which a legal holiday, as defined in § 1–111 of the General Provisions Article, is observed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a federal legal holiday.</text> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Locatable underground facility” means an underground facility that can be identified or discovered by methods including installation records, facility markers or risers, locator tape, manual location techniques, surface extensions of underground facilities, or any visible indicators that a facility or structure is buried underground in the immediate vicinity.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Mark” means a line, an arrow, a curve, a whisker, a flag, a stake, or any other symbol, placed or made to identify an underground facility.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“One–call system” means a communications system in the State that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>allows a person to notify owner–members of planned excavation or demolition by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>calling a toll–free number or abbreviated dialing code; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>initiating an interactive Internet ticket request; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>maintains an underground facilities information exchange system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="t"> <level label="1"> <text>“Owner” means a person that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>owns or operates an underground facility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>has the right to bury an underground facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Owner” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a public utility;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a telecommunications corporation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a cable television corporation;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a political subdivision;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a municipal corporation;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>a steam heating company;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>an authority; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>a unit of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Owner–member” means an owner that participates as a member in a one–call system.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <level label="1"> <text>“Person” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Person” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a municipal corporation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a political subdivision of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any governmental unit, department, or agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="w"> <text>“Primary contractor” means the person that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>initiates the notification to the one–call system to establish a ticket;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>performs excavation duties for the duration of the ticket; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is on site to supervise all activities, employees, and any temporary excavator added to the valid ticket as required in § 12–130(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="x"> <text>“Temporary excavator” means a person that the primary contractor may identify and add as a subcontracting excavator to an existing ticket under § 12–130(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="y"> <text>“Ticket” means a numbered document issued by a one–call system to notify owner–members that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a person intends to perform an excavation or demolition; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a designer has requested information on the location of underground facilities under § 12–131 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="z"> <level label="1"> <text>“Trenchless technology” means a family of methods, materials, and equipment capable of being used for the installation of new or replacement, or rehabilitation of existing, underground infrastructure that requires excavation with minimal disruption to surface traffic business and other activities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Trenchless technology” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>tunnelling;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>microtunnelling;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>horizontal directional drilling or directional boring;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>pipe ramming;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>pipe jacking;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>moling;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>horizontal auger boring; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>any other method for the installation of pipelines and cables below ground with minimal excavation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="aa"> <text>“Underground facilities information exchange system” means an automated voice response unit or interactive Internet access system that is maintained as part of a one–call system.</text> </level> <level label="bb"> <level label="1"> <text>“Underground facility” means an item that is buried, placed below ground, or submerged for use in connection with the:</text> <level label="i"> <text>storage or conveyance of water, sewage, oil, gas, or other substances; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>transmission or conveyance of telecommunications, cable television, or electricity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Underground facility” includes pipes, sewers, combination storm/sanitary sewer systems, geothermal systems, conduits, cables, valves, lines, wires, manholes, and attachments.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Underground facility” does not include a storm drain.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-102" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly to protect underground facilities of owners from destruction, damage, or dislocation to prevent:</text> <level label="1"> <text>death or injury to individuals;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>property damage to private and public property; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the loss of services provided to the general public.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-103" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to an excavation not more than 6 inches in depth or demolition performed or to be performed by an owner or lessee of a private residence when the excavation or demolition is performed or to be performed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>entirely on the land on which the private residence of the owner or lessee is located; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>without the use of machinery.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-104" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>complete replacement of an existing underground facility;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>underground storm drain systems and applicable devices; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an existing previously detectable underground facility or locatable underground facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 12–129 of this subtitle, on or after October 1, 2021, all newly installed underground facilities shall be detectable or locatable.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Not later than October 1, 2021, any previously detectable underground facility or underground facility locatable during planned or emergency work must be restored to be detectable or locatable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-106" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Authority not be funded by appropriations from the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-107" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Authority consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The nine members shall be appointed as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one member from a list submitted to the Governor by the Associated Utility Contractors of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one member from a list submitted to the Governor by the Public Works Contractors Association of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>two underground facility owners that are members of a one–call system from a list submitted to the Governor by the Maryland members of the Maryland/DC Subscribers Committee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>one member from a list submitted to the Governor by the one–call systems operating in the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>one member who represents the State’s underground facility contract locator community from a list submitted to the Governor by the Maryland members of the Maryland/DC Damage Prevention Committee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>one member who has experience in the field of underground facilities from a list submitted to the Governor by the Maryland Association of Counties;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>one member who has experience in the field of underground facilities from a list submitted to the Governor by the Maryland Municipal League; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>one member of the general public from a list submitted to the Governor by the other appointed and qualified members of the Authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To the extent practicable, members appointed to the Authority shall reasonably reflect the geographic, racial, and gender diversity of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member shall reside in the State more than 6 months each year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For the stakeholder members appointed under subsection (b)(1) through (7) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the member’s primary business, employment, or membership determines the entity that the member is appointed to represent; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an organization, a facility owner, or any other entity may not hold more than one seat on the Authority.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 2 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Authority on October 1, 2010.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member may not be appointed for more than two consecutive full terms.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Governor shall fill any vacancy in the membership of the Authority within 60 days after the vacancy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On the recommendation of the Authority, the Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Any organization, facility owner, or entity possessing a seat on the Authority whose term is due to expire or be vacated shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>designate a replacement for its representative; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if reasonable, initiate the nomination process with the Governor’s appointments office at least 60 days before the known expiration, removal, or resignation of its representative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the organization, facility owner, or entity fails to comply with the replacement process under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Authority shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>conduct a search for a replacement nominee from the organization, facility owner, or entity having the vacancy on the Authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>follow the nomination process provided by the Governor’s appointments office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the organization, facility owner, or entity having the vacancy subsequently fails to provide a nominee within the required time for a second time, the Authority may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>remove the organization, facility owner, or entity representation from the Authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>replace the organization, facility owner, or entity having a vacancy on the Authority with a comparable organization, facility owner, or entity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the case of a sudden or unexpected vacancy, the organization, facility owner, or entity shall provide a nomination to the Governor’s appointments office within 60 days after the vacancy occurs.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-108" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>From among its members, each year the Authority shall select a chair.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the manner of selection of the chair and the chair’s term of office shall be as the Authority determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive years as chair of the Authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-109" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Five members of the Authority are a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Authority shall meet at least once every 3 months at the times and places it determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is not entitled to reimbursement for expenses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-110" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Authority may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>maintain an office at a place it designates;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>maintain facilities for the purpose of holding hearings under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>employ a staff;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>accept a grant, a loan, or any other assistance in any form from any public or private source, subject to the provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>enter into contracts and execute the instruments necessary or convenient to carry out this subtitle to accomplish its purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Authority shall adopt a code of conduct for its members.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-111" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The Authority may obtain funding for its operational expenses from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a federal or State grant;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>filing fees and administrative fees for complaints heard by the Authority as authorized under § 12–112(c)(1) of this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>mailing costs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>fees for delivery or service of process;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>reproduction costs; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>staff costs associated with the complaint;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an additional assessment or charge per ticket as authorized under subsection (b) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any other source.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Authority may collect an assessment or a charge not exceeding 5 cents per ticket from an owner–member if the assessment or charge:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is not imposed on a county or a municipal corporation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is approved by a two–thirds vote of all members of the Authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (a)(2) and (b) of this section, the Authority may not impose a charge or assessment against any person, directly or indirectly, to obtain funding for its operational expenses.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-112" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>To enforce this subtitle, the Authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall accept and review complaints for violations of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may recommend necessary enforcement actions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Authority shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>hear complaints for violations of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>at the request of a probable violator; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>after notifying a probable violator that the Authority has scheduled a hearing on its own motion; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>after a hearing, assess a civil penalty under § 12–135 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Authority may reach a settlement instead of assessing a civil penalty.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a probable violator fails to appear at a scheduled hearing, the Authority may vote to proceed to hear the complaint against the probable violator in the absence of the probable violator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Authority may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>establish reasonable complaint filing fees and administrative fees for complaints heard by the Authority; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use the services of a third party to collect civil penalties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Authority determines that an individual cannot afford to pay a fee established under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, the Authority may exempt the individual wholly or partly from the fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Authority may not assess a civil penalty against a person unless the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>receives reasonable prior notice of the complaint; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has an opportunity to be heard under § 12–113 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-113" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In a hearing before the Authority for an alleged violation of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>all testimony shall be given under oath administered by the chair or another member of the Authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the proceedings shall be recorded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Authority may compel the attendance of a witness by subpoena.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Authority shall issue its decision in writing, stating the reason for its decision.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A copy of the decision shall be delivered or mailed to all parties to the complaint proceedings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority may, within 30 days after receiving the decision, request judicial review of the decision by the circuit court.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with the judicial review and appeals process under the Administrative Procedure Act, the circuit court shall hear and determine all matters connected with the decision of the Authority for which judicial review is requested.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the costs of the judicial review, including the costs of preparing a record and transcript, shall be paid by the party filing the request for judicial review.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the party filing the request for judicial review prevails, the circuit court may require that the costs of the judicial review, including the costs of preparing a record and transcript, be paid by the Authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the request for judicial review is dismissed, the circuit court shall award attorney’s fees to the Authority unless the Authority waives the award of attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The record of a hearing conducted under this section, including any record of testimony or evidence offered at the hearing, is not admissible in any administrative or civil proceeding involving the same subject matter or the same parties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to judicial review of the Authority’s decision.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-114" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <text>Beginning January 1, 2012, the Authority shall report each year to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the activities of the Authority and any recommendations of the Authority.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-117" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Education and Outreach Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to cover the costs of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>public education and outreach programs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the development of safety procedures to prevent damage to underground facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Authority shall hold and administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>civil penalties paid into the Fund under § 12–135 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund may be used only for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>public education and outreach programs for the prevention of damage to underground facilities;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the development of safety procedures for excavation and demolition projects conducted in the area of underground facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>with the consent of the Authority members, covering an unexpected shortfall in the operational account of the Authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Authority may make grants to local governments or private entities consistent with the purposes of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-120" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person that obtains the information required under this subtitle is not excused from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>performing an excavation or demolition in a careful and prudent manner; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>liability for financial damages or injury that results from the excavation or demolition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If an underground facility is damaged by a person that fails to comply with this subtitle, the person is deemed negligent and is liable to the owner for the total cost of repair of the underground facility, unless the owner has failed to become an owner–member in accordance with § 12–123 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an underground facility is damaged by a person that is in compliance with this subtitle and the owner has failed to become an owner–member in accordance with § 12–123 of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person is not liable to the owner for the cost of repair of the underground facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the owner is liable for any repairs or restoration of property damaged by the excavation or demolition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subsection (c) of this section may not be construed to interfere with the right of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a third party to recover financial damages arising out of the excavation or demolition from the person or from the owner; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the person to seek contribution from an owner for financial damages sought by a third party under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-121" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies to any action taken to address an emergency from the time the emergency arises until a standard ticket is initiated and valid under § 12–124 of this subtitle, including any work associated with stopping or mitigating the emergency.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to § 12–120(b) of this subtitle, if all reasonable precautions have been taken to protect underground facilities, § 12–120(a) of this subtitle and §§ 12–122 through 12–135 of this subtitle do not apply to an emergency excavation or demolition being performed to prevent danger to life, health, or property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A primary contractor or a person performing an emergency excavation or demolition to prevent or mitigate loss of or injury to life, health, property, or an essential public service shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>identify the location and extent of work, as stated in § 12–124(b)(1) of this subtitle, in a clear and concise manner;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>take all reasonable precautions to protect underground facilities in and near the excavation or demolition area; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>immediately notify the one–call system serving the geographic area where the emergency excavation or demolition is performed to inform the appropriate owner–members of the excavation or demolition area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The owner–member or its contract locator shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>respond to an emergency notice as soon as possible but not later than 2 hours from the transmission of the ticket from the one–call system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>except for circumstances beyond an owner–member’s or contract locator’s control and for municipal corporations, considering the hours of operation and availability of employees:</text> <level label="1"> <text>begin the locating process to mark their respective underground facility or facilities within 3 hours after the transmission of the ticket; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the facility owner has no underground facilities within the delineated excavation area, clear the ticket within 3 hours after the transmission of the ticket.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The person responsible for the excavation shall be on site or in communication with the owner–member, their contract locator, or their representative within 3 hours after the transmission of the ticket by the one–call system, or a mutually agreed response time.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The owner–member or its contract locator shall respond to the underground facilities information exchange system as soon as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the extent of work is marked; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>it is determined that no underground facilities are in the delineated area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person that abuses the emergency excavation and demolition procedure set forth in this section is subject to penalties under § 12–135 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-122" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person that operates a one–call system in the State shall register with and obtain certification to operate from the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person operating a one–call system on or before July 1, 1990, is automatically registered with and certified by the Commission to continue to operate.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The operator of a one–call system shall install and make available an underground facilities information exchange system in its one–call system in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The underground facilities information exchange system shall be available to any caller at all times.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commission may grant, amend, or revoke the certification of a person operating a one–call system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-123" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An owner shall be a member of a one–call system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, an owner becomes a member of a one–call system by registering with the one–call system.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department of Transportation, its administrations, and the Maryland Transportation Authority shall become members of the one–call system through a separate agreement and using the information collected under § 12–124(b)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An owner–member of a one–call system shall submit to the one–call system, in writing, the telephone number of the person to which calls concerning proposed excavations or demolitions shall be directed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An owner–member shall ensure that all contact information provided to the one–call system remains current.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-124" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Before performing excavation or demolition in the State, a person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall initiate a ticket request by notifying the one–call system serving the geographic area where the excavation or demolition is to be performed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall select a start work date that commences:</text> <level label="i"> <text>not sooner than 3 business days after the ticket is initiated; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>not later than 12 business days after the ticket is initiated; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may add a temporary excavator to an existing ticket.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notice provided to a one–call system under subsection (a) of this section shall indicate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the location of the proposed excavation or demolition;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>whether the proposed excavation or demolition is within rights–of–way owned or controlled by the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority and, if so, the entity and the permit number or authorization number obtained from that entity;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the type and extent of work to be performed in connection with the proposed excavation or demolition; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the correct name of and contact information for the temporary excavator, if any, performing work under the ticket.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on receiving notice, the one–call system shall promptly transmit a copy of the ticket to all owner–members in the geographic area indicated for that ticket.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Based on information collected under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the one–call system shall promptly transmit a copy of the ticket to the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, as applicable.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The ticket shall include a response date and time for owner–members or their contract locators that corresponds with the start work date selected by the person who initiated the ticket.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A ticket is valid for 12 business days after the selected start work date on a ticket that is transmitted by the one–call system to an owner–member or their contract locator.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-125" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>A person shall repeat the notification required under § 12–124 of this subtitle if the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has not completed or will not complete the excavation or demolition within the time period authorized by the ticket;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>expands the excavation or demolition beyond the location indicated in the notice under § 12–124(b) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adds a temporary excavator to the ticket.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a person discovers that a mark is obliterated, destroyed, or removed, or observes a visible indication that an underground facility or structure is not marked as required under § 12–126 of this subtitle, the person shall notify the one–call system to request that all or part of the current scope of work of a valid ticket be re–marked.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person shall repeat the notification regardless of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any delays by an owner–member in marking its underground facilities; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an agreement between the person and an owner–member regarding the time for marking underground facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any re–marking made after a notification provided under this section shall comply with the requirements of § 12–126 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-126" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>An owner–member or its contract locator shall mark its underground facility if a proposed excavation or demolition that is specified in the extent of work contained in the ticket:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is within 5 feet of the horizontal plane of the underground facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>because of planned blasting, is so near to the underground facility that the underground facility may be damaged or disturbed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An owner–member or its contract locator shall mark the location of its underground facility as specified under subsection (a) of this section by marking on the ground within 18 inches on a horizontal plane on either side of the underground facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>When marking the location of an underground facility, an owner–member or its contract locator shall use the color codes established by the American Public Works Association for marking underground facilities in effect at the time of marking.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If two or more owner–members share the same color code, each owner–member or its contract locator shall include information with the marking that indicates the owner–member of the marked underground facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, within 2 business days after the day on which a ticket is transferred to an owner–member or before the selected start work date, the owner–member or its contract locator shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>mark the location of the owner–member’s underground facility and report to the underground facilities information exchange system that the underground facility has been marked; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>report to the underground facilities information exchange system that the owner–member has no underground facilities in the vicinity of the planned excavation or demolition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If an owner–member or its contract locator is unable to mark the location of the owner–member’s underground facility within the time period prescribed in subsection (c) of this section because of the scope of the proposed excavation or demolition, the owner–member shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>promptly notify the underground facilities information exchange system and the person that intends to perform the excavation or demolition; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>work with the person that intends to perform the excavation or demolition to develop a documented agreement for marking the underground facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the owner–member or its contract locator and person that intends to perform the excavation or demolition cannot reach a mutually documented agreement for marking under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the owner–member or its contract locator shall mark that portion of the site where excavation or demolition will first occur, and the owner–member or its contract locator shall mark the remainder of the site within a reasonable time.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If, due to circumstances beyond the control of an owner–member or its contract locator and for reasons other than those specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection, an owner–member or its contract locator is unable to mark the location of the owner–member’s underground facility within the time period prescribed in subsection (c) of this section, the owner–member or its contract locator shall report to the underground facilities information exchange system that an extension is required.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In connection with extensive or contiguous excavation or demolition projects, the person performing the excavation or demolition and the owner–member or its contract locator may establish a working agreement regarding the time periods for marking the underground facility.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-127" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>A person that intends to perform excavation or demolition may begin excavation or demolition activity only after the person receives notification from the underground facilities information exchange system of the one–call system confirming that all applicable owner–members or their contract locators have:</text> <level label="1"> <text>marked their underground facilities in accordance with § 12–126(c) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>marked the applicable portion of their underground facilities in accordance with § 12–126(d) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>reported that they have no underground facilities in the vicinity of the excavation or demolition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>After an owner–member or its contract locator has marked the location of an underground facility in accordance with § 12–126 of this subtitle, the person performing the excavation or demolition is responsible for the maintenance of the designated mark.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the mark is obliterated, destroyed, or removed, the person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall repeat the notification required under § 12–125 of this subtitle; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may not in any manner replace or repair the mark.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person performing excavation or demolition or supervising a temporary excavator shall have a copy of the ticket issued by a one–call system available, by any means, on the site of the activity for the duration of the ticket.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person performing an excavation or demolition shall exercise due care to avoid interference with or damage to an underground facility:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that an owner–member or its contract locator has marked in accordance with § 12–126 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>where clear evidence of an unmarked underground facility exists.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Before using mechanized equipment for excavation or demolition within 18 inches of an underground facility marking, a person shall expose the underground facility to its outermost surfaces by hand or other nondestructive techniques.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>When utilizing a trenchless technology method, to prevent the occurrence of a cross–bore, a person shall expose by nondestructive techniques intersecting underground facilities to the depth of the excavation plus 18 inches in the path of the trenchless technology operation during the entire trenchless installation operation.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A person may not use mechanized equipment to excavate within 18 inches of the outermost surface of an exposed underground facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The person performing an excavation or demolition shall promptly report to the owner–member of the facility if the person discovers or causes any damage to or dislocation or disturbance of an underground facility in connection with the excavation or demolition.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the damage, dislocation, or disturbance results in the escape of a flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas or liquid, the person performing the excavation or demolition immediately shall report the damage to the 9–1–1 emergency system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If a person knows or has reason to know that an underground facility in the area of a planned or ongoing excavation or demolition is not marked as required by this subtitle, the person may not begin or continue the excavation or demolition unless the person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has repeated the notification as required under § 12–125 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>receives notification from the underground facilities information exchange system of the one–call system confirming that all applicable owner–members that have underground facilities in the vicinity of the excavation or demolition have marked:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the underground facilities in accordance with § 12–126(c) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the applicable portion of the underground facilities in accordance with § 12–126(d) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the underground facility is not marked as required by this subtitle after the person receives notification from the underground facilities information exchange system under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the person may proceed with the excavation or demolition.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-128" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>A political subdivision, municipal corporation, the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority may charge, assess, or collect from a person a one–time initial marking fee not exceeding $35 for reimbursement of expenses that the political subdivision, municipal corporation, the Department of Transportation, an administration of the Department of Transportation, or the Maryland Transportation Authority incurs to comply with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If re–marking is requested, or is required after renotification under § 12–125 of this subtitle, a political subdivision, municipal corporation, or any of the transportation entities specified in subsection (a) of this section may charge, assess, or collect from a person a re–marking fee not exceeding $15 for reimbursement of expenses that the political subdivision, municipal corporation, or any of the transportation entities specified in subsection (a) of this section incurs to comply with this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-129" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, any new or replacement piping that is buried or installed for the purposes of connecting a building to a water supply system, a sewerage system, an underground storm drain system, or any other applicable device shall be buried or installed with a wire or an equivalent product or technology that makes the piping detectable or locatable.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any wire used to comply with subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be an insulated copper tracer wire that is suitable for direct burial and has an American wire gauge (AWG) of at least 10, or an equivalent product;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be installed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in the same trench as the piping that connects the building to the water supply system or the sewerage system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>within 12 inches of the piping that connects the building to the water supply system or the sewerage system; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>with at least one end of the wire terminating above grade in a location that is accessible and resistant to physical damage, such as in a cleanout or next to an external wall of the building; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>run from within 5 feet of an external wall of the building to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the point where the piping intersects with the water supply system or the sewerage system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the point where the sewerage system disposes of or processes the sewage.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The requirement of subsection (a) of this section with regard to replacement piping connecting a building to a water supply system or a sewerage system:</text> <level label="1"> <text>applies only to a complete replacement of the piping; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>does not apply to a repair or a partial replacement of the piping.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-130" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies to a primary contractor that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>performs the excavation duties for the duration of a ticket;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>initiates the notification to the one–call system to establish a ticket;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is on site to supervise all activities and employees; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>intends to utilize services or equipment of a temporary excavator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this section, a primary contractor does not include a private homeowner that intends to hire a temporary excavator.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A primary contractor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>notify the one–call system when a temporary excavator is to begin work under the ticket;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>inform the temporary excavator of the exact scope of work as detailed on the existing ticket;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>directly supervise the on–site activities of the temporary excavator; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>assume all liability if damage should occur to an underground facility by any person named as a temporary excavator on the existing ticket; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may name only one temporary excavator for the duration of the ticket.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A temporary excavator may be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a piece of rental equipment and its operator;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an excavation contractor that is not an employee of the primary contractor; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an equipment operator that is not a direct employee of the primary contractor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The designated temporary excavator shall notify the one–call system with the associated ticket number to verify that the excavator has been hired to work for the primary contractor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-131" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In connection with a project that may require excavation or demolition, a person may initiate a nonexcavation designer ticket request by notifying the one–call system serving the geographic area covering the planned project in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In connection with a project that may require excavation or demolition, a person initiating a nonexcavation designer ticket request under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may initiate only one ticket request for a single project by notifying the one–call system serving the geographic area covering the planned project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall, in connection with a nonexcavation designer ticket request:</text> <level label="1"> <text>indicate that the request is for design purposes only and may not be used for the purpose of excavation or demolition;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>notify the one–call system of any owner–members from which the person does not require underground facilities information; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>on the request of an owner–member, provide the owner–member with a preliminary drawing that indicates the scope of the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The one–call system shall provide the person requesting a nonexcavation designer ticket an accurate means of contact for each underground facility within 2 business days.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each underground facility owner shall maintain current valid contact information with the one–call system for persons to contact.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 15 business days after receiving notice from a one–call system that a person has made a request under this section, an owner–member of an underground facility in the area of the project shall notify the person of the type and approximate location of the underground facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An owner–member may provide notice of the approximate location of an underground facility through the use of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>field locates;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>maps;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>surveys;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>installation records; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>other similar means.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In the case of an obstruction caused by a suspected cross–bore:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person intending to remove the obstruction shall notify the one–call system and request a nonexcavation ticket for a suspected cross–bore which will be transmitted to all pertinent owner–members in the geographic area indicated for that ticket; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each owner–member shall take whatever action it considers necessary to respond to this notification.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Information provided to a person requesting marking under this section is for informational purposes only.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An owner–member or agent of an owner–member may not be held liable for any inaccurate information provided to a person under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-134" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>To stop or prevent a negligent or unsafe excavation or demolition, an owner or the Attorney General may file an action for a writ of mandamus or injunction in a court of competent jurisdiction in Baltimore City or the county in which the excavation or demolition is being performed or is to be performed or in which the person resides or has its principal place of business, if the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is performing an excavation or demolition in a negligent or unsafe manner that has resulted in or is likely to result in damage to an underground facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is intending to use procedures to carry out the excavation or demolition that are likely to result in damage to an underground facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To make its judgment or processes effective, the court may join as parties any persons necessary or proper.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If appropriate, the court shall issue a final order granting the injunction or writ of mandamus.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-135" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person that performs an excavation or demolition without first providing the notice required under § 12–124(a) of this subtitle is deemed negligent and is subject to a civil penalty assessed by the Authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Authority shall calculate the civil penalty considering:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the severity of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the intent and good faith of the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the past history of violations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The civil penalty may not exceed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2,000 for the first offense; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$4,000 for each subsequent offense.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A person that violates any other provision of Part IV of this subtitle is subject to a civil penalty assessed by the Authority not exceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2,000 for the first offense; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$4,000 for each subsequent offense.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Instead of or in addition to assessing a civil penalty under this subsection, the Authority may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>require that a person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>participate in damage prevention training; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>implement procedures to mitigate the likelihood of damage to underground facilities; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>impose other similar measures.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>For purposes of paragraphs (3)(ii) and (4)(ii) of this subsection, the Authority may not consider an offense to be a subsequent offense if the offense occurred at least 3 years after the earlier offense unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the earlier offense is unresolved, regardless of the age of the earlier offense; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the person has not met the conditions of an assessed penalty within the time period prescribed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the case of an unresolved earlier offense or a failure to meet the conditions under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Authority may assess up to double the maximum civil penalty for each violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A person that fails to appear before the Authority without cause, after proper notification of a scheduled hearing, may be subject to a $200 fine in addition to any civil penalty assessed by the Authority.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>A person that files an emergency ticket that does not meet the definition of emergency under § 12–101 of this subtitle may be subject to the maximum penalties available under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies if a proceeding has not been initiated before the Authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A court of competent jurisdiction may assess a civil penalty of up to 10 times the cost of repairs to the underground facility caused by the damage, dislocation, or disturbance against a person that has committed a subsequent offense under subsection (a)(1) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An action to recover a civil penalty under this subsection shall be brought by an owner of a damaged, dislocated, or disturbed underground facility or the Attorney General in a court of competent jurisdiction in Baltimore City or the county in which the damage, dislocation, or disturbance occurred.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The party bringing an action under this subsection may recover reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Authority may not assess a civil penalty under subsection (a)(3)(ii) of this section if an action to recover a civil penalty has been brought under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>All civil penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-301" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Communication service” means the transmission of intelligence by electrical means.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Communication service” includes the transmission of intelligence by telephone lines, telegraph lines, messenger–call, police, fire alarm, and traffic control circuits and circuits used to transmit standard television or radio signals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Conversion” means to convert an overhead electric or communication facility.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Convert” means to remove all or part of an existing overhead electric or communication facility and to replace it at the same or another location with an underground electric or communication facility.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Electric or communication facility” means a works or improvement used or useful in providing electric service or communication service.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Electric or communication facility” includes poles, supports, tunnels, manholes, vaults, conduits, ducts, pipes, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, capacitors, meters, communication circuits, appliances, attachments, and appurtenances.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Electric or communication facility” does not include a facility that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>uses or is intended to be used to transmit electricity at nominal voltages in excess of 35,000 volts; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is owned, used by, or provided for a railroad or pipeline and located on or above the right–of–way of the railroad or pipeline.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Electric service” means the distribution of electricity for heat, light, or power.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Public agency” means a county, municipal corporation, special district, or public corporation that provides electric service or communication service to the public by means of an electric or communication facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Public agency” does not include a county, municipal corporation, special district, or public corporation that conducts a proceeding for a conversion under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Public utility” means a person that provides electric or communication facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-302" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that, in many areas of the State, landowners, cities, counties, municipal corporations, public agencies, and public utilities desire to convert existing overhead electric or communication facilities to underground locations through proceedings under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The General Assembly declares that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a public purpose will be served by providing a procedure to convert existing overhead electric or communication facilities to underground locations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>it is in the public interest to provide for a conversion through proceedings established under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-303" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <text>This subtitle does not apply in Baltimore County.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-304" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not limit the authority of the Commission under this article, the Maryland Constitution, or any other law whether by statute or court decision.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not limit the authority of the Commission to determine whether, in what manner, and by whom costs are to be assessed, paid, recovered, or absorbed when an underground electric or communication facility is converted, constructed, operated, maintained, repaired, replaced, or enlarged.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-305" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <text>A county or municipal corporation shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-306" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <text>Proceedings under this subtitle may be used to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>convert an existing electric or communication facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>construct, reconstruct, or relocate any other related electric or communication facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-307" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Proceedings for a conversion must be initiated by petition filed under § 12-308 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The petition shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>define generally the proposed conversion;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>request that proceedings for the proposed conversion be initiated under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>describe the proposed conversion district by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>specifying its exterior boundaries;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>providing a description of the proposed conversion district according to an official or recorded map; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>referring to a plat or map filed with the petition that indicates the proposed conversion district by boundary line.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A petition for proceedings for a conversion must be signed by not less than 20 landowners within the proposed conversion district whose property constitutes more than 80% of the assessed value of property within the proposed conversion district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this subsection, the assessed value of the property shall be determined by the last assessment roll used by the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-308" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>The petition shall be filed with the clerk of the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation in which the proposed conversion district is located.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After a petition is filed under subsection (a) of this section, the clerk shall review the petition.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the petition is signed by the number of qualified landowners required under § 12-307 of this subtitle, the clerk shall execute a certificate of sufficiency and present the petition and certificate to the legislative body.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-309" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>On presentation of the petition and the certificate of sufficiency from the clerk under § 12-308 of this subtitle, the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation may adopt a resolution that declares its intent to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>order the conversion described in the petition; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>enter into an agreement with a public agency or public utility that provides for plans and specifications, contributions of labor, materials, or money, and payment for any work, improvement, or service proposed under the petition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to a general description of the proposed conversion and the proposed conversion district, the resolution of intent shall contain a notice that states the date, hour, and place at which a person with an objection to the proposed conversion may appear at a public hearing before the legislative body, or its designated committee, and show cause why the proposed conversion should not be carried out in accordance with the resolution of intent and why a resolution ordering the conversion should not be adopted.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The public hearing required by subsection (b) of this section shall be held not less than 15 days and not more than 60 days after the date the resolution of intent is adopted.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A legislative body, or its designated committee, need not provide notice and a public hearing under this section if, when considering the adoption of a resolution of intent, the legislative body finds and determines by four-fifths vote that, on or before the fifth day before the day that the resolution of intent will be considered for adoption, all of the landowners, or their agents, within the proposed conversion district to be assessed have signed and filed a petition with the clerk of the legislative body waiving their right to a public hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A petition filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a statement that, to the extent of the proposed conversion district to be assessed, the landowners do not object to the proposed conversion, or to an agreement proposed to be made under § 12-311 of this subtitle, and do not have any other objection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a request that the legislative body, or its designated committee, not hold a public hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>During the 15 days after the public hearing, if held, landowners within the proposed conversion district may certify the withdrawal of their names from the petition for conversion.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A petition for conversion shall be considered withdrawn if the number of landowners certifying their withdrawal is such that the remaining signatures of landowners on the petition constitute less than 50% of the total assessed value within the proposed conversion district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-310" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>After receipt of a petition under § 12-308 of this subtitle, the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation shall order an investigation and a report on the petition.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the nature of the conversion;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the estimated cost of the conversion and the proceedings for the conversion;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>funds available from other sources to pay the costs of conversion;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>existing assessments;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the estimated conversion costs on each parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the maturity date and probable interest rate of any bonds to be issued.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Engineering details and cost estimates included in the report may not be in any greater detail than necessary for the formulation of a judgment on the feasibility and expense of the proposed conversion.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The report shall be available to the public:</text> <level label="1"> <text>when the notice required under § 12-309 of this subtitle is published; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>at the public hearing, if held, established in the notice.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-311" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In a proceeding for a conversion, the county or municipal corporation and any public agency or public utility supplying electric service or communication service with the county or municipal corporation shall provide by agreement that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>at the start or on completion of the conversion, the public agency or public utility has legal title to the electric or communication facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the electric or communication facilities are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a part of the system of the public agency or public utility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to be used, operated, maintained, and managed by the public agency or public utility as part of its system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to any rules, regulations, or tariffs applicable to the public agency or public utility, the agreement also shall provide for the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the supplying of or approval by the public agency or public utility of plans and specifications related to the conversion and labor or materials to be used in the conversion; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the performance by the public agency or public utility of all or part of the conversion or improvements and payment to the public agency or public utility for the conversion or improvements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An agreement made under this section must be made before the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation adopts a resolution ordering the conversion.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the proceeding for a conversion is discontinued:</text> <level label="i"> <text>any agreement made under this section is void;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the petitioners shall reimburse the public agency or public utility for engineering and other preliminary expenses incurred that exceed $2,500; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the petitioners or the county or municipal corporation may not reimburse the public agency or public utility for engineering and other preliminary expenses incurred that are $2,500 or less.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the proposed conversion is completed, any engineering and other preliminary expenses incurred by the public agency or public utility shall be included as part of the cost of the conversion.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Before an agreement made under this section takes effect, the Commission may conduct proceedings and shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determine that the agreement is in the public interest; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>issue an order to approve the agreement, disapprove the agreement, or approve the agreement subject to specified conditions.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-312" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>After approval by the Commission of an agreement under § 12-311 of this subtitle and, if required, a public hearing in accordance with § 12-309 of this subtitle, the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation may adopt a resolution ordering the conversion to be completed in accordance with the resolution.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The resolution shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a description of the proposed conversion district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the method of financing the conversion costs, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the issuance of bonds or other evidence of indebtedness;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an advance from the general fund of the county or municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>direct payment by the landowners in the conversion district of their respective shares of the conversion costs; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the amount and duration of property taxes to be levied in the conversion district each year for repayment of any bonds, evidence of indebtedness, or any advances from the general fund of the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-313" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to applicable rules, regulations, tariffs, or ordinances, the landowner is responsible for the costs of construction, reconstruction, relocation, or conversion of all electric or communication facilities of a public agency or public utility from the point of attachment of the electric or communication facility to any improvements located on the landowner’s property within a conversion district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The contractor, public agency, public utility, county, or municipal corporation performing the conversion is responsible for the conversion of all electric or communication facilities to the point of attachment to any improvements located on property within the conversion district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The conversion costs incurred under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be included in the total conversion costs that are to be assessed against the property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-314" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>At least 15 days before the date of commencement of construction, the clerk of the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation shall mail a notice to each landowner within the conversion district that informs the landowner of the provisions of § 12-313 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The clerk shall use the names and addresses from the most recent property assessment roll of the county or municipal corporation, or as otherwise known by the clerk.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The notice mailed under subsection (a) of this section shall include a statement that, unless the landowner complies with the requirements of § 12-313 of this subtitle, all buildings, structures, and other improvements located on the property may be disconnected from the overhead electric or communication facilities that provide electric service or communication service to the buildings, structures, or other improvements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-315" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>If a landowner fails to comply with § 12-313 of this subtitle, all overhead electric or communication facilities providing electric service or communication service to any building, structure, or other improvement on the property shall be disconnected and removed.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least 5 days before the disconnection, the landowner shall be provided written notice of the disconnection by leaving a copy of the notice at the principal building, structure, or other improvement located on the property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-316" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not authorize a county or municipal corporation to avoid compliance with any competitive bidding requirements for a conversion or improvement to be performed by a private contractor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Provisions in State, county, or municipal law that require competitive bidding do not apply to a conversion or improvement performed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a county, municipal corporation, public agency, or public utility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a department, agency, commission, or office of a county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="12-317" title_number="12" title_name="Underground Facilities" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Conversion of Overhead Facilities"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with its charter or a public general law or public local law, a county or municipal corporation may issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To pay the principal and interest on bonds or other evidence of indebtedness or an advance from its general fund, a county or municipal corporation may levy property taxes on the assessed value of all real property and classes of assessable personal property within the conversion district.</text> </level> </section>