Page 11 - West Virgina 811 Magazine 2020 Issue 3

the enforcement of the One-Call Law. The creation of a
new government entity rather than granting enforcement authority to an existing West Virginia administrative board
or agency required significant time for implementation of
civil enforcement. This was due to several reasons. First
and foremost, there were no existing administrative and financial structures in place. As a majority of the states
granted enforcement authority to public utilities commissions or administrative bodies which already had these basic functions in place when authority was granted, their period
of implementation was often far shorter. Because there are
a handful of states situated statutorily like West Virginia,
the WVDPB was able to use their efforts as guidance. Since Governor Justice appointed members to the WVDPB, the Board has worked tirelessly to become operational. As a result of
these efforts, the WVDPB has filed Administrative Procedures rules with the Secretary of State http:// apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/ csr/readfile.aspx?DocId=53400&Format=PDF), established the
Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Fund within the State Budget, and created a mechanism to provide training and confirmation for first time violators.
The civil enforcement process in West Virginia is complaint driven. The Board must receive an Alleged Violation Report before it can take civil enforcement action on a matter. This report can be submitted online or mailed. Please visit www. wvdpb.com/report-violation to access the form.
Now that the Board has been organized and administrative functions setup, the WVDPB plans to start focusing its efforts on public awareness, education and training. The WVDPB has implemented a Youth Safety Community Awards program in partnership with the Common Ground Alliance. For National 811 Day, August 11th, we have partnered with Lowe’s and local media stations to create a public awareness event. Also, we have already started building relationships with local government entities so we can spread public awareness through their building permit departments. Kanawha County Commission has adopted a Resolution designating August 11, 2020 as West Virginia 811 Day.
West Virginia is in a great and envious position to succeed
with increasing damage prevention and public safety through the establishment of the WVDPB and I am excited for it to
start fulfilling its mission. While the Board’s sole function is to enforce the One-Call Law, this will allow WV811 more time and effort to be spent on public awareness and training. As it is able to do so and show success, it will earn its support of PHSMA which will allow to access increased Federal grant funding. The future is bright for the organization and for the continued safety of all who engage in underground construction in the State of West Virginia.
TRUST
YOUR SENSES.
Suspect a natural gas leak?
First move your feet! Then call when you are down the street.
Outside or in, detecting a natural gas leak is easy. To help you SMELL a leak from a gas line or appliance, a familiar odor like rotten eggs is often added to natural gas.
Or you might SEE blowing dirt, bubbling water or an unusual area of dead vegetation.
A leaking pipeline might also make a hissing sound you can HEAR.
Also remember to call WV811 by dialing 811 at least 48 hours before digging on your property. And if you suspect a gas leak – walk away, right away. Once clear of the area, call Dominion Energy West Virgina at 1.800.688.4673.
Learn more at dominionenergy.com, keywords Natural Gas Safety.
2020, Issue 3
West Virginia 811 • 9