DISCLAIMER
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were discussed and agreed upon by Kansas 811 and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) on 2/12/2025. This FAQs section is designed to assist excavators with the process of placing an excavation notice and safe excavation practices. It does not, in any way, take the place of the Kansas Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (KUUDPA), the state statute, or any regulations developed by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Kansas One Call System / Kansas 811 has made every attempt to ensure that all information in this FAQs section is both accurate and true. However, none of the information contained in this FAQs section should be used for litigation purposes whatsoever.
All information in this FAQs section is subject to change without notice.
What is the legal start date when an excavator selects a later date than the standard/minimum two full working day notice?
The date selected by the excavator as their start date/time.
*However, excavators and facility operators are encouraged to communicate with one another to ensure that the locate markings are still visible at the time excavation begins.
When does the 20-calendar day clock start on tickets when an excavator selects a later date than the standard/minimum two full working day notice?
The 20-calendar day clock begins at the selected start date/time.
What is the legal start date on meet tickets?
The legal start date on meet tickets begins after all facilities have been located and/or two full working days after the date agreed to for the meet on site.
When an excavator selects a later date than the standard/minimum two full working days, when do facility operators legally need to respond (prior to the minimum two full working day notice or by the later date selected by the excavator)?
While facility operators may mark their facilities immediately, it is highly encouraged to wait within 5 days of the proposed start date to avoid relocates. Facility operators marking within 2 full working days of receiving the ticket should continue to monitor the marks until the work is scheduled to begin. Excavators should be mindful that requesting a ticket with too far advanced notice does not benefit the operators or the excavators as the markings may deteriorate and may require remarking.
What is the expiration date of a ticket?
Twenty calendar days from the start date/time.
What is digital/virtual whitelining exactly? What methods can an excavator use to digitally/virtually whiteline?
Digital/virtual whitelining must be completed according to the instructions and methodology approved by the Notification Center. Digital/virtual whitelining can be done by using the tools available in ITICnxt®, except for the use of the “Other” tool in ITICnxt.
Which takes precedent, the map or the marking instructions on a ticket?
Historically, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has defaulted to the marking instructions, however, if there is a discrepancy the facility operator should seek clarification from the excavator or locate the full extent of the map and marking instructions. Compliance is addressed on a case-by-case basis by the KCC.
How long do locate flags need to remain on a worksite? Who is responsible for removing the locate flags?
This is not addressed by state statute or regulation. However, part of maintenance includes removal of the flags by the excavator at completion of their work or expiration of their ticket.
Whose responsibility is it to ensure property access for locating a work site, the excavator or the facility operator?
The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has stated that it is the facility operator’s responsibility as they should have access to their own facilities. However, if it is impossible to access the site, the facility operator should notify the excavator that they are unable to access their utilities for marking and the facility operator should document this communication.
If an area is physically AND virtually whitelined, which takes precedence?
The physical area that is whitelined. However, the facility operator should notify the excavator of the discrepancy for clarification.
If an excavator or a facility owner discovers a damage that occurred previously (they were not the damaging party), do they have a responsibility to report it to the utility and Kansas 811?
The discovering party should contact the utility. Contacting Kansas 811 is not required.
How long does an excavator need to stay on-site after reporting a damage to Kansas 811 and notifying the utility?
The facility operator has a responsibility to respond to the excavator within 2 hours.
I am a water or wastewater facility operator and unable to provide the location of the facilities within a 60-inch tolerance zone. Am I required to assist the excavator in locating our facilities?
Yes. The water or wastewater facility operator shall mark the approximate location of its facilities to the best of its ability, notify the excavator that the markings could be inaccurate, and provide additional guidance to the excavator in locating the facilities as needed during the excavation.