SECTION 18.11. Reporting Requirements

(a) Each operator of an underground pipeline shall report to the Commission all damage to its pipelines caused by an excavator. Within 30 days of the damage incident or of the operator's actual knowledge of the damage incident, an operator shall submit the information to the Commission through TDRF, which may be accessed through the Commission's online reporting system using its assigned operator identification code.

(b) Each excavator that damages an underground pipeline shall notify the operator of the damage through the notification center at the earliest practical moment but not later than one hour following the damage incident. The excavator shall also submit report of the damage incident to the Commission using TDRF, which may be accessed through the Commission's online reporting system and the excavator sign-in, within 30 days of the incident.

(c) If damage to a pipeline from excavation activity causes the release of any flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas, hazardous liquid, or carbon dioxide from the pipeline, the excavator shall promptly report the release to appropriate emergency response authorities by calling 911.

(d) Each excavator that makes an additional call to the notification center pursuant to §18.4(e) of this title, relating to Excavator Obligation to Avoid Damage to Underground Pipelines, because the excavator did not receive a positive response, shall report that fact to the Commission through TDRF. An excavator shall also report an operator's failure to provide a positive response to a second call to the Commission through TDRF.

(e) An emergency response official, a member of the general public, or another person aware of damage to an underground pipeline is encouraged to submit an incident form using TDRF, which can be accessed through the Commission's online reporting system. Entries can be made through the general public or emergency response official sign-in.

Source Note: The provisions of this §18.11 adopted to be effective September 1, 2007, 32 TexReg 3545; amended to be effective April 25, 2017, 42 TexReg 2168; amended to be effective February 12, 2018, 43 TexReg 756