California Board Sanctions Phase 3 Communications for Violating Excavation Regulations

A significant discussion unfolded during the Underground Safety Board Meeting on July 14, 2025, as members addressed serious violations related to excavation practices and communication failures. The board focused on two main violations involving Phase 3 Communications, which were found to have excavated near a natural gas pipeline without proper notification and failed to cooperate with an investigation.

The first violation, under government code 42 16.2 B, highlighted that Phase 3 Communications did not notify the regional notification center before excavating, which is a critical safety protocol. The board noted that the company had allowed their notification ticket to expire, leading to a potentially dangerous situation. "There was no active ticket," one member stated, emphasizing the gravity of the oversight.

The second violation involved a lack of cooperation during the investigation. Board members expressed frustration over the company's delayed responses, with one member noting, "There were numerous attempts to get in contact with them... and it didn't go anywhere until over a year later." This lack of timely communication raised concerns about the company's commitment to safety and compliance.

In light of these findings, the board unanimously voted to impose sanctions on Phase 3 Communications. The proposed penalties include mandatory completion of an educational course on safety protocols and a financial penalty of $1,000. Members acknowledged the company's subsequent internal investigation and efforts to improve, but stressed the importance of timely communication and adherence to safety regulations.

The board's decision underscores a commitment to ensuring safety in underground excavation practices, with members emphasizing that such violations cannot be taken lightly. As the meeting concluded, the board reinforced the need for all companies to prioritize safety and compliance to prevent future incidents.