Board launches No‑811 pilot and EPR audits; investigations find violations in multiple no‑ticket strikes

The California Underground Safety Board on Sept. 9 outlined a pilot program to collect and investigate damages caused by excavations performed without an 811 ticket and previewed a planned audit program for electronic positive responses (EPRs) from operators. Jeff McClenahan, the board’s senior policy investigator and lead on the pilot, said the “no‑811” reporting channel gives operators a voluntary way to notify the board about proven damages where no ticket existed, enabling prompt investigation. “The goal of the no 811 pilot program is to provide utility operators a voluntary channel to report no‑ticket underground facility damages to the board for investigation,” McClenahan said. Pilot data and early results: Phase 1 (with Southern California Gas Company) produced 76 notifications. Phase 2 expanded participation and had 285 notifications to date, producing 161 open investigations…