Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board finds violations in two excavation cases; orders training and fines
Summary
The California Underground Safety Board found violations in separate cases involving San Diego County special districts and Victor’s Rooter & Plumbing, ordering mandatory education for the county and a $1,500 penalty plus training for the plumbing contractor.
The California Underground Safety Board on Feb. 29 found multiple violations in two enforcement cases, ordering education for a San Diego County special district and financial penalties plus training for a plumbing contractor.
In the first case, staff reported that the San Diego County Department of Public Works Special District failed to provide an electronic positive response (EPR) before the legal start date and time for ticket B223320148008, citing Government Code section 4216.3(b)(1)(A). Mike Kenny, county traffic engineer, told the board the county had been emailing responses instead of using the correct electronic system after a personnel change and that staff have since completed Dig Alert training. After deliberation the board found a violation and voted to recommend the county complete the board’s education course in lieu of monetary fines.
In a second enforcement matter, staff presented findings that Victor’s Rooter & Plumbing did not submit an 811 notification prior to excavation on Aug. 21, 2024; did not call 911 after damaging a plastic gas service line; and did not report the damage to the regional notification center within 48 hours, violations cited under Government Code 4216.2(b), 4216.4(c)(1) and 4216.4(c)(3). The respondent admitted not placing a ticket, according to the staff report. Board members discussed hazards posed by escaped gas, the respondent’s cooperation, and corrective steps taken.
Member Munoz moved to find the respondent in violation on all counts; the motion was seconded and adopted by roll call. The board ordered mandatory completion of the board’s education course and imposed a total financial penalty of $1,500 (assessed as $500 per violation), noting the sanction’s educational purpose and the potential public-safety risk had conditions been different.
The board read the statutory and regulatory bases for sanctions and directed staff to document the sanctions and required corrective actions in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations.
The board’s decisions followed staff presentations, public comment, and deliberations recorded in the meeting materials. The board’s enforcement notices list the specific ticket numbers, dates, and statutory citations used for the findings.
