Canadian Water and Wastewater Association eBulletin
 

Bill S-229: Underground Infrastructure

Print Print this Article | Send to Colleague

The senate is currently reviewing a private members bill S-229 "An Act respecting underground infrastructure safety" that would: 
  • require operators of underground infrastructure that is federally regulated or on federal land to register that infrastructure with a notification centre;
  • require people who are planning to dig to first make a "locate request" with the relevant notification centre; and
  • require operators of underground infrastructure to provide a clear description of the location of the underground infrastructure and to provide an all-clear prior to proceeding with any excavation.

This Act if passed would apply to member infrastructure only on federal lands. It’s also important to note that it doesn’t suggest forming a new notification centre, rather it would just use existing centres in each province – the challenge will be in provinces where a "one-call" centre doesn’t exist. Where a centre isn’t already established it could create costs both for the utility to register infrastructure with it and for the jurisdiction to establish.

A  concern with the proposed Act is around fees for locates – the Act would not allow utilities to charge a fee unless after hours, which may not be the current practice for some.

The proposed Act 

 

Back to Canadian Water and Wastewater Association eBulletin

Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn