Staking University at GSOC - Recap and upcoming events
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- Created: Monday, 11 September 2017 08:50
- Written by Lareina Taing
On May 22-23, 2017, Gopher State One Call (GSOC) hosted a two-day Locator Certification Seminar (LCS) taught by Staking University (Staking U) instructor John Foster. John estimated that the LCS included 75% of hands-on training, with 25% of classroom education. Students went outside to locate a variety of different underground electric, telecommunications, water, and gas lines around the office building.
On September 21-22, 2017, GSOC will host another LCS at its office in Mendota Heights. The LCS will include classroom and outdoor presentations intended to teach Minnesota locators:
- Superior troubleshooting techniques;
- Skills to help them consistently provide accurate and complete utility locations;
- A mastery of locating equipment; and,
- The competencies required to pass Staking U’s locator certification test.
Why Are There Flags And Paint In My Yard?
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- Created: Monday, 11 September 2017 08:28
- Written by Courtney Ommen
Updated: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
At some point in time, either in your yard or around town, you’ve probably noticed small colored flags and spray paint marking the ground. The flags and paint mark are used to mark where underground utilities are located and are most often used when someone is planning to dig. Getting a proposed dig site marked like this is a simple, free process through Gopher State One Call (GSOC).
Gopher State One Call, which is often referred to as “GSOC,” is Minnesota’s official one call notification system. The non-profit organization acts as a vital communication link between underground facility operators, homeowners, and excavators within the state, as well as an educational resource for promoting safe digging to protect our communities, infrastructure, and environment.
In Minnesota, it’s required for anyone planning to dig to contact GSOC and submit a ticket – also known as a “locate request” – prior to digging. Tickets have a 48-hour waiting period after submission, excluding the day of submission, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This means that if you submit a ticket on Monday, you can start digging on Thursday. If you submit on a Thursday, you can start digging on the following Tuesday. Tickets can be submitted online at gopherstateonecall.org, using the GSOC app, or by calling 8-1-1.
Radon - An Underground Danger
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- Created: Monday, 11 September 2017 07:48
- Written by Lareina Taing
Striking an underground pipeline or cable can result in an array of consequences, but did you know that there are non-excavation related underground dangers? One prime example is an odorless, colorless gas named “radon”. “Radon...forms naturally from the decay (breaking down) of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air, underground water, and surface water. Radon is present outdoors and indoors. It is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in drinking water from rivers and lakes. It can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as well water.” 1
Spring and Summer Safety Tips
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- Created: Friday, 08 September 2017 09:18
- Written by Lareina Taing
Gopher State One Call (GSOC) consistently strives to promote the message of safety to all Minnesotans. Now that the temperatures are rising, it is important to be aware of spring and summer safety concerns. This time of the year often brings warmth and sunshine, but can also bring sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other safety hazards. Learn how to protect yourself with these safety tips:
April Safe Digging Month - National Recap
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- Created: Wednesday, 06 September 2017 10:40
- Written by Lareina Taing
Minnesota
On April 7th, 2017, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a safe digging proclamation to help focus public attention on this issue. Mike Mendiola with the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS), a professional in the underground damage prevention industry, arranged the signing. The proclamation encourages everyone to contact Gopher State One Call (GSOC) at least 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, before any excavation project to prevent damage to underground utilities, injuries, and the disruption of essential services.
In recognition of NSDM, GSOC partnered with the Minnesota Regional Common Ground Alliance (MNCGA) and the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS) to host 32 damage prevention meetings around the state that emphasized the need to practice safe digging, which starts with a “call or click” to GSOC. In addition, GSOC offered ITIC training webinars every Wednesday in April to help train excavators on the online ticketing tool that is available to them.