2025 GSOC Holiday Schedule

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Created: Monday, 30 December 2024 14:00

Written by Courtney Ommen

When submitting a locate request with Gopher State One Call, those digging need to consider the 48-hour waiting period that excludes the day of submission, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in their planning. Whether you submit a ticket online or by calling the GSOC center, the 48-hour period will begin at 12:01 a.m. the business day after the request is made. Being aware of GSOC’s hours of operation – which shift seasonally – and the center’s observed holidays can help ensure your project starts on time. You can see a list of both the hours of operation and observed holidays below.

Emergency calls are exempt from business hours and are always accepted.

While the 48-hour waiting period for a routine locate request begins at 12:01 a.m. the business day after the request is made, you can submit a ticket online at any time. If you prefer to plan ahead, you can submit your locate request up to 14 calendar days before the start date and time of the excavation. 

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Minnesota Sets New Safety Certification Requirements for Telecommunications Installers

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Created: Wednesday, 11 December 2024 16:45

Written by Courtney Ommen

Completion of Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program will be required starting July 2025 for the seven-county metro area and January 2026 throughout the state.

We here at Gopher State One Call are here to keep you informed on all fronts damage prevention, education, and law. Safety is always our number one concern. We have a new and important update to share for those who work in underground telecommunications infrastructure.

Starting in July 2025, underground telecommunications installers will be required to complete 40 hours of training and pass an exam, which requires both classroom and hands-on instruction.

Enacted in 2024, Minnesota Statute 326B.198 requires the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), in consultation with the Office of Broadband Development, approve standards for the Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program. The legislation also requires that certified installers obtain four hours of refresher training to be completed within three years of completing the initial 40-hour course, and every three years thereafter, to maintain certification.

This requirement applies to the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure that is located within 10 feet of existing underground utilities or that crosses the existing underground utilities. The requirements apply to underground telecommunications projects in the seven-county metro area in July 2025 and throughout the state in January 2026.

For more information, you can visit https://www.dli.mn.gov/broadband.

Mark Your Calendar: Broadband Development & Workforce Forum on January 9
The Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) is sponsoring a forum on Thursday, January 9, 2025, entitled Broadband Development & Workforce. Visit https://liunaminnesota.org/orangecard for more information.

I'm Digging Soon – When Should I Submit a Locate Request?

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Created: Tuesday, 03 December 2024 11:02

Written by Taylor Jones

Prior to digging in Minnesota, it’s required for the excavator – including professional contractors and homeowners or other non-professionals – to submit a locate request with Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to have underground facilities marked before breaking ground. But exactly how far in advance do you need to submit your ticket? Great question!

Locate requests have a 48-hour waiting period after submission, excluding the day of submission, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The 48-hour period will begin at 12:01 a.m. the business day after the request is made. This means that if you submit a ticket on Tuesday, you can start digging on Friday. If you submit on a Friday, you can start digging on the following Wednesday.

Prior to August 1, 2024, the date the locate request was submitted did count in the 48-hour waiting period. Changes made to Minnesota State Statute 216D – also known as the “One Call Law” – changed this requirement to exclude the day of submission on that date. See the graphic below for a visual reference of the call timeline.

If you’d like to save or print the call timeline graphic for visual reference, you can download the PDF.

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Learn From the Unexpected with Elena Rutkowski of Xcel Energy

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Created: Wednesday, 27 November 2024 16:35

Written by Courtney Ommen

Elena Rutkowski, operations supervisor of damage prevention at Xcel Energy Minnesota, is featured in our latest Learn From the Unexpected video. Elena covers changes to Minnesota State Statute 216D – also known as the “One Call Law” – that went into effect on August 1, 2024. Check out LearnFromTheUnexpected.com/GSOC to watch the video.

For additional information on the changes to MN State Statute 216D, click here.

About Learn from the Unexpected
The damage prevention industry isn’t always predictable. Gopher State One Call believes in learning from the unexpected moments that do happen and proactively working to avoid damages. Through these efforts, we can all work towards a safer future.

That’s why we’ve introduced our Learn From the Unexpected video series. These videos feature Minnesota-based damage prevention professionals like you and allow community members to share their stories so that we can all work smarter and safer as our industry continues to grow. Visit LearnFromTheUnexpected.com/GSOC to learn more and watch the videos.

Submit Your Story
Have you faced the unexpected at a jobsite or found something especially useful in avoiding unexpected damages or delays? We want to hear about it! Submit yourself or a colleague to be entered for the chance to be featured in an official Learn From the Unexpected video. Those selected will also earn the honorary title of Damage Prevention Influencer and receive a $200 Visa gift card that you can use for anything from a new pair of work boots to a much-deserved dinner out. To submit, scroll to the bottom of LearnFromTheUnexpected.com/GSOC and click “Submit Your Story.”

White Lining Your Excavation Site: Q&A with Jason Ponciano

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Created: Tuesday, 05 November 2024 07:43

Written by Courtney Ommen

In Minnesota, it’s a requirement for anyone looking to excavate – whether a professional landscaper or other contractor, homeowner, or anyone else – to “white line” or “white mark” their excavation site with paint or flags as part of the locate request submission process. By clearly identifying the dig site, white lining reduces potential confusion and helps locators do their jobs as efficiently as possible, ensuring you’re set up for a safe and smooth project.

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