Delaware law requires utility responses before excavation begins

Excavators must receive a response from each contacted facility owner or operator before ordinary digging begins. This applies to excavators doing excavation or demolition work covered by the chapter. The response must report that the area is clear, has no conflict, or is marked. Emergency work is exempt from several listed duties, but the excavator must notify the approved notification center as soon as practicable. The required responses must arrive before excavation begins.

Facility owners and operators must respond to certain requests and report the status of excavation notices through the information exchange system. These duties cover owners and operators of underground facilities under the chapter. For an excavation notice, owners and operators must respond through the information exchange system even if they have no affected facilities at the site. A request for design information does not authorize excavation. The text gives a three-business-day deadline for certain requests and allows up to 15 business days for design information.

Excavators must report dangerous damage, take reasonable safety steps, and remain at the site until responders direct them to leave. These duties apply when excavation or demolition damage creates a danger. If damage releases flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas or liquid, or otherwise endangers life, health, or property, the excavator must immediately notify 911 and the facility owner or operator. The excavator must take reasonable steps to protect people and the environment until the facility owner or operator or emergency responders arrive. The calls and protective steps are required immediately; the excavator must stay until directed to leave.