Excavator Information

The purpose of this page is to inform you of the existence of Arizona's one-call notification system (Arizona Blue Stake), Arizona's Underground Facilities Law, and City of Mesa requirements.

Arizona Blue Stake:

Arizona Blue Stake was established by utility owners as a one-call notification system to assist homeowners and excavators in identifying the location of underground utilities.

By participating in the program and getting underground facilities located, you will: comply with state law, avoid injuries, prevent costly damages and interruptions of facility services, save time and money, avoid hazards, and eliminate construction delays.

Statewide:  811 or 1-800-STAKE-IT                     In Maricopa County: 811 or (602) 263-1100

For more information on Arizona Blue Stake visit www.azbluestake.com. 

Arizona State Law:

State law requires all excavators to first determine whether underground facilities will be encountered and take measures to protect these facilities. A person who violates any provision of this law could be subject to civil penalties in an amount up to $5,000.00 (A.R.S. 40-360.28).

For more information on Arizona's Underground Facilities Law visit the Arizona Corporation Web site at: www.cc.state.az.us./safety/undgrdfa.pdf

City of Mesa Requirements:

Right-of-Way Permits

The City of Mesa requires that all excavators obtain a Right-of-way (ROW) Permit prior to any excavation in the ROW. Excavators failing to comply with the conditions noted on the permit can, and will be issued a "stop work" order and will not be permitted to proceed until corrective action is taken.

Excess Flow Valves

Check-n-Wrap Program

When a gas line is exposed during excavation, you are required to notify the City of Mesa at (480) 644-4500.

An inspector will come out and visit your worksite to check for any damages to the pipe and will ensure that the exposed pipe is properly protected with backfill material.  This is a free inspection.

Blasting Permits

Any excavator that will be doing blasting needs to obtain a permit.  To obtain a blasting permit within the City of Mesa, contact Mesa Fire Department at (480) 644-2622.

To obtain a blasting permit in the City of Mesa's natural gas territory in Pinal County, contact Pinal County Building Safety at (520) 866-6455.

When notification of blasting is received, the City of Mesa Utilities department will determine if there are natural gas pipelines in the area of the proposed blasting.  The individual responsible for the blasting will be notified of any special requirements that may be required.

Before you begin your excavation, ensure the safety of your
personnel and the public by following the checklist below:

	Show gas and other utility lines on construction plans.
	Use white paint to identify the proposed excavation site or running line.
	Call at least two (2) working days before excavation, (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) to have all underground pipelines and facilities located.
	Observe where utilities are located and marked on the ground, and preserve the marks whenever possible.
	Have utility lines re-marked if initial markings are more than fifteen (15) days old.
	Train employees on proper excavation of natural gas lines and all underground facilities. When excavation approaches gas lines, employees must expose lines by careful probing and hand digging.  Free training for your organization.

Call (480) 644-4277 (GASS) to report hits and damages to City of Mesa facilities.  For damages resulting in the escape of gas call  911.