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Excavator Reporting Procedures

The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) has adopted the new Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention Rules under Title 16 of The Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 18.  The rule, which became effective September 1, 2007, applies to pipeline operators and persons engaged in or preparing to engage in excavation activities in the vicinity of a pipeline.

Rule Information

Title 16. Texas Administrative Code Part 1

Chapter 18: Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention 

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Reporting Requirements

Rule 18.11 (damages to or excavating in the vicinity of underground gas or liquid pipelines)

The Texas Damage Report filing with the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) only applies to damages caused to gas or hazardous liquid pipelines.  The Railroad Commission of Texas does not have authority to regulate damages caused to other utilities such as telephone, cable TV, water, sewer, etc.  Listed below are the regulatory agencies having direct authority over other utilities:

All damages to underground pipeline facilities are required by law to be reported electronically by filing a Texas Damage Reporting Form (TDRF) through the RRC webpage and comply with the following:

  1. Notify the Operator (Company) of the damage through the Call Before You Dig Notification Center immediately but not later than two hours following the damage incident.  If applicable when reporting damages to one of the notification centers refer to the original locate ticket number.  You may contact the original notification center directly or by calling 811 or 800-545-6005.
  2. Within 10 working days of the incident occurrence an excavator report must be filed electronically with the RRC using the online Texas Damage Reporting Form (TDRF)
    Working Day:  Everyday that is not Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.
    Legal Holiday: A holiday specified as a legal holiday by Subchapter B, Chapter 662, Texas Government Code.

Texas Damage Reporting Form Filing Instructions:

  1. Must file electronically
  2. The TDRF can be accessed through RRC Online at the following URL: http://webapps.rrc.state.tx.us/TPD/publicHomeAction.do
  3. In the TDRF Reports Menu:
    Select "Enter a New Excavator Report"
    For reporting questions call 512-475-0512 or email us at TDRFinfo@rrc.state.tx.us and a RRC representative will assist you.

Reporting No Damage Non-Compliance Activities

The following forms can be typed and then printed or the forms can be printed blank and hand-written.  These forms cannot be submitted electronically at the present time.  You must mail or fax the report as indicated on each form.

  1. No Damage Non-Compliance Reporting Form:(PDF) This form is to be completed by an Excavator or anOperator to report Non-Compliance of Chapter 18 where no damage has occurred.
  2. Excavator Second Notice Reporting Form:  (PDF) This form is to be completed by an Excavator for any of the following:
    • No response by pipeline operator to excavator's locate request.
    • If an excavator makes an additional call to the notification center, because the excavator did not receive a positive response from the pipeline operator.
    • If the operator does not respond to the second notice.

    NOTE:  If a damage occurred, in addition to the second notice reporting form, the excavator must also file a TDFR for the damage.

  3. False Emergency Reporting Form: (PDF)  This form is to be completed by an Operator that wishes to report an Excavator that has called for emergency locates where no emergency criteria has been met.

Reports filed on damages caused to non-jurisdictional pipelines or damages that fall under one of the exemption categories will only be used for statistical purposes.

Questions regarding applicability

If you are digging sixteen inches or more this rule applies to you.

Chapter 18-Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention

Rule 18.1 (d)

Texas Utilities Code, Chapter 251  

Under Title 5. Provision Affecting the Operation of Utility Facilities

CHAPTER 251. UNDERGROUND FACILITY DAMAGE PREVENTION AND SAFETY

Section 251.003. EXEMPTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Informative Links