Every year, the Minnesota Common Ground Alliance (MNCGA), the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS), and Gopher State One Call (GSOC) work with local utility coordinating committees to host free damage prevention meetings throughout March and April. These educational meetings review safe digging practices designed to protect our state’s underground infrastructure. They provide important reminders for the excavating public before the spring excavating season begins.

During the meetings, each of the three sponsors focus on different areas. The MNCGA encourages industry stakeholders to join their organization to help raise damage prevention awareness, while GSOC covers any processing changes, updates, and common mistakes or errors made on locate tickets. MNOPS elaborates on case studies, frequent issues found in the field, and excavation rules and regulations in Minnesota.

So far in 2018, there are 25 meetings scheduled across the state, with more to be scheduled in April. Read more to see the dates and locations.

1. Andover Area
   3/1/18
   7:30am
2. Shakopee
   3/1/18
   7:30am
3. Hutchinson
   3/1/18
   8:00am
4. New Ulm
   3/2/18
   8:30am
5. Winona
   3/5/18
   7:00am
6. Mankato
   3/8/18
   8:30am
7. Rochester
   3/13/18
   9:30am
8. Hinckley Area
   3/14/18
   7:30am
9. Austin Area
   3/14/18
   7:30am
10. Marshall Area
    3/15/18
    7:00am
11. Lakeville
    3/15/18
    7:30am
12. Owatonna
    3/16/18
    9:30am
13. Willmar/Spicer Area
    3/20/18
    7:00am
14. Brainerd Area
    3/21/18
    7:00am
15. Worthington Area
    3/21/18
    10:30am
16. Brooklyn Park
    3/22/18
    7:30am
17. Alexandria
    3/23/18
    7:00am
18. Two Harbors
    3/27/18
    7:00am
19. Pipestone Area
    3/28/18
    7:00 am
20. St. Cloud/Foley Area
    3/29/18
    7:00am
21. Oakdale
    3/29/18
    7:30am
22. New York Mills
    3/29/18
    5:30pm
23. Park Rapids
    4/5/18
    10:00am
24. 24. Bemidji
    4/12/18
    5:00pm
25. Grand Rapids Area
    4/17/18
    8:00am

*Some meeting locations may be added periodically. Dates and times are TBD. Stay tuned on the MNCGA website for additional details when they become available.

Click HERE to register for a damage prevention meeting!

With more people entering the industry and the related increase in digging activity, consistently exercising safe excavating practices is more important than ever. Every excavation project, large or small, requires a “click or call” to GSOC. Stay safe by contacting GSOC at least 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, before breaking ground. Save time by filing your locate request online with GSOC’s online ticket submission software, ITIC. If you would like to learn more about ITIC, register for an educational webinar today! Click HERE for registration times and dates. Get ready for the spring excavation season by registering for a damage prevention meeting or an ITIC webinar today!