The bill amends subsection 7 of section 49-23-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which defines "excavation" in relation to the one-call excavation notice system. The definition encompasses various operations that involve moving or displacing earth, rock, or other materials, while explicitly excluding certain activities. Notably, the bill introduces new language to clarify that normal maintenance of paved roads and streets is exempt from the definition of excavation as long as it does not extend deeper than the existing pavement and does not involve the road ditch. Additionally, it adds a new exemption for normal surface maintenance of gravel roads and streets, provided it also does not involve the road ditch.

Furthermore, the bill removes the phrase "change the original" from the previous definition regarding road maintenance, streamlining the language to focus on the depth of maintenance activities. The overall intent of the bill is to refine the definition of excavation to better delineate between activities that require notice and those that do not, thereby enhancing clarity for both the public and contractors involved in excavation work.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 49-23-01