revise provisions regarding notices to the one-call notification center.

Digging requires notice and safety steps

South Dakota excavators must notify the one-call center at least 48 hours before digging, by telephone or another board-approved method. The clock starts at 12:01 a.m. the day after notice is submitted, skipping Saturdays, Sundays, and state legal holidays. The board can shorten waits for emergencies or follow-up inquiries tied to the original request, and lengthen them for nonexcavation requests. Underground facility operators must mark lines using stakes, flags, paint, or other clear markings within 18 inches horizontally of their exterior sides. The board must set marking deadlines within the later of two periods: the 48-hour window or the excavator's stated start time. For operators, the 48-hour clock starts at 12:01 a.m. the day after notice is received and skips the same days. Operator deadlines may also be shorter for emergencies or follow-up inquiries, and longer for nonexcavation requests. Excavators must keep mechanical cutting edges at least 18 inches horizontally from marked facilities. To dig closer, they must first expose facilities using hand tools or approved noninvasive methods, then protect and support them.