TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: August 10, 2000

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commission Issues Notice in Pipeline Accident
Rockland Materials Failed to Call for Blue Staking

The Arizona Corporation Commission's Office of Pipeline Safety has sent a Notice of Violation to GTI Capital Holdings, dba Rockland Concrete. The Notice of Violation states that the company acted in violation of Arizona Revised Statute 40-360.22 by "excavating prior to determining whether underground facilities would be encountered." A Rockland employee sustained severe burns when the heavy equipment he was operating struck and damaged a 16-inch natural gas pipeline. The pipeline is owned and operated by El Paso Natural Gas.

The company failed to go through the process of identifying the gas pipeline, commonly known as "calling for a blue stake." If the company had called the Arizona Blue Stake Center, a representative of El Paso Natural Gas would have marked the precise location of the gas line.

Notices of Violation are the first step in a process that may result in the payment of up to $5,000 in fines. In addition to a fine, the Commission could require enhanced safety training for the employees or other administrative remedies.

This case brings to light an important public safety issue. Before anyone - from a homeowner to an experienced contractor or excavator - digs underground, he or she should call the Arizona Blue Stake Center. This is the only way to ensure that someone won't encounter underground electric, water, gas, cable or telecommunications lines. Inside Maricopa County the number to call is 602-263-1100. Elsewhere in the state, the number is 1-800-STAKE-IT.

For further information on the Arizona Corporation Commission or its pipeline safety programs, please call the Public Information Office at 602-542-0844.