Mississippi legislation now requires all utility owner/operators to be members of Mississippi One-Call System, Inc. (MOCS).  This is a giant step toward increased safety for excavators.  Once all utility companies are members, MOCS will become a true One-Call Center.  This will allow excavators to have a peace of mind, knowing that they can fully comply with the law by making one call to notify utility companies of their planned excavations.  This will also allow the utility companies the opportunity to mark their underground utilities, thus helping to avoid injury and possibly even death to the excavator as well as unnecessary and expensive damages to underground facilities.

Why would this be of interest to real estate developers?

In some areas, the developer of a new subdivision is required to install the underground utilities, usually water and sewer, in the new development.  Then, after a period of time (1-3 years in some areas) an established utility owner/operator will adopt the underground facilities and take responsibility for the maintenance and repair of them.  During the period of time between the installation of the utilities and the adoption of them by utility companies, the developer, for all practical purposes, becomes a utility owner/operator.

Our state excavation law (Sec. 77-13-1 through 77-13-19) requires that any person, who plans any excavation, first notify MOCS no less than 2 (two) working days no more than 10 (ten) working days prior to the planned excavation to provide utility owner/operators time and opportunity to mark their facilities.

The law also requires all utility owner/operators, upon receiving notice of planned excavation, to locate their underground utilities in the proposed excavation site within 2 (two) working days from the receipt of notice.         

How do I become a member of Mississippi One-Call System, Inc.?

Go to the website at www.ms1call,org and click on “Membership Info” to print a copy of the membership application or pick up the phone and call Mississippi One-Call System, Inc. at (601) 368-1150.  Tell the operator that you would like a membership application.  You will be sent one via FAX, mail or email along with information on what is needed to add your underground facilities to our database.

How much does membership cost?

There is no cost to join Mississippi One-Call System, Inc.  You will only be charged a minimal fee (presently $1.41) for each locate request that you receive.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Fred Johnson, Operations Mgr. at (601) 362-4322 or email at onecall@ms1call.org