Bill > A06879

This bill expands the definition of "excavation" in both the Public Service Law and the General Business Law to encompass a broader range of ground-disturbing activities. The revised definition now includes any operation where earth, rock, or other materials are moved, removed, or displaced using various tools, equipment, or explosives. The expanded list of excavation activities now specifically mentions techniques like saw cutting, jack hammering, milling (to a depth greater than six inches), scraping, tree and root removal, cable or pipe plowing, and fence post or pile driving. The bill maintains an existing exemption for agricultural activities and routine residential property maintenance performed with non-powered equipment. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of "underground facilities" to clarify that these are underground utilities currently in use by operators to provide services, while explicitly excluding oil and gas production and gathering pipeline systems. These changes aim to provide a more comprehensive and precise description of what constitutes excavation, which is crucial for protecting underground infrastructure and ensuring safety during ground-disturbing activities.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6879