Reliable Contracting Co. v. Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority

McDonald, j.

Underground infrastructure, such as the cables and pipes that distribute water, gas, electricity, and other substances essential to modern life, is susceptible to damage during excavations. To prevent such incidents, State law has established a “one-call system,” sometimes referred to as “Miss Utility.” Maryland Code, Public Utilities Article (“PU”), § 12-101 et seq. Under that law, advance notice must be given to the one-call system of certain types of excavation so that the location of nearby pipes, cables, and related struc tures can be identified and marked. Those who fail to…