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2008 Policy Book
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As farm equipment increases in size, the placement of utility services becomes a concern. Adding to the potential problem, other utility lines, such as telephones and cable television, are installed below the existing electric lines. Access to, or operation in, a field or orchard with farm equipment creates the potential for contact with the lines.
We support the requirement of a utility to follow the National Electric Safety Code and Michigan Public Service Commission regulations to protect both the farmer and the utility from accidents which could cause injury to an individual or interruption of service to a community.
We support legislation or regulation to create a minimum height requirement for all utility lines.
A landowner or tenant shall not be held liable for any accidental or inadvertent breakage or disruption of service on utility lines, cables or pipelines that are not properly installed, marked or maintained.
We believe a utility company should promptly settle for damage to crops and notify landowners prior to work being done.
All new and replacement above and underground utility distribution equipment shall be placed or relocated in the existing road right of way.
All Miss Dig markings will be biodegradable or removed.
