GUFPA Training

GUFPA Illustrated

HISTORY

The title of the presentation is GUFPA Illustrated

GUFPA is an acronym for the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act

The GUFPA was enacted on July 1st, 2000. Joint meetings held with the newly appointed GUFPA Advisory Committee [GUFPAAC] and the Georgia Public Service Commission [GPSC] over the following 12 months resulted in a consensus regarding fine mitigation guidelines

Both parties agreed it was judicially prudent but moreover, essential to the common goal of increased public safety, to allow selected probable violators [PV] of the GUFPA, the opportunity to mitigate all or a portion of an imposed fine-- as described by a Consent Agreement which is determined by the GPSC-- and agreed to by the PV

When a Consent Agreement is reached, GPSC Commission Action Rule allows selected PV’S the option to attend a GPSC certified training program at their expense, in lieu of paying all or a portion of a consensual fine

More than 90% of first-time offenders found in violation are issued a Consent Agreement which gives them a choice of paying a minimum fine of $1500, or schedule and attend a GPSC certified training program at their expense

This is similar to a person charged with an egregious traffic violation such as Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, then agreeing to take a Driver’s Education class at their expense in order to be eligible to have their Driver’s Licensing privileges reinstated without restrictions

Since the program’s inception, more than 95% of consenting PV’S have chosen the option to receive the GPSC certified GUFPA Training

The program is validated by the following facts-

More than $3,000,000 in fines has been levied by the GPSC since July, 2000, less than $250,000 has been deposited into the State Treasury
The GPSC proclaims an approximate 40% reduction in underground utility line damages related to mechanized excavation—since the inception of GUFPA

UPC’S ROLE

The GPSC created guidelines to certify individuals or companies as official trainers of the GUFPA content

In early 2003, the Utilities Protection Center, Inc. [UPC] became an official GPSC certified GUFPA Trainer

The UPC GUFPA Illustrated training class provides accurate* and complete details of the GUFPA to companies or persons found in violation of the GUFPA whom are wishing to mitigate fines imposed by the GPSC, and to companies or persons requesting in-depth GUFPA training on a voluntary basis

*Disclaimer

This presentation is intended as an aid to educate persons about legal responsibilities required by Georgia State law.

It is not intended to serve as an official legal interpretation or legal advice

Attendees seeking legal interpretation or legal advice should consult an attorney

The Utilities Protection Center, Inc. trainers of the GUFPA shall be immune individually and jointly, from civil liability for any act or omission done or made during the presentment of this program

The 2 – 2 ½ hour class is comprised of three training segments

Roles of the Facility Owner/operator, Locator and the UPC
Role of the Excavator
Roles of the GPSC and GUFPAAC including an overview of GPSC Rules periodically promulgated to implement the Commission’s authority to enforce the Act

Training package hand-outs include:

GUFPA Workbook containing a copy of the presentation

Copy of the GUFPA
Copy of the UPC Ticket Size Policy
Excavator Manual
APWA Temporary Marking Guidelines for Underground Utilities
Contact information for all role players including information for filing a Probable Violation of the GUFPA with the GPSC

Classes are offered randomly at the UPC main office located in Duluth, GA

Classes are also available for on-site presentations*

*Additional fees may be required for on-site presentations

The fee for each class is $400 minimum which will accommodate up to five persons from an individual company or entity

A fee of $80 each is required for any additional person over five, from an individual company or entity
Additional requirements include pre-payment by either Visa/MasterCard or company check

Companies or persons wishing to schedule a class or whom are seeking more information should contact the UPC Liaison Staff at the following link [link to UPC Liaison Contact Page]