Michigan excavators rely on the MISS DIG 811 system to ensure underground utilities are properly located before excavation begins. A new Positive Response code — 005: Ongoing Coordination — will soon be implemented, and it is important for MITA members to understand what it means and how to properly manage it in the field and office.
What is Positive Response Code 005?
005 – Ongoing Coordination is a new response code that will allow a facility owner/operator to indicate they will coordinate directly with the excavator throughout the full Project 180-Day Ticket.
This response will only be utilized for project 180-day tickets, where utility owners and excavators may need continuous communication and coordination in order to:
-Protect underground facilities
-Maintain the integrity of the locate markings
-Address changing excavation conditions over time
Rather than repeatedly remarking the same area, the utility owner may use 005 to signal that coordination will occur directly with the excavator during the life of the ticket.
How the Process Will Work?
1.) Excavator Places a Project 180-Day Ticket
For longer-term projects, the excavator submits a Project Ticket through MISS DIG 811.
2.) Facility Owner/Operator Posts a Positive Response
The utility owner may post Response Code 005 to indicate ongoing coordination with the excavator.
3.) Excavator Reviews the Positive Response
The excavator must check the posted responses and confirm coordination has occurred.
4.) Dispute if Necessary
If no communication has occurred, the excavator should dispute the 005 response.
5.) Dispute is Sent Back to Facility Owner/Operator
The facility owner/operator then has three business hours to respond.
Critical Point for Excavators: Do Not Ignore Code 005
The most important takeaway for excavators is this:
– Code 005 does NOT replace communication.
– If a facility owner posts 005 but does not contact the excavator or coordinate directly, the excavator must dispute the response through the MISS DIG system.
– Failing to dispute an inaccurate response could expose your company to risk if utility damage occurs later.
– A name and phone number directly to the locator will be provided with this response code.
– Disputes will be treated as a “retransmit”, and the facility owner has 3 hours to reply.
Documentation is Your Best Defense
Whenever 005 – Ongoing Coordination is used, documentation becomes extremely important.
MITA strongly recommends that contractors document:
– Phone calls with facility owners/operators
– Emails or text communication
– Meeting notes from coordination discussions
– Photos of the locate markings before excavation
– Dates and times of communication attempts
– Screenshots of Positive Response postings
Maintaining this documentation helps demonstrate that your company fulfilled its responsibility to verify locates and coordinate excavation activities.
In the event of a damage investigation, clear documentation can be the difference between liability and defense.
Best Practices for MITA Members
When encountering Positive Response Code 005, contractors should:
– Check the Positive Response system before digging
– Confirm that direct communication has occurred
– Document all coordination with facility owners/operators
– Dispute the response if no communication has taken place
– Keep records throughout the life of the 180-day project ticket
MITA Safety & Damage Prevention Support
Damage prevention remains one of the most critical responsibilities for Michigan excavators. MITA will continue to provide training, guidance, and support to help contractors navigate evolving requirements within the MISS DIG system.
If you have questions about Positive Response codes, damage prevention practices, or documentation procedures, please contact Greg Brooks at gregbrooks@thinkmita.org.
