DE 98-021
                                     
                          C.R. THOMPSON TRUCKING
                                     
               Hearing On Violation of Underground Utility 
                         Damage Prevention Program
                                     
              Order to Show Cause Why C.R. Thompson Trucking
             Should Not Be Held Liable For Penalties Assessed, 
           Expenses Incurred, and Whether Additional Penalties 
                            Should Be Imposed 
                                     
                         O R D E R   N O.  22,862
                                     
                               March 9, 1998
                                     
         On November 18, 1997, NYNEX, in accordance with NHPUC
     Chapter Puc 800 Underground Utility Damage Prevention Program,
     N.H. Admin. Rules, Puc 803.02 (e), reported damage to underground
     facilities on Daniels St. in Portsmouth, N.H. The report alleged
     that on July 9, 1997, C.R. Thompson Trucking bent and pierced a
     600 pair pressurized lead cable that was clearly marked. 
         On November 25, 1997, the Safety Division, pursuant to
     Puc 805.01, issued a Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) No.
     97042, referencing RSA 374:55 IV-a, by certified mail, to C.R.
     Thompson Trucking (Respondent), P.O. Box 446, Greenland, N.H.
     03804.  The NOPV was received on December 8, 1997.  Pursuant to
     NHPUC Part Puc 805.02, the Respondent had 30 days to respond to
     the NOPV.  The Respondent failed to respond.          
         On January 21, 1998, based on the lack of response, and
     in accordance with Puc 805.03 (a), the Division issued Notice of
          Violation No 97042V.  The NOV was received on January 23,1998. Pursuant to Puc 805.04 (a), the Respondent had 10 days to
     respond.  The Respondent failed to respond.
         Pursuant to Puc 805.05 (a), in the event the Respondent
     fails to answer the NOV pursuant to Puc 805.04(a)(1) or (2), the
     Commission shall issue an Order of Notice for a Show Cause
     Hearing.  Accordingly, we direct C. R. Thompson to appear as
     directed below.
         Based upon the foregoing, it is hereby
         ORDERED, that C.R. Thompson Trucking appear before the
     New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission at its offices at 8 Old
     Suncook Road, Concord, New Hampshire at 1:30 P.M. on March 27,
     1998 to show cause why C.R. Thompson Trucking should not be held
     liable for penalties assessed, expenses incurred, and whether
     additional penalties should be imposed.
         By order of the Public Utilities Commission of New
     Hampshire this ninth day of March, 1998.
     
                                                                    
        Douglas L. Patch    Bruce B. Ellsworth        Susan S. Geiger
            Chairman           Commissioner            Commissioner
     
     
     Attested by:
     
     
     
                                      
     Thomas B. Getz
     Executive Director and Secretary