The City of Battle Ground has issued a stop-work order on new MetroNet fiber optic construction after residents reported property damage, inadequate notification, and concerns over construction practices in neighborhoods across the city.

Background

Effective July 31st, the City halted all new boring and trenching work within the public right-of-way while allowing crews to complete restoration work, repairs, and safety-related tasks at existing job sites. According to a letter sent to affected residents, Metronet must provide a detailed construction schedule, demonstrate neighborhoods received proper advance notice, and verify crews have been instructed on Washington’s DIG law before new work resumes.

Residents, including Lonnie Gorsline, reported that construction crews entered neighborhoods without first speaking with homeowners, causing damage to properties and disrupting daily life. ‘Nobody ever knocked on the door before they started digging,’ she said. ‘Before you know it, they took over the whole neighborhood, vandalizing, without knocking at a single door.’

Response from Metronet

Metronet stated that the company voluntarily paused construction in Battle Ground before the City issued its stop-work notice. The company added that it takes multiple precautions to ensure safety and limit impacts to area residents prior to work occurring, including obtaining valid utility locates and visually verifying underground facilities.

Despite these precautions, damage can still occur due to various reasons, including incomplete or inaccurate records, unmarked or mismarked infrastructure, and construction errors. Every reported incident is reviewed individually to determine what occurred and whether corrective action is needed.

The City recognizes the concerns many residents have expressed regarding this ongoing project and will continue monitoring Metronet’s compliance and determine when construction may resume on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis as permit requirements are satisfied.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.