H.C. Impressions Fined $3,000 for Notice Violations

Service Dat e: February 2 7, 2026 WASHINGT ON UTILITIE S AND TRANSPORTAT ION COMMISSI ON NOTICE OF PENALT IES INCURRED AND DUE FOR VIOLAT IONS OF LAWS AND RULE S PENALTY ASS ESSMENT: DG -260087 PENALTY AMOUNT: $ 3,000 Investigation # 9277 EMAIL SERVICE UB I: 602-900 -787 H.C. Impressions NW, Inc. Homero B arajas Carbjal Phone: (360) 887-4935 PO Box 778 Battle Ground, WA 98604-0778 office@hcimpressionsnw.com homero@hcimpressionsnw.com YOU MUST RES POND WITHIN 15 DAYS OF TH IS NOTICE The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Commission) believes that H.C. Impressions NW, Inc. (H.C. Impressions or Company) violate d the following Revised Codes of Washington (RCW) 19.122.030(2) on three occasions by failing to provide notice to a one-number locator service not less than two full business days and not more than 10 full business days before the scheduled work- to -begin date On January 16, 2026, Commission staff (Staff) received complaint #36 filed by NW Natural Gas (NWN or Complainant) alleging H.C. Impressions committed three violations of RCW 19.122.030(2). Staff conducted an investigation that included re viewing the complaint, communication with NWN, photographs, the One Call Center database, and attempted communications with the Company. The investigation identified a natural gas event involving H.C. Impre ssions. RCW 19.122.055(3) states, in part, that any excavators who violate any provision of this chapter but does not cause damage to an underground gas facility are subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. Commission staff (Staff) conducted an investigation that included reviewing damage reports, investigation reports, the One Call Center database, and communications with the Company. The documents reviewed identified a natural gas event that involved H.C. Impressions damaging a natura l gas facility while excavating with out a valid loca te ticket. The Commission reviewed findings and recommendations made by Staff and hereby notifies you that it is asse ssing a $ 3,000 penalty (Penalty Assessment) a gainst you on the following grounds: 1. Alleged Vio lation 1:

PENALTY A SSESSMEN T D G- 260087 PAGE 2 On January 12, 2026, H.C. Impressions was excavating at lot 38 (intersection of NE 18 th Street and NE 194 th Avenue, Vancouver, Washington. The complaint submitted by NWN on January 16, 2026, indicated that H.C. Impressions was excavating without a valid locate ticket Analysis: The alleged violation concerns RCW 19.122.030(2), which states, in part, that an excavator must provide notice to a one-number locator service not less than two full business days and not more than 10 full business days before the scheduled work- to -begin d ate, unl ess otherwise agreed by the excavator and facility operators in writing. NWN responded to Staff’s request for information and provided a photograph depicting H.C. Impressions excavating. NWN documented that H.C. Impressions was observed digging with hand tools at the work site. NWN requested crews stop digging until it had a valid locate ticket to avoid damaging underground utilities. NWN called H.C. Impressions office and spoke with the manager regarding the need to call for locates prior to any digging. NWN noted that the company acknowledged it did not have a valid locate and would submit a request to one- call. Finally, the project manager f or Pacific Lifestyle Homes called NWN later and advised that H.C. Impressions would be continuing to work in the ar ea away from utilitie s. 2. Alleged Vio lation 2: On January 12, 2026, H.C. Impressions was excavating at Lot 39 (intersection of NE 18th Street & NE 195th Avenue), Vancouver, Washington. The complaint submitted by NWN on January 16, 2026, indicated that H.C. Impressions was excavating without a valid loc ate ticket. Analysis: The alleged violation concerns RCW 19.122.030(2), which states, in part, that an excavator must provide notice to a one-number locator service not less than two full business days and not more than 10 full business days before the scheduled work- to -begin d ate, unl ess otherwise agreed by the excavator and facility operators in writing. NWN responded to Staff’s request for information and provided a photograph depicting H.C. Impressions excavating. The photograph’s document trucks belonging to H.C. Impressions and trees to be planted. NWN documented that H.C. Impressions crews were digging with hand tools at the work site, which is connected to Lot 38. NWN requested that crews stop digging until it had a valid locate. NWN called H.C. Impressions office and spoke with the manager to advise the company to call for locates prior to any digging. NWN noted that the Company acknowledged it did not have a valid locate and would submit a request to one cal l. Final ly, th e project m anager for Paci fic L ifesty le Hom es called NWN later and advised that H.C. Impressions would be continuing to work in the area away from u tilities. 3. Alleged Violation 3: On January 12, 2026, H.C. Impressions was excavating at Lot 52 (intersection of NE 18th Street, three lots southwest of 195th Avenue), Vancouver, Washington. The complaint

PENALTY A SSESSMEN T D G- 260087 PAGE 3 submitted by NWN on January 16, 2026, indicated that H.C. Impressions was excavating without a va lid locate ticke t. Analysis: The alleged violation concerns RCW 19.122.030(2), which states, in part, that an excavator must provide notice to a one-number locator service not less than two full business days and not more than 10 full business days before the scheduled work- to -begin d ate, unl ess otherwise agreed by the excavator and facility operators in writing. NWN responded to Staff’s request for information and provided a photograph depicting H.C. Impressions excavating. The photographs document recently planted trees, and an H.C. Impressions work truck. NWN documented that H.C. Impressions crews were digging with hand tools at the work site, and the crew also admitted it used the Company’s mini excavator for some of the work, which primarily took place on Lot 52 for tree installation. NWN asked that crews stop digging until it had a valid locate. NWN called H.C. Impressions office and spoke with the manager to advise the company to call for locate s prior to any digging. NWN noted that the Company acknowledged it did not have a valid locate and w ould submit a request to one call. Finally, the proj ect manag er fo r Pacific Lifestyle Homes called NWN later and advised that H.C. Impressions would continue to work in the area away from utilities. Staff searched the Washington One Call Center database and confirmed that H.C. Impressions did not have a valid locate ticket for Lot 38, Lot 39, and Lot 52 on January 12, 2026. Staff found that the Company requested locate ticket #26016140 on January 13, 2026, for 19502 Northeast 19 th Street, Vancouver, Washington, which covers all three identified locations. On January 20, 2026, Staff emailed H.C. Impressions requesting information. On February 5, 2026, Staff emailed the Company requesting information. To date, Staff has not received any email commu nication fr om H.C. Impressions. The Commission considered the following factors in determining the appropriate penalty amount for the violation: 1. How serious or harmful the violation s are to the public. This incident could have been harmful to Company workers, utility technicians, nearby homeowners, and the public, and could have resulted in serious injury and loss of property. 2. Whether the violation s were intentional. This violation appears to be due to negligence by H.C. Impressions rather than a lack of knowledge regarding Washington State’s dig law. Since February 17, 2025, H.C. Impressions has submitted 52 requests to locate underground facilities in Washington. Thi s demonstrates the Company’s knowledge of the requirements and its responsibility to comply with the Dig Law. 3. Wheth er the com pany self - rep orted th e viola tion s. H.C. Impressions was not required to self-report the violation as no damage occurred. The Commission bec ame aware of the violation when NWN file d a complaint with the

PENALTY A SSESSMEN T D G- 260087 PAGE 4 Commission. Pursuant to RCW 19.122.053(1), only damage events must be reported to the Commission. 4. The l ikelih ood of recu rrence. The likelihood of recurrence depends on the Company’s ac tions going forward and its willingness to notify the one- ca ll locator service every time prior to excavation. The Commission has considered these factors and determi ned that it should penalize H.C. Impressions as follows: • First Vio lation: $1,000 penalty for one violation of RCW 19.122.030(2) that occurred on January 12, 2026, at Lot 38 (intersection of NE 18th Street & NE 194th Avenue), Vancouver, WA. • Second Violation: $1,000 penalty for one violation of RCW 19.122.030(2) that occurred on January 12, 2026, at Lot 39 (intersection of NE 18th Street & NE 195th Avenue), Vancouver, WA. • Third Violation: $1,000 penalty for one violation of RCW 19.122.030(2) that occurred on January 12, 2026, at Lot 52 (intersection of NE 18th Street, three lots southwest of 195th Avenue), Vancouver, WA. With a tota l penalty of $3,000 for three violation s of RCW 19.122.030(2) with an offer to suspend a $2,400 portion of the penalty for 90 days, and then waive it, subject to the conditions that: 1) Company managemen t and field crew responsible for excavation complete Dig Safe Training provided through the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) within 90 days of this Penalty Assessment; and 2) The Company must submit documentation of training c ompletion to the C ommission. Further violation of RCW 19.122 will result in progressive penalty assessment up to maximum allowab le by law. Th ese fact s, if proven at a hearing and not rebutted or explained, are suffic ient to support the Penalt y Asses sment. Your penalty is due and payable now. If you believe the vio lation s did not occur, you may deny committing the v iolation s and c ontest the penalty through evidence presented at a hearing or in writing. Or, if there is a reason for the violations that you believe should excuse you from the penalty, you may ask for mitigation (reduction) of the penalty through evidence pre sented at a hearing or in writing. The Commission will grant a request for a hearin g only if material issu es of law or fa ct requi re cons idera ti on of evidence and resolution in a hearing. Any request to contest the violation s, or for mitigation of the penalty must include a written statement of the reasons supporting that request. Failure to provide such a statement will result in denial of the request. See RCW 81.04.405.

PENALTY A SSESSMEN T D G- 260087 PAGE 5 If you properly present your request for a hearing and the Commission grants that request, the Commission will review the evidence supporting your dispute of the violations or applica tion for mitigation in a Brief Adjudicative Proceeding before an administrative law judge. The administrative law judge will consider the evidence and will notify you of their dec ision. You must act within 15 days after receiving this Penalty Assessment to do one of the following: • Pay th e $3,000 penalty amount due; or • Pay $600 and notify the Commission that you accept the offer to suspend a $2,400 portion of the penalty amount for 90 days, and then waive it, subject to the following conditions: o Company managem ent an d field cre w responsible for excavation must complete NUCA Dig Safe Tr aining (https://utc -9183.quickbase.c om/db/bpkt6vndh) within 90 days of service of this Penalty Assessment; and o The Company must submit documentation of training completion (Certi ficate) to the Commission. (See attached NUCA Di g Safe T raini ng Verif ication Record); or • Contest the occurrence of the violations; or • Admit the viola tion s but request mitigation of the penalty amount. Please indicate your selection on the enclosed form and submit it electronically through the Commission’s web portal at https://efiling.utc.wa.gov/Form within FIFTEEN (15) days after you receive this Penalty Assessment. If you are unable to use the web portal, you may submit it via email to records@utc.wa.gov. If you are unable to submit the form electronically, you may send a paper copy to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, PO Box 47250, Olympia, Washington 98504-7250. If you wish to make your payment online, please use this link: Make a Payment Now (wa.gov). 1 If you do not act within 15 days, the Commissio n may re fer this matter to the Office of the Attorn ey General for co llect ion. DATED at Lacey, Washington, and effective February 27, 2026. /s/ Connor Thompson CONNOR THOMPS ON Direc tor, Administrativ e Law Division 1 https://www.utc.wa.g ov/documents- and -proceedings/online- payments/make-pay ment-now.

PENALTY A SSESSMEN T D G- 260087 PAGE 6 WASHINGT ON UTILITIE S AND TRANSPORTAT ION COMMISSI ON PENALTY ASS ESSMENT DG -260087 Investigation # 9277 PLEASE NOT E: You must complete and sign this document and send it to the Commission within 15 days after you receive the P enalty Asses sment. Use additional paper if needed. I have read and understand RCW 9A.72.020 (printed below), whic h states that making false statements under oath is a class B felony. I am over the age of 18, competent to testify to the matters se t forth below, a nd I have personal knowledge of those matters. I hereby make, under oath, the following statements: [ ] 1. Payment of penalty. I admit that the violation s occurred: [] Enclos e $ 3,000 in payment of the penalty. OR [ ] Attest that I have paid the penalty through the Commission’s payment portal. [ ] 2. Accept con ditio ns. I admit that the violation s occurred and encl ose $ 600 toward the payment of the penalty. I also accept the Commissi on’s offer to suspend for 90 days, and ultimate ly waive, the remaining $2,400 pena lt y amount subject to the following conditions: o Company managem ent and field crew responsible for excavation at the time of the incident, must comple te NUCA Dig Safe training (https://utc - 9183.quickbase.com/db/bpkt6vndh) within 90 days of service of this P enalty Assessment; and o The Company must submit documentation of training c ompletion (Cer tificate) to the Co mmiss ion. (S ee attached NUCA Dig S afe Training Verific ation Record). [ ] 3. Contest the violations. I believe that the alle ged violation s did not occur for the reasons I descri be bel ow (if you do n ot include reasons supporting your contest here, you r req uest wil l be d enied): [ ] a) I ask for a hearing to present evidence on the information I provide above to an administr ative law ju dge for a decision. OR [ ] b) I ask for a Commission decision based solely on the information I provide above. [ ] 4. Request mitigation. I admit the viola tion s, but I believe that the pe nalty should be reduced for the reasons set out below (if y ou do not inc lude rea sons suppor ting your appl icatio n here, y our requ est wil l be d enied): [ ] a) I ask for a hearing to present evidence on the information I provide above to an administr ative law ju dge for a decision. OR [ ] b) I ask fo r a C omm ission decision based solely on the information I provide above.

PENALTY A SSESSMEN T D G- 260087 PAGE 7 I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the foregoing, including information I have presented on any attachments, is true and correct. Dated: __________________ [Month/Day/Year], at ______________________ [City, State] _____________________________________ ___________________________ Name of Respondent (Company) – please p rint Signature of Applicant RCW 9A.72.020 “Perjury in the first degree.” (1) A person is guilty of perjury in the first degree if in any official proceeding he or she makes a materially false statement which he or she knows to be false under an oath required or authorized by law. (2) Knowledg e of the mater iality of the stateme nt is not an ele ment of this cr ime, and the actor' s mistaken belief th at his or her statement was not ma terial is not a defense to a prosecution under this section. (3) Perjury in the first degree is a class B felony.