Call Before You Dig

A new national "Call Before You Dig" number, 811 was recently launched to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.

One easy phone call to 811 starts the process to get your underground utility lines marked for free. When you call 811 from anywhere in the country, your call will be routed to your local One-Call Center. The 811 number is another option to reach your local One-Call Center and does not replace the existing toll-free numbers. You can also notify your local One-Call Center directly.

Damage Prevention/One Call

One of the greatest single challenges to safe pipeline operations is the accidental damage caused by excavation, construction, farming activities – or even homeowner construction and maintenance.

The law requires you to first contact your local One-Call Center system 72 hours before you plan to dig. Don’t ever assume you know where the underground utilities are located. Careless digging can cause disruption of vital utility services and environmental damage, even injury or loss of life. The One-Call Center will let you know if there are any buried utilities in the area and the utility companies will be notified to identify and clearly mark the location of their lines at no cost to you.

Four important steps can help prevent undesired consequences.

• Call before you dig.
• Wait the required amount of time.
• Respect the marks.
• Dig with care.

If you should happen to strike the pipeline while working in the area, it is important that you phone us immediately. Even seemingly minor damage, such as a dent or chipped pipeline coating, could result in a future leak if not promptly and professionally repaired.

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility!

Safe digging starts when you call 811 or your local One-Call Center, but that’s not where it ends.

• Always call the One-Call Center at least 72 hours before you plan to dig. The call should only take a few minutes.
• If you don’t know the One-Call Center number, call 811 or the national referral number at 1-888-258-0808.
• Have all the important information ready: the municipality, street address, extent and type of work, date and start time of excavation, your name and phone number.

Then, wait for the site to be marked. Marking could either by paint, flag or stakes. Respect and protect the facility operator’s marks. Note the color of all markings used and what type of facilities they indicate. Colors may vary from state to state.

• Dig with care! Always hand dig when within 2 feet on either side of any marked lines.
• If damage, dislocation or disturbance of an underground utility occurs, immediately notify the affected facility owner.
• If damage creates an emergency, take immediate steps to safeguard health and property.

Here’s what could happen if you don’t call:

• Personal injury, including loss of life
• Damage to the environment
• Costly property damage
• Damage to utility lines
• Legal penalties
• Civil fines