In recognition of 811 day on Aug. 11, Common Ground Alliance and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration are reminding homeowners and contractors to contact 811 before beginning any digging project to protect against underground pipeline damage and ensure excavation safety.
“As we continue to make historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure, we are reminding all residents, contractors and landscaping professionals to contact 811, a nationwide toll-free number, before any excavation or digging project,” says PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown. “PHMSA seeks to eliminate injuries related to excavation damage to underground infrastructure by encouraging anyone who digs to call 811 or visit 811beforeyoudig.com a few days prior to digging to request that utilities mark the approximate location of buried lines. This simple act can significantly decrease dig-ins to buried utilities, as well as the chance of injury, environmental harm and even death.”
Following proper protocols before digging ensures the protection of tens of millions of miles of underground utilities and pipelines. “Aug. 11 serves as a critical reminder to homeowners and contractors to contact 811, either by calling or completing a form online, to have underground utilities marked before digging projects,” says Common Ground Alliance President and CEO Sarah Magruder Lyle. “Not only will this protect you from fines, but it will also protect neighborhoods from outages and reduce safety hazards.”
On Aug. 11, and all year long, make a free request to 811 and have the approximate location of buried lines marked with flags. Additional safety steps include:
- Always contact 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property, to allow time for the lines to be marked.
- Confirm that all lines have been marked.
- Consider moving the location of the project if it is near utility line markings.
For more details, visit 811beforeyoudig.com for information about 811 and safe digging practices.
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