Did you know that underground utility damages in the United States and Canada reached an all-time yearly high in 2019? According to CGA's 2019 DIRT report, there were more than 450,000 damages throughout the year caused by unsafe digging practices. The number one root cause of damages to underground utility lines is failure to notify the one-call center by placing a locate request before excavation begins. As a homeowner, there are direct steps you can take to protect the underground utilities on and around your property.
The Underground Utilities Act, also known as the Call Before You Dig law, was first enacted by Washington state in 1984. Today, every state in the nation has a similar law on the books. While the specifics differ from state to state, every version requires that any person who intends to dig must first call the 811 hotline and ensure that all underground utility lines have been located and marked before excavation begins.
How much can you be fined for digging without calling 811? Penalties for violating state damage prevention laws range from $500 to $100,000 depending on the state and severity of the violation. But the financial penalty is only part of the risk. Striking an underground utility line can result in a loss of water, internet, gas, or electricity to your home and your neighbors. In the most serious cases, hitting a gas line or electric cable has caused injuries and fatalities.
Is any digging project too small to require an 811 call? No. Many homeowners assume that plans for activities like planting shrubs, installing a fence post, or replacing a mailbox are too minor to require a locate request. That assumption is wrong. Some utility lines are buried just a few inches below the surface, shallow enough to be struck with a hand trowel.
Every digging project, regardless of size, should start with a call or online request to your state's 811 center. The locate service is free, and the few days it takes to get your property marked is a small investment compared to the cost and danger of hitting an underground line.
Are contractors required to call 811 before digging on your property? Yes. Professional contractors are well versed in 811 laws in the states where they operate. However, as the property owner, it's worth taking an active interest in the locate request submitted for your dig site and confirming that the locate has been completed before excavation begins.
How can you check the status of an 811 locate request? Many state one-call centers have websites where you can look up the status of a locate request for your property. Checking that status before your contractor starts digging is one of the simplest ways to protect your property, your utilities, and the people doing the work.
You can contribute to damage prevention in your community beyond your own projects. One of the most effective steps is sharing your knowledge of safe digging practices with neighbors, friends, and family. The more people in your community who understand the importance of calling 811 and waiting for a locate to be completed before digging, the safer everyone's underground infrastructure is.
Call or click 811 before every dig. Confirm your contractors do the same. Check the status of your locate request. And spread the word. Safe digging starts with awareness.
KorTerra is the leading provider of damage prevention software, protecting billions of dollars in underground infrastructure. For over 30 years, the leading stakeholders in gas distribution, pipeline operation, telecommunications, electric distribution, contract locating, and city, county, and state governments have trusted KorTerra as their damage prevention solution. KorTerra helps mitigate risk and ensure the safety of field personnel by providing secure software platforms for processing 811 locate tickets, tracking and reporting asset damages, meeting regulatory compliance, and more. Explore additional solutions at korterra.com and follow KorTerra on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Paige Nygaard – KorTerra, Inc.
952.368.1911
marketing@korterra.com