This Aug. 11, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania urges homeowners and contractors to contact 811 at least three business days before beginning any digging project. This simple service helps prevent damage to underground utility lines and promotes community safety.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Kempic. “Contacting 811 is the law because it ensures that we all contribute to safe digging and protect our communities and their utility services.”
By calling 811 or visiting PA1Call.org, residents are connected to the state system which coordinates with local utilities to mark underground lines using color-coded flags or spray paint. These markings help identify the location and type of utility lines, such as gas, electricity, water, or communications, so that digging can be done safely.
Examples of projects needing a locate request include installing fences or mailboxes, planting trees or shrubs, and constructing patios or decks. Even shallow garden digging can be dangerous because utility line depths may differ due to erosion, prior work, or uneven ground. While homeowners or professionals may think they know where underground utilities are, the only dependable way to confirm is by contacting 811.
"Accidentally hitting even one utility line can lead to repair expenses, inconvenient outages, fines, serious injuries, or worse,” added Kempic. “Columbia Gas takes pride in supporting 811 Day and encourages everyone to remember to call before digging.”
For more information about safe digging practices, visit PA1Call.org or ColumbiaGasPA.com.
