With August 11 right around the corner, it is the perfect time to commit to safe digging practices. Whether you are a homeowner tackling a weekend landscaping project or a professional contractor, contacting 811 to get underground utility lines marked is free, simple, and the law.
Contact 811
If your project involves digging, the first step is to call 811, or visit Kentucky811.org or va811.com, to submit a locate request. (If your project will involve contractors performing excavation, please remind them to contact 811.) This step must happen at least two full business days prior to beginning any excavation work, not including the day of the request. 811 member utilities will then notify you once any underground cables or pipelines on your property have been marked. This includes electric, cable and water.
Positive response
Underground line locating is a free service. Once locating is performed, you will receive a “positive response” notification. This could be in the form of markings or flags around your excavation area or verification via email, phone call or online portal notification. Once you have confirmed a positive response, you may proceed with safe digging.
Tolerance zone
Please note that underground lines may not run straight between marks and flags. For this reason, a “tolerance zone” must be observed around any markings. This tolerance zone is equal to the width of the underground utility itself plus the area extending 24 inches on either side of the utility. Don’t have a width for the utility? Assume at least 2 inches, and depths may vary. If excavation within the tolerance zone is necessary, always use nonintrusive methods, such as hand-digging, to avoid underground line damage.
Private lines
It’s also important to remember that while utilities running from the street will typically be marked, some other underground lines on your property may not be marked by locating services. Examples could be invisible pet fences, private lines like electrical lines to sheds or exterior lighting, or water lines to pools or fountains. It is the property owner’s responsibility to contact a private locating service to mark these private lines.
Protect yourself by contacting 811.
