Colonial Press Release

Survey Reveals Homeowners Put Themselves At Risk By Not Using 811 Prior To Digging

ALPHARETTA, GA (April 16, 2019) – In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, Colonial Pipeline is announcing the results from a recent national survey, sponsored by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), about the risk of not using the phone number 811 prior to digging on property.

The results of the survey revealed that 42 percent of homeowners who plan to dig this year will likely put themselves and their communities at risk by not calling 811 a few days beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities. 

811 provides a uniform, national phone number to access local utility location services. Individuals should call this number before digging to protect themselves and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. For homeowners, 811 should be used prior to starting common projects like landscaping, installing a fence or mailbox, building a deck, putting in a pond or patio, and other DIY projects that involve digging. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities may result in serious injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs if oil, gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines are damaged. The nationwide service, 811, is free for homeowners and can be accessed by phone or online in many states at call811.com.

When someone contacts 811 a few days before digging, the caller is connected to a local one call notification center that takes the information and communicates it to local pipeline and utility companies, such as Colonial Pipeline. Professional locators then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with spray paint, flags or both. Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.

As part of National Safe Digging Month, Colonial Pipeline reminds everyone completing digging projects – big or small – to take the following steps:

  • Always use 811, regardless of the size of the project, the depth, or familiarity with the property. 
  • Plan ahead. Call or request an online ticket at least three business days prior to the work, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
  • Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. 
  • If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has used 811. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked. 

Above all, 811 is about safety,” said Colonial Pipeline’s Vice President of Operations and Chief Risk Officer Angie Kolar. Colonial Pipeline is joining our industry partners in sharing the safe digging message this month because we are committed to keeping our neighbors safe and transporting the energy products our nation needs safely and efficiently.”