Spring is upon us. This season marks a time when many work in the yard, consider a new pool or begin to plan other outdoor projects.
Taking a shovel to your yard might seem like an inconsequential thing to most. However, you might be surprised what could happen if you dig in the wrong spot.
According to Energy Transfer, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the U.S., there are miles of natural gas, cable, power and water lines buried underground. These local utility lines are typically buried between 18-24 inches underground, all across America.
Whether you’re planting trees and shrubs or installing fences or a mailbox, you should think twice before digging. If one of these lines is struck, even unintentionally, it can cause outages, expensive repairs and potential harm to you or your neighbors.
You might be asking, “How do I know where I can dig safely?” Just call 811.
This April, in recognition of National Safe Digging Month, we want to remind you that calling 811 before you dig is required by law.
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number you’ll need to dial before breaking ground on any project, at home or otherwise.
How does 811 work?
811 is a free number that is run by a state call center. After dialed, a representative with the hotline notifies the appropriate utility companies: cable, gas, internet, sewer or electric. After that, a representative will come to your property to mark the location of any buried lines at no cost.
The operator you speak with will need to know several things about your project, including:
- The address and exact area on the property where you plan to dig.
- Your county.
- The nearest cross street.
- The type of project you’re completing.
- The scope of the work.
It can take up to a few days for utilities to respond to your request. Plan to reach out at least several days ahead of your project, but no more than 14 days.
The utility markers, which will be paint or flags, are your guide for the duration of your project. These marks will expire 14 days after they are made.
If, for some reason, you are unable to maintain the marks made for your project, you can reach out to 811 again to request re-marking.
Pipelines are all around us
According to Energy Transfer, larger transmission pipelines transport approximately 66% of the natural gas and petroleum products we use every day. Our country’s superhighway of underground pipelines provides the safe and efficient transportation of these hydrocarbons that are essential to our modern lifestyle.
Pipelines connect us to the energy we rely on for fueling our vehicles, heating our homes and powering our manufacturing. Pipelines transport the raw materials that are used to make thousands of items we use every day, like contact lenses, cellphones and hand sanitizer.
If you would like to learn more about pipelines operated or maintained by Energy Transfer or one of its affiliates near your address, click or tap here.