Call va811 before you dig – it’s the law!
By law, anyone planning to excavate is required to call va811 at least two full working days before work begins. Whether you’re planning an excavation as part of a landscaping project or building a deck or addition to your home, avoid property damage, personal injury, and possible fines by contacting the Virginia Utility Protection Service one-call notification center before you start to dig. The service will notify all utilities to mark the approximate location of underground service lines that are in the construction area at no cost to all customers. If you damage a natural gas pipeline while digging, you endanger your safety and the safety of others. You may also be responsible for repairs.
If you have contractors performing work for you, make sure they call va811 before starting work, too. The number one cause of natural gas pipeline damage is from third parties digging near underground facilities.
Please note: Should you smell natural gas in or around you home, immediately leave the area and from a safe location dial Columbia Gas at 800.544.5606 and local emergency responders at 911. Do not light a match or candle, or operate anything that could cause a spark, including cell phones, lights, appliances, flashlights, power tools until you are outside and away from the natural gas odor.
