Chester, Va. – April is National Safe Digging Month and a time of the year that signals the beginning of many outdoor projects – everything from installing a mailbox or planting a tree to building a deck or putting in a fence.
Columbia Gas of Virginia reminds homeowners and contractors that before they pick up a shovel, they need to pick up the telephone and call 811. A recent study by the Common Ground Alliance revealed that many homeowners are putting themselves and their families at risk by not calling 811. Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, service disruptions, and costly repairs.
The national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, connects homeowners and contractors with Virginia 811. This organization provides the opportunity for utility companies to mark buried pipes and cables before digging commences, protecting not only the utility lines, but homeowners and contractors as well.
“Calling 811 before digging allows us to mark our gas lines and prevent a potentially dangerous situation. As a homeowner or contractor, it keeps you and your neighbors safe and prevents potential costly repairs and fines,” said Paul Hunter, Columbia Gas vice president of gas operations. “We want everyone to complete outdoor projects safely and efficiently this spring and throughout the year, so please call 811 if you plan to dig.”
Virginia law requires that a homeowner or contractor call 811 at least three business days prior to beginning excavation. In addition, the person conducting the excavation is responsible for making the call to 811, even if the planned excavation is shallow. The call to 811 is free.
The 811 “Call Before You Dig” hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information on digging safely in Virginia, visit www.VA811.com or www.columbiagasva.com/811.
About Columbia Gas of Virginia:
Columbia Gas of Virginia delivers clean, affordable, and efficient natural gas to nearly 280,000 customers in more than 100 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, the company is one of NiSource’s six regulated utility companies. NiSource (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.2 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.nisource.com.
