Homeowners and professionals should contact 811 at least three business days before any digging project to avoid damaging buried utility lines
Chester, VA – This Aug. 11, also known as National Safe Digging Day, Columbia Gas of Virginia urges homeowners and contractors to contact 811 at least three business days before beginning any digging project. This free and simple service helps prevent damage to underground utility lines and promotes community safety.
“Our data indicates nearly 78 percent of all damages in Virginia are caused by a failure to contact 811 before digging or by not respecting the markings for underground natural gas lines,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “Not contacting 811 prior to digging risks injury and damage to property.”
By calling 811 or visiting VA811.com, residents are connected to the state system which coordinates with local utilities to mark underground lines using color-coded flags or spray paint. These markings help identify the location and type of utility lines, such as gas, electricity, water, or communications, so that digging can be done safely.
Examples of projects needing a locate request include installing fences or mailboxes, planting trees or shrubs, and constructing patios or decks. Even shallow garden digging can be dangerous because utility line depths may differ due to erosion, prior work, or uneven ground. While homeowners or professionals may think they know where underground utilities are, the only dependable way to confirm is by contacting 811.
"Safety is at the core of what we do,” added Montague. “Contacting 811 isn’t just a simple way we can all help keep our communities and utility services safe – it’s the law!”
For more information about safe digging practices, 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 approximately 290,000 customers in 98 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, it is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource, including our record of leadership in sustainability, investments in the communities we serve, and how we live our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner, is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.NiSource.com.
