Press Release

PUC, PA 1 Call Urge Residents to “Know What’s Below. Call Before You Dig.” by Dialing 8-1-1

Published on 6/14/2007

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – With summer construction season and backyard projects in full swing, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA 1 Call) today remind Pennsylvanians planning a project that requires digging to dial 8-1-1 to “Know What’s Below. Call Before You Dig.”

“Before you start digging your new fence, mailbox post or tree, dial PA 1 Call using the new abbreviated dialing system of 8-1-1 to make certain underground utility lines are marked,” said Commission Vice Chairman James H. Cawley. “PA 1 Call was designed to keep residents safe while preventing damage to underground facilities. We were pleased to provide the regulatory support needed to allow Pennsylvania to join the nation with 8-1-1 abbreviated dialing for the PA 1 Call system that can help everyone complete their improvement projects safely.”

”Studies indicate that 40 percent of all damage to underground utilities is caused by not calling,” said Bill Kiger, president and executive director for PA 1 Call.  “If you plan on excavating in Pennsylvania, 8-1-1 is a fast, convenient and easy to remember telephone number.  Know What’s Below.  Call Before You Dig.”

The PUC and PA 1 Call used the backdrop of backhoes, trench diggers as well as emergency personnel and equipment attending PA 1 Call’s “Central PA Safety Day” at HarrisburgArea Community Collegeto drive the point home. Anyone using power equipment is required by law to call 8-1-1. The agencies also urged all residents planning to dig to call – whether the project is simple or a little more involved. 8-1-1 calls must be made at least three business days before digging.

In May, the PUC launched statewide radio ads as part of an effort to increase awareness of the new abbreviated dialing. An informational brochureon the “Know what’s below. Call 8-1-1 before you dig.” campaign also is available on the Web site under the Consumer Education link.

In Pennsylvania, homeowners and contractors are required to contact PA 1 Call at least three business days before beginning any digging or excavation project. In 2006, the PUC ordered all local telecommunications exchange carriers and other carriers with switching capabilities – including payphone providers – to fully implement 8-1-1 as the abbreviated dialing code to access PA 1 Call.

Underground power lines, communication cables, gas lines, water lines or other utilities may lie at various depths below the surface. When PA 1 Call receives a call, it will alert the appropriate underground facility owners of the intent to dig. The underground facility owners will mark any underground lines or facilities at the work site.

With the implementation of the federal Pipeline Safety Act of 2002, 811 has been assigned for accessing One Call centers, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission. The PUC received grant money from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration to conduct the advertising campaign.

Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation established in 1972.  Their purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities.  To promote safety, they provide an efficient, cost-effective communications network among designers, excavators, and facility owners.  Before digging begins, PA 1 Call facilitates contact between those wishing to excavate at a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities nearby, including public utilities. All excavators and residents must contact PA 1 Call at least three business days prior to excavation, as required by law. The service is offered at no cost to homeowners.  For more information, please visit www.pa1call.org.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722
  
• Dan Lucarelli
  PA 1 Call Director of Marketing & Education
  412-464-7129
  djlucarelli@pa1call.org