Press Release

Media Advisory: PUC, PA One Call, Columbia Gas of Pa., York Water to Promote Safe Digging This Summer

Published on 4/9/2012

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA One Call) Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and York Water Co. will urge everyone planning an outdoor project that requires digging this summer to “Know What’s Below. Call Before You Dig.” during a media event at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at an excavation site on East Princess Street, York, between South Sherman and Simpson streets.

April is Safe Digging Month as it relates to pipeline safety. The PUC, PA One Call and utilities are coming together to emphasize the importance of using safe digging practices before the shovel hits the dirt. The event will emphasize the importance for utilities and residents alike calling 8-1-1 at least three business days before beginning a project if power equipment is going to be used, as required by law.

WHO:       PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson

                  PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr.

                  PUC Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner

                  PUC Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer

                  PA One Call President and Executive Director Bill Kiger

                  Columbia Gas Acting President Mark Kempic

                  Columbia Gas General Manager Dan Cote

                  York Water President and CEO Jeffrey Hines     

WHAT:     Media event at an active excavation site

WHEN:    10 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012

WHERE:  East Princess Street York, between South Sherman and Simpson streets

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 One Call facilitates contact between those wishing to excavate a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities nearby, including public utilities.  All excavators and residents must contact PA One 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.PaOneCall.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, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722