Press Release

PUC Joins PA One Call, PHMSA in Marking Aug. 11 as “811 Day”

Published on 8/9/2012

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) joins with other pipeline safety advocates in recognizing 8/11/2012 as the nationwide “811 Day” effort stressing the importance of damage prevention and the use of 8-1-1.

An new 8-1-1 outreach campaign features a PSA from the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that includes a new take on classic fairytales reminds everyone to “Know What’s Below. Call Before You Dig.”

“It is important that everyone – from homeowners doing improvement projects such as mailboxes and fencing to landscapers to contractors laying new lines – calls 8-1-1 before they break ground,” said Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “We hope these public service announcements remind those planning to dig of the nightmares that can occur if they fail to call first.”

In Pennsylvania, utilities, contractors and homeowners are required by law to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before using power equipment to make certain underground utility lines are marked.  The PUC is charged with ensuring pipeline safety in the state. An informational brochure on the “Know What’s Below.  Call 8-1-1 before you dig” campaign is also available on the PUC website under the Consumer Education link.

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.pa.gov.#####

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