Press Release

PUC Urges Safe Practices as April Marks Safe Digging Month

Published on 4/4/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

‘No Call’ to 8-1-1 is Top Cause for Damage to Underground Infrastructure

HARRISBURG – As April begins, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission marks the start of Safe Digging Month, an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe digging practices. Spring weather typically brings an increased tempo of excavation projects, making it essential to prioritize safety to prevent damage to underground utilities.

"As we enter Safe Digging Month, it's imperative that we emphasize the importance of safe digging practices," said PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. "By calling 8-1-1 and following proper protocols, we can reduce the risk of accidents and help prevent damage to vital underground utilities, ultimately creating a safer environment for everyone."

Pennsylvania Safe Digging – PA One Call

Safe Digging Month serves as a crucial reminder for residents, businesses, and contractors across Pennsylvania to adopt safe digging practices and prioritize the protection of underground infrastructure. By calling 8-1-1 before any excavation project, individuals can ensure that underground utility lines are marked, minimizing the risk of accidents and costly repairs while promoting community safety.

Pennsylvania law requires contractors and residents to contact the PA One Call system at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities and other facility owners to mark where their facilities are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 800-242-1776.

Key Safe Digging Concerns – “No Calls” Are the #1 Threat

According to national statistics from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the number one root cause of damages to underground systems is the failure to contact the 8-1-1/One Call systems, which alerts utilities to locate and mark their facilities in the planned excavation area. Most frequently this involves work like landscaping, fencing, work on water or sewer lines, and other construction.

Growing Concern About Telecom Projects

Another significant and growing concern relates to telecommunications companies, especially with the recent surge in state and federal infrastructure spending fueling communications construction and enhancements.  

As noted by PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman, Jr., data from the Pennsylvania PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) indicates that the larger telecommunications companies are among the most often involved in DPC actions. The most common violation is failure to respond to One Call tickets and mark lines.

Safe Digging

During Safe Digging Month, and throughout the rest of the construction season, the PUC encourages project owners and excavators to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring – and that includes homeowners and others working on “do it yourself” and weekend projects:

• Always contact 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging.
• Provide ample time for lines to be located and marked before work begins.
• Confirm that all lines have been marked.
• Consider relocating projects that are near utility line markings.
• Verify that a contractor has contacted 8-1-1 if you are using a contractor.
  
  

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov