Common Ground Alliance and the U.S. Department
of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration encourage safe digging practices
WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and the U.S.
Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration (PHMSA), remind homeowners and contractors to
contact 811, either by phone or online, before beginning any
digging project – regardless of size or scope – to protect against
underground pipeline damage and ensure excavation safety.
"As we continue to make historic investments in our nation's
infrastructure, we are reminding all residents, contractors and
landscaping professionals to contact 811, a nationwide toll-free
number, before any excavation or digging project," said PHMSA
Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown.
"PHMSA seeks to eliminate injuries related to excavation damage to
underground infrastructure by encouraging anyone who digs to call
811 or visit 811beforeyoudig.com a few days prior to
digging to request that utilities mark the approximate location of
buried lines. This simple act can significantly decrease dig-ins to
buried utilities, as well as the chance of injury, environmental
harm and even death."
Following proper protocols before digging ensures the protection
of tens of millions of miles of underground utilities and
pipelines. "Aug. 11 serves as a
critical reminder to homeowners and contractors to contact 811,
either by calling or completing a form online, to have underground
utilities marked before digging projects," said Common Ground
Alliance President and CEO Sarah K.
Magruder Lyle. "Not only will this protect you from fines,
but it will also protect neighborhoods from outages and reduce
safety hazards."
On Aug. 11, and all year long,
make a free request to 811 and have the approximate location of
buried lines marked with flags. Additional safety steps
include:
- Always contact 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the
depth or familiarity with the property.
- Plan ahead. Make a free 811 request on Monday or Tuesday for
work planned for an upcoming weekend, which provides ample time for
the approximate location of lines to be marked.
- Confirm that all lines have been marked.
- Consider moving the location of the project if it is near
utility line markings.
- If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has
contacted 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't
marked.
For more details, visit 811beforeyoudig.com for information
about 811 and safe digging practices.
About CGA
CGA is a member-driven association of nearly
4,200 damage prevention professionals spanning every facet of the
underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed
to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground
infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices.
CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage
prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to
underground facilities in North
America through shared responsibility among all
stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA at
commongroundalliance.com.
Contact:
julie.rollend@bursonglobal.com
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SOURCE Common Ground Alliance