This 811 Day, Indiana 811 is reminding anyone who plans on moving dirt or doing a digging project to call at least two full working days prior before they start digging.
Aug. 11 is 811 Day. Last year, 2,156 natural gas lines were damaged across Indiana in 2022 due to digging and excavation-related work, according to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. This means, on average, nearly six natural gas lines were damaged every single day, according to an Indiana 811 news release.
Striking a single utility line can result in costly damages and fines, inconvenient outages, dangerous leaks, environmental damage, serious injury and even death. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, should start with the free 811 service by contacting Indiana811.org or by calling 811, officials say.
Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting trees, shrubs or flowers, removing a tree stump and laying a patio are just some examples of digging projects that require contacting 811 before starting. With utility lines often buried just inches below the ground’s surface, even seemingly minor projects can lead to catastrophe if 811 is not contacted before digging, according to the news release.
Homeowners and contractors can start the 811 process by submitting information about planned digging either at Indiana811.org or by phone at 811. Officials with Indiana 811 will notify the appropriate member utility companies, which will dispatch utility locators to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with colored paint and/or flags.
