To protect underground utility lines, Atmos Energy is issuing an annual reminder for residents and professional excavators to contact 811 and have underground utility-owned lines located and marked before beginning any digging project.
“By calling 811 you protect yourself, your family and your community,” said Tim Owen, VP Operations for Atmos Energy Kentucky. “Striking a natural gas pipeline can lead to injury, repair costs, inconvenient outages, and fines. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants contacting 811 by phone or online. It’s free. It’s safe. And it’s required by law.”
On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, Atmos Energy reminds homeowners and professional contractors to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line. When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to a local call center that notifies utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators will then mark the approximate locations of underground, utility-owned lines with flags, spray paint, or both.
Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree, and laying a patio are just some examples of digging projects that require a free 811 request at least a few days before breaking ground.
The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons such as erosion, previous digging projects, and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked, because even when digging only a few inches or digging in a location that’s previously been marked, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.
For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit call811.com or Atmos Energy at atmosenergy.com/call-811-before-you-dig.
