CAMDEN — April is “Safe Digging Month” and state law requires that a person must call 811 - the national Call Before You Dig number - or your local One Call Center at least 48 hours (two working days) before digging or excavating. The following will attempt to dispel some common safe digging myths:
Myth #1
“I’ve called 811 in the past and remember where all the underground utilities are located on my property, so I don’t need to call them again for this project.”
Forty-five percent of American homeowners who plan to dig this year, said in a recent survey that they would NOT call 811 beforehand, putting themselves and their communities at risk.
The depth of the pipelines and other utilities can change over time due to natural forces such as erosion or other dirt moving activities such as excavation projects. In addition, other factors can change the depth and/or footprint of underground utilities such as changes in surface grade, erosion, the installation of new facilities, re-routing of assets, etc.
Don’t make a risky assumption about the location of underground utilities. Your actions can lead to injury, service interruptions, and loss of vital services such as 911.
Myth #2
“Farmers and ranchers are exempt from calling 811 for normal farming practices in some states.”
The definition of “normal farming practices” can be interpreted in many ways and varies between states.
So, calling 811 before any digging project is always the safe thing to do, even if you believe you may be exempt under state one-call laws!
Some agricultural examples of when to call 811include: drain tile installation projects, chisel plowing, sub-soiling, deep ripping, building a waterway, digging fence posts, and drilling water or irrigation wells, just to name a few.
Please don’t make a risky assumption about exemptions to the various state one-call laws. Your actions can lead to injury, service interruptions, and loss of vital services such as 911.
Myth #3
“I’m not digging very deep and I don’t want to bother anyone for a small project.”
Never assume to know the depth of a buried utility. There are many factors that can impact the depth of a pipeline such as changes in surface grade, or erosion to name a few. You are not bothering anyone by calling 811. The One-Call Center will notify the proper utility companies.