National 811 Day reminds people to call before digging

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More than 500 utility lines are struck by unchecked excavation in South Carolina each year, and one utility wants to remind people to call 811 before digging to have their utility lines checked.

National 811 day, set for Sunday, aims to provide that reminder.

A nationwide survey by Common Ground Alliance found 42% of homeowners said they would begin a digging project without calling to check for the presence of utility lines first. A 2016 Damage Information Reporting Tool report from the Alliance determined that damages to buried utilities cost individuals, businesses and governments $1.5 billion  each year.

Dominion Energy says each year in South Carolina, there are about 500 incidents of the utility’s lines being struck by excavators who did not call 811 to have the lines marked, according to a news release. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina say so far in 2019,  it has experienced 166 outages due to digs. 

The call to 811 is free, and it’s a state law. People who need to have their underground utility lines marked also can request an appointment online or with the SC811 mobile app.

Erosion and root system growth can change the depth and location of buried lines, or utilities may have done work since lines were last surveyed, so it’s recommended that property owners and contractors call 811 before digging every time. Property owners should check with contractors to make sure they’ve asked for a survey of underground utility lines and should call 811 even if a pipeline marker exists.

If a gas line is struck, even if it does not appear damaged, the local utility must be called immediately. Protective coating could be damaged, and even a small dent could cause future problems.

South Carolina law requires calling 811 at least three full business days before excavation begins. Once the call is made, anyone who has underground lines in the area has three days to mark them.

After the lines are marked, digging must be done at least 24 inches on each side of the markings.

SC811 offers educational resources and videos for homeowners.