The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds consumers, businesses, and contractors of the importance of identifying underground infrastructure before digging to help ensure safety. Homeowners are urged to delay the beginning of their spring digging projects during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
While the Pennsylvania One Call (PA One Call or 8-1-1 System) has remained fully operational through the pandemic, consumers, businesses, and contractors are asked to not begin any nonessential construction. Delaying the start of nonessential home digging projects may help safeguard citizens, protect utility crews, and avoid accidental damage to underground lines that could disrupt utility services during this time.
The PUC noted that during this current emergency situation, utilities and 8-1-1 personnel are focused on addressing critical projects and ensuring that vital utility services and workers are safeguarded by ensuring that underground lines and facilities are properly marked before any excavation work begins. It is important to avoid sending utility crews and equipment into neighborhoods, unless it is absolutely necessary, to help protect residents and those essential workers.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation, triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their facilities are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 800-242-1776.
Hits on underground facilities across Pennsylvania pose a danger to contractors, utility workers, and nearby residents and also introduce the possibility of service interruptions, environmental damage, and costly repairs to damaged lines. In addition, every hit poses a risk to emergency responders who are mobilized when lines are struck.
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