To kick off National Safe Digging Month on the right foot, South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners are reminding consumers that calling 811 is an essential step in preparing for outdoor projects this spring.
“As we move toward warmer weather, many South Dakotans will be planning for and working on projects around their property. If those projects involve digging, contacting 811 should be your first step and be done before you ever break ground. Whether you are building a house, adding a fence, updating landscaping or relocating something on your property, notifying South Dakota 811 is an important step that can help ensure your safety and maintain the integrity of buried utilities,” said PUC Chairman Chris Nelson.
South Dakota state law requires South Dakota 811 be notified at least two working days prior to the beginning of any excavation project. That 48-hour notice gives utility providers time to mark the underground location of their infrastructure. The digger is responsible for avoiding those marked areas.
“One simple phone call to 811 or visit to their website can have a big impact. Not only is the notification a kind of free insurance for you as the excavator or homeowner, it can also help prevent serious injury, minimize risk of property damage and reduce risk of outages and damage to utilities that can be essential,” stated PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen.
Failure to properly utilize South Dakota’s One Call service or ignoring utility location markings can have serious consequences. Digging in an area that has been marked or striking even a single line can result in all types of trouble including service disruptions, fines, significant repair costs, injury or even death.
“The depths of utility lines can vary and change over time. New property owners, especially in older neighborhoods, may decide to plant some things in an existing garden or an area where one would not expect a utility line to exist. However, older utility lines are often nearer the surface than we realize. It is always better to make the smart choice, protect yourself and your loved ones, and call the free service 811 before you start your project,” explained Commissioner Gary Hanson.
South Dakota 811 is free service. Homeowners and excavators can use an online portal to request an underground utility locate by visiting sdonecall.com.
For additional information, visit puc.sd.gov/consumer/811.aspx.
