Colonial Pipeline Reminds Everyone to Always Call 811 Before Starting Digging Work Outside

ALPHARETTA, GA (April 8, 2020) – Colonial Pipeline is reminding homeowners and contractors that safe digging must remain a priority to protect people and prevent damage to critical utility services — including internet, communications lines, and pipelines.

April is recognized as ​“National Safe Digging Month,” and this year, sharing the message is more important than ever. Springtime also marks the start of digging season, and this year many homeowners may be finding themselves with more time to begin home improvement projects, such as landscaping or installing a mailbox, deck, or fence. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs if underground lines are damaged. It is critical to use the free-of-charge, public safety service before starting work by calling 8 – 1‑1 or placing an online request with the local one call center. 

“The 811 service is an essential step that prevents unnecessary risk – risk that could impact an entire community,” said Angie Kolar, Colonial’s Vice President of Operations Services and Chief Risk Officer. ​“Colonial urges contractors, residents, and all who are planning to dig – from major construction to ​“Do it Yourself” projects in your own backyard – to contact 811 prior to starting work to prevent damage to underground utilities and take a stand for safety.” 

Colonial encourages the following steps when planning a digging project: 

• Plan ahead. Always call 811 or submit an online ticket a few days before digging, regardless of the depth of planned excavation or familiarity with the property. 
• If a contractor is completing the project, confirm that your contractor has contacted 811. Wait the required time for all underground utilities to respond. Do not allow work to begin if the lines have not been marked.
• Respect the marks or flags and dig carefully around buried utilities. 
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. 
• Consider postponing non-critical projects in respect of social distancing guidelines

Everyone who contacts 811 a few days before digging is connected to a local one call notification center that will collect information about your project and notify local utility companies. Professional locators will visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines and pipelines with spray paint, flags or both. Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.

Visit www.call811.com for complete details and online ticket options in your state.

About Colonial Pipeline: Colonial Pipeline Company, founded in 1962, connects refineries ­– primarily located in the Gulf Coast ­– with customers and markets throughout the Southern and Eastern United States through a pipeline system that spans more than 5,500 miles. The company delivers refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, and fuel for the U.S. military. Colonial is committed to safety and environmental stewardship across its operations. More information about Colonial is available at www.colpipe.com.

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Colonial Media Contact:
Kesley Tweed
[email protected]