Telephone numbers: 911 for emergency response; 411
for directory assistance; 311 for doing business with city government; 811 for
finding out what’s underground before you dig. Five year ago this month, Common
Ground Alliance was formed to unify and centralize response to inquiries about
locating underground utilities so contractors and others can dig without
disturbing them. The number is available to everyone from general contractors
and excavators to homeowners and landscapers who might be planning to disturb
the soil.
The nationwide one call number 811 was initially
approved by the FCC in March 2005 to bring uniformity to the underground lines
information services with differing phone numbers in separate regions of the
U.S. In April 2007, Common Ground Alliance was charged with implementing the
811 system nationwide, and in 2006 North Carolina became the first state to
fully implement the program. Though some contractors keep old phone numbers in
their speed dial, up to 70% of underground utility location service calls are
now made through 811.
CGA’s educational efforts respecting 811 calls now
have equipment rental companies posting the 811 number on the cab doors of excavators
and backhoes, CGA offers 811 decals in English and Spanish, customized with
company logos. Now the non-profit organization is initiating outreach programs
to homeowners and fencing installers, reminding us that fences almost always go
in near property lines, just where underground utility easements are most
likely located. A single post hole crossing a utility line can result in
service interruptions, leaks, explosions, property damage and bodily injury or
death, CGA warns. One call to 811 will result in every underground utility with
lines in the area coming out to a property to clearly mark the locations of
their facilities.
CGA President Bob Kipp says it succinctly: “Call
811 before you dig!”
