The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission recognizes April as National Safe Digging Month and encourages South Dakotans to call 811 before any excavation or other digging project. Doing so safeguards underground utilities, preserves vital services and protects against harm that may result from hitting buried facilities.
“It is appropriate that April has traditionally been designated as Safe Digging Month,” commented PUC Chairman Gary Hanson. “South Dakotans are ready to head outdoors to tackle yard projects, get started on planting or break ground on new construction. Calling 811 must be a regular step for each of those plans,” Hanson said.
Calling 811 before a digging or excavation project initiates a process that alerts owners of underground utilities in the area to mark the location of their facilities. The digger is responsible for avoiding those marked areas. Failing to call 811 or digging an area that has been marked can lead to all types of trouble including service disruptions, fines, significant repair costs, injury or even death.
“Telecommunications, natural gas, cable, water and sewer lines are all examples of buried utility infrastructure,” PUC Vice Chairman Chris Nelson noted. “Anyone engaging in a digging activity should call 811 prior to the project, regardless of the depth of the excavation or the digger’s familiarity with the property.”
The call to 811 is free and easy. Homeowners and excavators can also use an online portal to request an underground utility locate by visiting sdonecall.com.
“Whether you are a homeowner digging on your own property or a contractor excavating on someone else’s property, calling 811 before turning that first shovel is a must. It is actually the law,” emphasized Commissioner Kristie Fiegen. State statute specifies the South Dakota One Call Center must be notified at least 48 hours before digging begins.
For additional information visit puc.sd.gov/consumer/811.aspx.
