Nailing it Down
By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty
Do you dig gardening? Perhaps your spring and summer “to do” list includes installing a fence or building a shed.
As you begin to put together those project lists, pause just a moment to think about whether any of your tasks include digging.
Whether you are considering something big (like building a new deck or patio or constructing a new garage or shed) or smaller projects (like installing a mailbox, fixing a fence or even just digging a hole to plant a tree or transplant a shrub), it’s possible you are required to call 811, the “call before you dig” service. Not only is it the prudent thing to do — it is the law!
Water, sewer, gas, oil, cable, TV, telephone and electricity are among the utilities that may be underground on your property — none of which you want to disturb. Digging into one of those utility lines could turn your little project into a major headache.
We think the number 811 isn’t just easy to remember, it is also appropriate that it is the designated phone number to call before digging. That’s because if you call 811 before you dig, you will not likely have to call 911 after you dig to report that someone’s been hurt when striking a gas pipe or electrical line.
It’s truly a system to prevent emergencies from happening — both to people and to property. But it only works when people make that call.
PLAN TO CALL
BEFORE DIGGING
At least two business days before you plan to dig, the state law says you must call 811. Then the folks at the call center will ensure that all public utilities are notified about the upcoming dig on your property. You may be asked to mark the area you plan to dig with white paint or white flags, which can be found at many hardware stores.
Then, each organization — either by itself or via a hired “locator” — will mark the path of each utility. Each type of utility is assigned a different color so you will know what is where. The designated color for drinking water is blue; sewer is green; and gas, oil and steam are all marked yellow.
Red is the color for electrical utilities, and orange signifies communications — like internet, telephone and cable TV. Purple is the color for “reclaimed water” — that’s not sewage, but water not treated for use as drinking water.
When dealing with the law, “public” utilities are the ones that use the public right of way to your house. So, the folks at 811 will also let you know there could be a couple of other lines you may need to keep your eye out for.
For instance, if you have a sprinkler system, you’ll want to be aware of that. Also, ifyou have a propane gas tank on your property with a line into your house, it’s up to you to keep track of that line. And if you have an electrical line from your house meter to your garage, that line may not be located for you.
GOT A CONTRACTOR?
Perhaps your job is bigger than your DIY ability and you’ve hired a landscaper, builder, handyman or fence installer. Most of those folks know the importance of calling 811 before beginning the project.
However, safety is top priority, so we encourage you to double-check with them that they have made that important call.
WHEN TO CALL
You are required to call at least two business days before you begin to dig. Our call center, which serves Washington, Oregon, Hawaii and Montana, will answer questions and set your request in motion.
The information you will be asked includes your address and nearby cross streets, city, county, the type and scope of digging project, a contact phone number, and an email address or secondary contact number.
EXEMPTIONS
The law does have several exemptions that make it possible to plant posies or farm your land without having to worry every year about making a phone call.
The exemptions include some emergency excavations, as well as a dig of less than 12 inches in depth on private, noncommercial property — if the excavation is performed by the person or an employee of the person who owns or occupies the property. It also includes the tilling of soil for agricultural purposes less than 12 inches deep within a utility easement and 20 inches deep outside a utility easement.
In addition, it includes the replacement of official traffic signs no deeper than the depth at which it was installed. Some road maintenance activities reaching less than 6 inches below the original road grade and a few other listed activities are also included.
We’re not legal experts, so please look into the law yourself or call 811 for more information. However, it seems to us that with the exception of planting marigolds or your annual vegetable garden, it is definitely worth a call to 811 if you’re digging a deep hole to plant a large tree or putting in a new fence — or of course, any larger job.
FOR MORE INFO
For more information, go to www.callbeforeyoudig.com or call 811 to have the operators direct you to further answers.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our office is fully ADA-compliant.
