PR-08-134 -- PSC Reminds Consumers to Call Before You Dig

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573-751-9300)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- APRIL 2, 2008
 

JEFFERSON CITY—Spring has arrived.  With the spring season, increased excavation activities occur around the home or business.  The Missouri Public Service Commission reminds consumers and businesses that it is very important to call before digging in the yard or for any excavation activity. 

                                       DIG SAFE. DIG SMART. KNOW MISSOURI’S GROUND RULES.

MAKE THE CALL: Many utility company facilities, including natural gas pipelines, are located underground and out of sight.  If you plan to dig in your own yard or excavate for a commercial project, Missouri law requires you to notify the Missouri One Call System at 1-800-DIG-RITE (1-800-344-7483) or dial 811. 

WAIT THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF TIME: Missouri law requires that any person making or beginning any excavation notify all underground facility owners that may be affected by the excavation, at least two days but not more than 10 working days in advance, except in the case of an emergency.  After you make the call, facility owners will determine if the planned dig is near any underground facilities.  If needed, they will survey and mark the area where utility lines are located.  Do not begin digging until all of the utilities in the area have been located ands marked.

RESPECT THE MARKS: After it is determined that markings are required, the facility owner will dispatch a field locator who will locate and mark the excavation site with paint, stakes or flags.  Utilities mark their facilities according to specific guidelines and color codes.  Respect the markings when you dig.

DIG SAFELY:  Digging carelessly can cause the disruption of vital utility services and environmental damage, or even the loss of life. 

                                                WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL NATURAL GAS

Natural gas itself does not have an odor—an odorant has been added so gas can be detected if a leak occurs.  The odor is similar to the smell of “rotten eggs”.

If you smell this odor, it is very important that you:

-- Evacuate the building immediately.

-- Do not operate electrical switches.

-- Do not smoke, use lighters, matches or any other open flame.

-- Do not start your vehicle if it is in an attached garage.

-- Go to a neighbor’s home and call your local natural gas company to report the odor and its approximate location.  Do not call from inside your home.  Calling from a telephone inside your home could create a spark that could cause an explosion.

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