PSE&G reminds everyone to call 8-1-1 before they dig

NEWARK, NJ — Nearly 40 percent of Americans who plan home projects that require digging this year don’t plan on calling before they dig, according to a recent national survey conducted by Common Ground Alliance. PSE&G reminds customers, contractors and excavators to call 8-1-1 to request a mark-out before digging to avoid hitting underground pipelines, conduits, wires and cables. The service is free, and absolutely critical to avoiding injuries and disruptions to vital utility services.

PSE&G has more than 8,200 circuit miles of underground electric lines, and 35,000 miles of buried natural gas distribution lines. In addition to the electric and gas lines, there are other buried utility lines, including communications cables, and water and sewer lines.

When you call 8-1-1 or 1-800-272-1000, you are automatically connected to the One Call center, which collects information about your digging project. The center then provides the information to the utility companies, who send representatives to mark the locations of underground lines in the immediate vicinity of the planned work location with flags, paint or both. After lines have been marked and you receive confirmation, you are free to carefully dig around the marked areas. In New Jersey, the marks are valid for 45 business days. The call must be made whether you are hiring a professional or planning to do the job yourself, using shovels or other hand tools.

Be sure to call 8-1-1 at least three full business days before each job. If you hired a contractor, confirm that a call to 8-1-1 has been made; do not allow work to begin if the lines are not marked. Property owners must maintain and respect the marks; always hand dig within 2 feet of marked lines. Various colors are used when marking lines. To learn what each color represents and for more information, visit www.call811.com.

If you accidentally damage gas piping or smell gas when excavating, call 9-1-1 immediately from a safe area. Also notify PSE&G by calling 1-800-880-7734. Calling before you dig is more than a good idea — it’s the law.

  PSEG