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Call Before You Dig – 811
Prioritize Safety: Call 811 Before You Dig!
Whether you’re a contractor planning an excavation or a resident planting a tree, calling 811 beforehand is essential and mandated by law. This vital step prevents accidents, safeguards infrastructure, and guarantees a secure and efficient digging process.
Steps for Safe Digging:
Step 1: Submit A Ticket to Colorado 811
- Call 8-1-1 or submit a ticket online.
Step 2: USIC and Other Utilities are Notified
After you submit your 811 request, MVEA’s contractor USIC, along with your other potential utility providers (gas, electric, cable TV, phone, etc.), will receive a notification from Colorado 811 and will contact you.
Step 3: Have Private Lines Located by a Private Locate Company
MVEA’s locating contractor, USIC, will come out to your requested address to locate and mark underground electric lines up to the electric meter on your property.
- If your meter is in a pedestal, USIC will mark lines up to the pedestal.
- If your meter is on your house, USIC will mark lines up to the house.
Important: All underground lines from the electric meter to your home, barn, garage, well, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, or any other structure are owned by the property owner (member) and are not marked by MVEA or USIC. These lines must be located and marked by a private locator company.
Why private locates are important:
- They help prevent accidental damage to your underground lines.
- They protect you from potential personal injury or costly repairs.
- They ensure all lines are properly marked before any digging or landscaping projects.
Tips for using a private locate company:
- Verify credentials: Ensure the company is licensed and experienced in locating underground utilities.
- Use clear maps or documentation: Provide the locator with as much information as possible about where your private lines run.
- Schedule after 811 notification: Only contact a private locate company after you submit a request through Colorado 811 and receive confirmation of your excavation ticket.
- Marking standards: Confirm with the private locator how lines will be marked (paint, flags, stakes) and follow their guidance during digging.
- Maintain markings: Keep paint or flags in place until your project is complete. Fading or missing markings can lead to accidental line strikes.
Responsibility Reminder:
- Any damage to private lines is the property owner’s responsibility, regardless of who performs the locate.
- Failure to properly mark private lines before digging can result in serious injury, fines, or repair costs.
Step 4: Confirm All Lines are Marked
Confirm that all affected utilities (electric, gas, cable TV, phone, etc.) have responded by comparing the markers to the list of utilities that the 8-1-1 call center has notified.
Step 5: Dig Carefully
After all utility companies have marked their buried lines, you can proceed with caution by either digging carefully around the utility marks or, if possible, relocating your projects that are in close proximity to these buried utilities. For digging within 18 inches on either side of the flags or painted lines, we highly recommend using hand tools or a fiberglass shovel to minimize the risk of accidental damage to the utility lines. Safety is paramount during excavation activities.
