PUC Recognizes National 811 - PA One Call Underground Utility Damage Prevention Efforts

On August 11, the Public Utility Commission recognized National 811 Day, and reminds all residents, contractors and utilities of the importance of calling 8-1-1 [PA One Call] before digging to help ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.

“Our Damage Prevention Committee has been doing an excellent job emphasizing the role of the Pennsylvania One Call System (PA One Call),” said Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. during the PUC’s Public Meeting on Aug. 6. “Even with the Coronavirus pandemic and the slowdown of some construction projects, there have been more than 555,000 PA One Call tickets to locate underground utility lines so far this year.” 

Digging Safety

Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents. 

During the first half of 2020, a total of 2,617 line hits were reported to PA One Call, compared to 2,785 for the same period last year – a reduction of about 6 percent (168 hits), despite a near-record number of line-location calls.

PA One Call Law

State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their facilities are located. 

Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.

When the PUC first took on the role of enforcing the state’s One Call Law, underground lines across the state were struck more than 6,000 times per year – but the situation continues to steadily improve, thanks to education, public awareness and enforcement.

Visit the PA One Call website for more information.

(Photo: What happens when a backhoe hits an unmarked natural gas gathering line.)

[Posted: August 11, 2020]  PA Environment Digest