Columbia Gas Reminds Customers and Contractors to "Call Before You Dig" This Spring
April 2, 2010
April Recognized as National Safe Digging Month
CANONSBURG, PA – Warmer temperatures and the arrival of spring typically signal the beginning of outdoor projects – everything from replacing the mailbox or installing a new pole lamp to building an addition on a home and excavating the yard for a new swimming pool. But before homeowners and contractors pick up a shovel, Columbia Gas reminds them to pick up the telephone and call 811.
The national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811 connects homeowners and contractors with either the Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. or with Miss Utility in Maryland. These organizations inform utility companies of a homeowners intent to dig and provide the opportunity for utility companies to mark buried pipes and cables before digging commences, protecting both the utility lines and homeowners.
“Calling 811 before digging gives us the opportunity to mark our gas lines and prevent a potentially dangerous situation, as well as saving homeowners and contractors potentially costly repair bills,” said Columbia Gas Operations Manager Danny Cote. “We urge all homeowners and contractors to call 811 if any digging is involved in their spring outdoor projects.”
State law requires that a homeowner or contractor call 811 at least three days prior to beginning excavation. In addition, the person conducting the excavation is charged with the responsibility of making the call to 811.
The 8-1-1 “Call Before You Dig” hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
For more information on digging safely in Maryland, visit www.MissUtility.net. In Pennsylvania, visit www.PAOneCall.org.
Contact: Mike Marcus
724-416-6333
724-416-3695 (cell)
mmarcus@nisource.com
About Columbia Gas of Maryland
Columbia Gas of Maryland serves more than 33,000 customers in Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties. It is one of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). NiSource distribution companies serve 3.7 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. Visit Columbia Gas of Maryland online at www.columbiagasmd.com.