April is National Safe Digging Month, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is reminding everyone to call 811, the New Jersey One Call Center, before starting any home or commercial digging projects. The NJBPU oversees the One Call Center, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Safety is our highest priority. New Jersey continues to be a national leader by having one of the most effective underground damage prevention programs," said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. "Whether you are a homeowner doing a landscaping project or a contractor performing large excavation work, we implore you to call 811 – the New Jersey Once Call Before You Dig hotline – prior to digging to keep you, your family, and your community safe while protecting underground infrastructure."
Underground Damage Prevention Month is part of National Safe Digging Month, an initiative recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation every April. It aims to increase awareness of underground utility line safety precautions and reduce the risk of infrastructure damage. The NJBPU is conducting a public education campaign throughout the month to provide safety tips to New Jersey residents.
Excavations are the leading cause of damage to underground infrastructure. A recent national survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) found that 40 percent of homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and others at risk by not calling 811 before starting.
In the CGA’s survey, homeowners most often received citations for failing to notify officials before starting these digging projects: planting a tree or shrub; building a patio or deck; building a fence; and installing a mailbox.
The law requires anyone planning to dig to provide at least three business days’ notice before excavation by calling 811. Calling 811 is free and essential to avoid serious injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs to critical utility services. The Center receives more than 700,000 calls each year, resulting in over three million "mark outs," where an underground facility's location is marked by a flag or other symbol.
Homeowners are encouraged to take these steps when planning a digging project: plan ahead by calling 811 regardless of depth or familiarity with the property; consider moving the project's location if it is near utility line markings; confirm that all lines have been marked; if hiring a contractor, confirm that they have called 811 and do not allow work to begin if lines aren’t marked.
President Guhl-Sadovy encourages everyone to remain vigilant for safety messages throughout April regarding maintaining safe digging protocols. The NJBPU is also partnering with the New Jersey CGA on a campaign aimed at heightening public awareness about damage prevention and promoting use of the One-Call Damage Prevention System.
Visit www.nj1-call.org for more information.
The NJBPU is responsible for ensuring safe, adequate utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and cable television. The Board monitors utility service quality, responds to consumer complaints, and investigates utility accidents. More information about NJBPU can be found at www.nj.gov/bpu.
---
