HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials are warning that rising spring construction activity is increasing the risk of dangerous and costly damage to underground utilities, urging residents and contractors to take precautions before digging.
What This Means for You
- Call 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging to locate underground lines
- Failure to follow procedures can lead to service outages, safety hazards, and fines
- New state rules increase accountability for missed markings and violations
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is marking April as Safe Digging Month, emphasizing that contacting 8-1-1 — the statewide system that alerts utilities to mark underground lines before excavation — is a required first step, not a complete safety plan.
“Safe digging starts with a simple step – contacting 8-1-1 before you begin – but it doesn’t end there,” said Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr., who added that planning, communication, and caution are essential as excavation activity increases statewide.
Rising Activity, Rising Risks
State regulators report that hundreds of incidents each year involve damage to underground infrastructure, disrupting utilities and creating safety hazards.
Common issues include delayed or missing responses from utility companies to mark lines, contractors failing to use care near marked areas, and misuse of emergency excavation requests intended only for immediate threats.
National data shows the leading causes of damage remain failure to call 8-1-1, improper digging practices, and inaccurate or unverified markings. Telecommunications and landscaping projects are among the most frequent sources of damage.
Enforcement and Oversight
The PUC’s Safety Division conducts inspections and reviews excavation practices, while its Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement pursues violations of state law.
The Damage Prevention Committee — a group of industry representatives — investigates reported violations and promotes compliance through training and corrective action.
“Behind the scenes, there is a tremendous amount of work happening every day to strengthen this system,” Coleman said, noting that prevention remains the most effective safety measure.
Stronger Law, Stricter Rules
Pennsylvania strengthened its Underground Utility Line Protection Law through Act 127 of 2024, adding stricter requirements for all parties involved in excavation.
Key changes include mandatory reporting of suspected violations, tighter response timelines for marking underground lines, increased penalties for repeat violations, and an extended review period of up to 270 days for investigations.
These updates are intended to improve coordination and accountability among contractors, utilities, and regulators.
Steps to Dig Safely
Officials urge anyone planning excavation work to follow several steps:
- Call 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging;
- Wait for all utilities to mark underground lines;
- Verify that markings are complete before starting work;
- Use caution when digging near marked areas;
- Ensure contractors submit their own requests;
- Allow extra time for larger or complex projects.
More information is available at www.pa811.org or by calling 8-1-1.
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