Public Utility Commission Marks April as Safe Digging Month

From Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

As warmer weather returns and outdoor projects ramp up, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is joining the national effort to recognize April as Safe Digging Month, urging homeowners, businesses, and contractors across the Commonwealth to follow proper safety protocols before any digging or excavation work.

“Spring is a busy season for all kinds of digging – whether it’s putting in a fence, planting trees, or installing broadband infrastructure,” said PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. “But that activity comes with real risks. Contacting 8-1-1 before you dig isn’t just common sense – it’s the law, and it’s the single most effective way to protect yourself, your community, and our underground infrastructure.”

What’s at Stake – Damaging Underground Lines Can Be Dangerous and Costly

Each year, the PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) investigates hundreds of incidents where underground utilities were struck during digging projects – many of which could have been prevented with a simple phone call to 8-1-1, the PA One Call system.

Recent trends in Pennsylvania show continuing problems with:

• Telecommunications and fiber installers failing to follow 8-1-1 laws.
• Increased damages caused by homeowners and landscapers.
• Excavators asking homeowners to submit 8-1-1 requests on their behalf – a violation of state law.

At the national level, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) continues to identify the top root causes of damage as:

• Failure to contact 8-1-1 before digging.
• Improper excavation practices.
• Inaccurate or unverified utility markings.

In particular, telecom and landscaping work account for a majority of these high-risk activities and represent some of the most common damage types reported both in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Reauthorization of PA One Call Law – Act 127 of 2024

The importance of this issue was reaffirmed last fall when Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 127 of 2024, reauthorizing and strengthening Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law – commonly known as the PA One Call Law.

Key updates under Act 127 include:

• Mandatory reporting: All stakeholders – including excavators, designers, facility owners, and project owners – must now submit Alleged Violation Reports (AVRs), with no exemptions.
• Stricter deadlines: Facility owners must meet AVR timelines and provide timely responses to One Call tickets.
• Increased accountability: Repeat violations and failure to comply with fines or training can now result in daily penalties beginning 60 days after a DPC ruling.
• Review period: The DPC now has 270 days to act on new cases.

“These changes strengthen the integrity of the entire damage prevention process,” said Commissioner Coleman. “They provide greater clarity, more accountability, and stronger enforcement tools – while also encouraging every stakeholder to do their part.”

What You Can Do – Safe Digging Starts With a Call

To reduce risks and prevent accidents, the PUC reminds everyone planning to dig this spring to take the following steps:

• Always contact 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging.
• Wait for the marks – Utility companies will mark the location of underground lines at no cost.
• Verify that all lines are marked before beginning work.
• Respect the markings and dig with care, especially near shallow lines.
• Make sure your contractor has contacted 8-1-1 – excavators must place their own tickets under state law.

For more information, visit www.pa811.org or call 8-1-1. Out-of-state callers may dial 1-800-242-1776 to reach the PA One Call system.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and videos of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Source: bctv