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Excavators Can Now Dial 811 Before Digging
Beginning April 13, 2007, residents and contactors may dial 811, a new national calling service that connects excavators to their local one-call center, to notify utilities before digging. Central Hudson reminds anyone who plans to excavate to first call Dig Safely New York by dialing 811, or by calling the hotline at 1-800- 962-7962.
Hudson Valley contractors and residents now have the option of using the new national 811 service to contact Dig Safely New York before excavating so that utilities lines may be identified and marked out," said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Central Hudson.
"Ensuring that utility lines and underground facilities are identified prior to digging or excavating is an important safety measure," noted Freni. "Anyone, including contactors and homeowners, using mechanical means to excavate must contact Dig Safely New York at least two to 10 days prior to digging in order to prevent accidental contact with utility lines."
Both "one-call" numbers are toll-free, and connect excavators to a statewide notification system that alerts utilities, municipalities and other parties that operate underground facilities of the intent to excavate at specific sites so that these facilities can be marked out.
"Serious consequences can result by contacting and damaging underground lines," said Freni. Excavators can be subject to civil penalties and other liabilities, including costs to repair damage caused by excavation undertaken without prior notification. "Contact with underground facilities such as natural gas pipelines and high voltage electric lines can also cause serious injury to excavators and the general public, result in property damage, and interrupt vital utility services to -homes, businesses and critical facilities, such as schools and hospitals," said Freni. "These regulations are designed to protect excavators, the general public, and the owners of underground facilities."
When working near utility lines, excavators and construction crews are also encouraged to contact Central Hudson and meet with a representative to review plans and discuss ways in which to work safely. Excavators should also establish a communications plan with their workers to inform them of the location and potential hazards of utility lines in the area.
Additional information about the Dig Safely New York One- Call system is available at
www.DigSafelyNewYork.com;
information on the new 811 service is available at www.call811.com; and to learn more about contractor safety and working near utility lines, call Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or visit
www.CentralHudson.com.
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