As residents gear up for the outdoor project season, local authorities are issuing a reminder to homeowners and contractors alike: before you stick a shovel or an excavator into the earth, you must call 811.
Whether you are putting up a new backyard fence, installing a mailbox or planting trees on a rural property, Maine state law requires a call to Dig Safe at least three business days before breaking ground.
Here is what every Maine resident needs to know to stay safe, avoid problems and keep the lights on.
It’s not just a good idea—it’s the law
In Maine, any project that utilizes power tools or mechanical equipment to penetrate the earth requires notification. Under the Maine Public Utilities Commission rules, failing to notify Dig Safe before you dig can result in stiff administrative penalties, plus the catastrophic cost of repairing any damaged infrastructure.
Digging without knowing what lies beneath risks puncturing high-voltage electric lines, high-pressure gas mains or fiber-optic internet cables. A single mistake can knock out power or emergency communications for an entire neighborhood.
How the process works
Using the service is completely free to the public, because it’s funded entirely by underground utility companies.
Getting your property marked involves four simple steps:
1) Pre-mark your property. Before calling, walk your project site and outline the planned excavation area using white paint or white stakes. This shows utility locators exactly where you intend to work.
2) Call or click. Dial 811 or visit digsafe.com to file a location request. You must do this at least 72 hours (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before work begins.
3) Wait for the marks. Underground utility operators will visit your property to map out their lines using a universal, color-coded painting system (such as red for electric, yellow for gas and blue for water).
4) Dig with care. Once the 72-hour window passes and lines are marked, you can safely begin your project, making sure to hand-dig cautiously within 18 inches of any painted lines.
While Dig Safe covers major utilities like central electric, natural gas and telephone companies, it does not cover everything. In many Maine towns, local water and sewer districts are not members of Dig Safe. Property owners must notify these local municipal departments separately.
Furthermore, any private lines — such as a power line running to a detached garage, invisible dog fencing or a line leading to a backyard propane tank — will not be marked by utility companies. Property owners are responsible for identifying or hiring a private locating service for these lines.
Plan ahead this season. Don’t let a weekend DIY project turn into a neighborhood-wide blackout and a costly legal headache.
Protect your wallet and your community. Keep your projects safe by dialing 811 or visiting digsafe.com before your shovel ever hits the dirt.
Nathan Bond is the public works director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 764-2560.
