Damage from excavation-related activities is a leading cause of pipeline accidents. Excavation activities include digging, blasting, boring, tunneling, backfilling, removal of aboveground structures by explosive or mechanical means, or any other earth-moving operations. This includes home projects such as building a pool or fence, widening a driveway or planting a tree. By law and for your safety, you must call 811 at least 48 hours prior to beginning any excavation work.

The Federal Communications Commission has designated 811 as the national one-call number to eliminate the confusion of multiple "Call Before You Dig" numbers across the country. By calling 811, you are automatically connected to your state’s one-call center where you are planning to conduct excavation activities. The one-call center will then promptly notify Chesapeake and other pipeline and utility operators in the area of your planned excavation. If any of the companies’ underground facilities might be affected by the excavation, a representative will be sent free of charge to locate and mark the buried facilities before you dig. Facilities include a number of items such as pipelines, cables, telephone and electric lines.

It is important to understand that different colored flags are used to mark various types of underground utilities, including pipelines.

Yellow is the color designated for pipelines transporting natural gas or hazardous liquids.

If you happen to hit or disturb an underground pipeline while digging or notice an exposed pipeline, notify the pipeline operator immediately. The operator will send someone to inspect and repair any damage to the pipeline. Even the slightest damage may result in a leak or future failure if it is not reported.

Always call before you dig to prevent damage to buried facilities. This safety measure is key to protecting people, property and the environment.