04/13/2021 | Press release | Archived content
New Jersey Natural Gas
(Wall, N.J.) - April marks annual National Safe Digging Month. And New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) reminds residents to keep themselves and their communities safe by calling 811 prior to the start of any digging or excavation project - all year long.
It's critical to have all underground utilities properly marked - it is FREE to residents and required by law. Failing to do so often results in careless digging that can lead to the disruption of vital services, property damage, repair costs, fines and even injuries.
Damage from a third-party remains the leading cause of pipeline failures. According to the Common Ground Alliance, every nine minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Whether you plan on doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, every digging project - no matter how large or small - warrants a call to 811. The depth of utility lines can vary. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, installing a sprinkler system or fence and even planting a tree or small shrub are all examples of digging projects that require a call before starting.
'The safety of our customers and communities is our top priority,' said Craig Lynch, senior vice president of Energy Delivery at New Jersey Natural Gas. 'It's critical for anyone - whether a homeowner, business or contractor - to remember careless digging can put people and property at risk. We urge customers to be our partners in safety. Anyone planning a digging project can do their part to keep themselves and their communities safe with a simple call to 811. Remember - it's free, and it's the law.'
Dialing 811 will connect you to New Jersey One Call, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground utilities with flags, paint or both. Yellow indicates a natural gas line.
During National Safe Digging Month, and throughout the year, NJNG encourages homeowners to take the following steps before beginning to dig:
For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit nj1-call.org or the My Safety section of njng.com. In the event of damage to a natural gas pipeline immediately call 911 followed by a call to NJNG at 800-GAS-LEAK (427-5325).
New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) is a Fortune 1000 company that, through its subsidiaries, provides safe and reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, asset management and home services. NJR is composed of five primary businesses:
NJR and its nearly 1,200 employees are committed to helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency through Conserve to Preserve® and initiatives such as The SAVEGREEN Project® and The Sunlight Advantage®. For more information about NJR: www.njresources.com.
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Mike Kinney, Media Contact
732-938-1031