DPU Joins Dig Safe Awareness National Campaign

• Department of Public Utilities

BOSTON- Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) join other New England states and utility companies around the country to highlight April as Dig Safe Awareness Month. The public awareness campaign, spearheaded by the nonprofit Dig Safe, Inc., reminds excavators, contractors, and residents to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects. 811 is the line for Dig Safe, an organization that notifies gas, electric, telephone, and cable companies about any intended digging project to ensure underground lines and pipes are not tampered with. At no cost to the excavator, professional locators visit the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground utility lines with flags, spray paint, or both.

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll recently signed a proclamation announcing Dig Safe Awareness month across Massachusetts, joining with other states and utility companies around the country to remind excavators, contractors, and residents to be vigilant of utility lines when digging and call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects. The proclamation is just one of the many ways the state is promoting awareness of the free service that Dig Safe, Inc. provides. Road signs along Route 93, promoting trainings for first time offenders, emailing reminders to contractors, and a digital toolkit to promote Dig Safe on social media are ways in which the DPU is alerting the public to call 811 before digging.

State law requires calling 811 at least three days before digging is to start. Accidentally striking an underground utility line can result in serious personal injury, property damage, and costly service disruptions for many. Additionally, failure to follow the provisions of the law and regulations can result in fines.

"Utility accidents from damaged underground lines and pipes are both dangerous and costly," said Chair James Van Nostrand. "Calling 811 is the best way to ensure a line won't be hit when starting a new home project this year."

"Call 811: complying with the dig safe law is critical to preventing accidents, injury, and damage," said Commissioner Cecile Fraser. "No one wants to disrupt utility services or worse, become seriously injured when tackling an outdoor project. Calling 811 ensures safety for all."

"Exercising caution by calling 811 keeps workers safe and prevents unnecessary costs for ratepayers," said Commissioner Staci Rubin. "The spray paint markings promote safe digging practices."

Excavations are the leading cause of damage to underground utility infrastructure. In 2023, the Department investigated 1,421 excavation-related incidents involving possible violations. s to utility infrastructure in Massachusetts. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Examples of digging projects that require a call to 811 include:

• Installing a mailbox or fence;
• Building a deck;
• Installing a pool or basketball hoop; and,
• Planting trees and shrubs.

For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, please visit https://www.mass.gov/dig-safe or www.digsafe.com.

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• Department of Public Utilities

  The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) oversees investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. In addition, the DPU regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, and transportation network companies. We also oversee the safety of natural gas pipelines.

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