Before You Turn a Shovel, Make a Call

No matter how minimal a project may seem, contractors who plan to dig or excavate are required to call 8-1-1 and coordinate at least two days beforehand with either the Underground Service Alert of Northern California (known as USA North) or Underground Service Alert of Southern California (aka DigAlert).

Here is the notification checklist:

• Make the 8-1-1 call at least two working days, but not more than 14 days, before your project. You are not allowed to dig during that time. Notification is required regardless of whether the project is taking place on public, private or commercial property.
• You will be given a ticket number that references your dig information. Each contractor must have his or her own number. Sharing of a ticket between contractors on a single job is not allowed. Tickets are valid for up to 28 days after they're issued.
• Once the call is made, accurately outline your excavation area. Utility company representatives will visit within two working days either to mark or stake the horizontal path of their underground facilities, provide information about the location, or advise that there are no lines in conflict with your project.
• If you accidentally strike a line, you must notify the affected utility, even if there is no visible damage; internal harm may have occurred that can lead to future problems.

USA North (www.usanorth.org) covers Northern and Central California. DigAlert, in Southern California, can be contacted at www.digalert.org.