(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is joining state and national partners in recognizing April as Safe Digging Month as spring construction and outdoor projects increase across Pennsylvania. The PUC is reminding contractors, homeowners and utility operators to follow essential safety steps before any excavation work begins. According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday, here is some more information about Safe Digging Month along with tips the PUC recommends that are related to it:
What’s at Stake – Growing Activity Brings Greater Responsibility
Each year, the PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) reviews hundreds of cases involving damage to underground utilities – incidents that can disrupt essential services, create safety hazards, and result in significant costs.
Recent trends in Pennsylvania highlight ongoing challenges across the system, including:
· Facility owners responding late – or not at all – to locate requests;
· Failure to properly identify and mark underground lines within required tolerance zones;
· Excavators not exercising due care when working near marked facilities;
· Misuse of emergency tickets, which are intended for situations involving immediate danger to life, property or the environment.
At the same time, overall excavation activity continues to increase, with higher volumes of locate requests, larger and more complex projects, and tighter timelines placing added pressure on both excavators and facility owners.
National data from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) continues to show that the leading causes of damage remain:
· Failure to contact 8-1-1 before digging;
· Improper excavation practices;
· Inaccurate or unverified utility markings.
Telecommunications and landscaping projects remain among the most common sources of damage, both in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Reauthorization of PA One Call Law – Act 127 of 2024
Pennsylvania reinforced its commitment to underground utility safety with the passage of Act 127 of 2024, which reauthorized and strengthened the state’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law.
Key updates include:
· Mandatory reporting: All stakeholders must submit Alleged Violation Reports (AVRs), with no exemptions;
· Stricter timelines: Facility owners must respond promptly to locate requests and all stakeholders adhere to AVR deadlines;
· Increased accountability: Repeat violations and failure to comply with penalties or training requirements may result in daily fines;
· Extended review period: The DPC now has 270 days to evaluate and act on new cases.
These updates are designed to improve consistency, accountability, and communication across all participants in the excavation process.
What You Can Do – Safe Digging Starts With a Call
To reduce risks and prevent accidents, the PUC encourages anyone planning to dig this spring to follow these key steps:
· Always contact 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging;
· Wait for utilities to mark underground lines at no cost;
· Confirm that all lines have been marked before starting work;
· Respect markings and use caution when digging near utilities;
· Ensure contractors place their own 8-1-1 requests, as required by law;
· Plan ahead – especially for larger projects – and allow adequate time for accurate markings.
For more information, visit www.pa811.org by clicking here or call 8-1-1. Out-of-state callers may dial 1-800-242-1776 to reach the Pennsylvania One Call system.
