With warmer weather arriving—finally—Unitil is reminding homeowners that they are required to call DigSafe before they start their spring lawn care projects that require digging.
Dig Safe notifies the utilities, so they can mark the location of underground gas, phone, cable or electric lines before a homeowner or a contractor begins digging.
“Once the warmer weather arrives, it is important for contractors and homeowners to remember that they must notify Dig Safe before they move any earth on public or private property,” said Unitil’s Gas Operations Manager Dan Golden.
Any movement or removal of earth, rock or material is considered excavation under Massachusetts law. There are some exceptions to the law, such as tilling soil for agricultural purposes or using hand tools for gardening.
Homeowners and contractors need to call Dig Safe at 811 or 888-344-7233, at least 72 business hours in advance, and mark the location they plan to dig with white markers or paint. The local utility companies will mark where their lines are located.
The one exception is that municipalities are not required to protect water, sewer or drainage lines through Dig Safe, so homeowners need to contact city- or town-provided utilities directly.
There is no cost to homeowners or contractors for using Dig Safe. For more information, visit www.digsafe.com.
