A contractor plants a tree after calling 811 for a markout.
MAYS LANDING - Atlantic City Electric is joining New Jersey One Call to remind residents, businesses and contractors that safe digging must remain a priority to prevent damage to critical underground energy services and keep communities safe.
Anyone planning to take on a spring do it yourself project that involves digging must call 811 at least three business days before beginning to learn the approximate location of underground utility equipment.
Beyond fines and costs for repairing damage to underground utility lines, taking the right steps before digging will help avoid accidental damage to underground lines that could disrupt services to surrounding neighbors, but more importantly prevent potential injury from striking an underground electric, natural gas or other utility line.
Recent statistics show that one out of every three incidents are caused by someone who did not contact 811 before digging. A recent survey also states 37% of homeowners who are planning digging projects, do not plan to call 811 beforehand, putting themselves and their communities at risk.
In 2021 alone, Atlantic City Electric was called to nearly 100 incidents where damage was caused to underground electric lines due to unsafe digging practices.
Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground equipment can result in costly repairs when gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines are damaged. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811.
Landscaping, planting trees and shrubs, installing a fence or mailbox, and building a deck, pond or patio, are all examples of digging projects where a call to 811 must be one of the first steps.
Atlantic City Electric has approximately 2,900 miles of underground electric lines. Aside from Atlantic City Electric's lines, there are numerous underground communications cables, water and sewer lines, and other utilities. Properly locating underground lines is essential to safely completing any digging job.
Residents and businesses should take the following steps if planning a digging project this spring:
