PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania One Call System, more commonly known as Pennsylvania 811, recently celebrated a significant achievement – its one millionth dig notification of the year was received on Monday, December 18, at 1:41 pm. This milestone is particularly meaningful given the surge of infrastructure upgrades and home projects taking place across the state.
Despite the excitement around reaching this landmark, the organization is already looking ahead. CEO and President of Pennsylvania One Call System, Mr. Kiger, urges an increase in notifications for 2024. He encourages everyone involved in excavation – including homeowners – to focus on three key areas: consistent use of Pennsylvania 811, adherence to best excavator practices, and timely, precise locates of utilities.
According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, the annual rate of damages to buried infrastructure in the U.S. has remained largely unchanged over the last decade. These damages cost an estimated $30 billion each year. Each of the numerous dig-ins to underground utilities that occur annually can potentially disrupt communities and businesses, cutting them off from vital services, and in some cases, even result in injury or loss of life.
Kiger emphasizes the importance of safety when planning to dig. “Digging without knowing the exact location of underground utilities poses serious risks,” he says. “It can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, not to mention service disruptions and costly repairs. Hitting underground gas, electric, communications, water, or sewer lines can have a significant impact on communities and businesses.”
For both professional contractors and homeowners, Kiger underscores the necessity of providing the required three business day notice before digging.
In addition to using Pennsylvania 811, those undertaking complex projects are also urged to utilize Coordinate PA, a component of Pennsylvania 811’s operating system designed to assist project owners and excavators. Complex projects are defined as those that are lengthy in duration, have a significant impact on the community, are large in size, or have a complicated work site.
In 2023, Pennsylvania 811 witnessed another achievement with over 25,000 projects entered into Coordinate PA, marking a 211% increase from the previous year. The organization also participated in numerous preconstruction meetings throughout the state and encourages all stakeholders to join one of the 32 active Utility Coordinating Committees, which meet regularly to discuss upcoming projects.
As Pennsylvania 811 continues its essential role in fostering collaboration and communication among stakeholders, it reiterates the importance of safety in every dig, every time. While it might be tempting to bypass the 811 process, the potential risk to lives makes it a step that should never be overlooked.
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