CALL BEFORE YOU DIG - 811
You might be surprised how much is going on underground. Gas, electric and other utility lines are just about everywhere. So for your own protection, state law requires you to call at least two working days before you start digging – whether you’re roto-tilling in your backyard or undertaking some serious excavation work.
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You have a legal and financial responsibility for damage to utility lines so let’s work together and keep things safe.
NOTICE
If you expose electric lines that haven’t been marked, or damage a line, stop excavating and call Inland Power immediately at 1-877-668-8243.
White: Proposed Excavation
Pre-marking of the outer limits of the proposed excavation or marking the centerline and width of proposed lineal installations of buried facilities.
Pink: Temp Survey Markings
Temporary survey markings
Red: Proposed Excavation
Electric power lines, cables or conduit and lighting cables
Yellow: Gas - Oil - Steam
Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other hazardous liquid or gaseous materials.
Orange: Communication CATV
Communications, Cable TV, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduits.
Blue: Water
Water, irrigation and slurry lines
Purple: Reclaimed Water
Slurry and reclaimed
Green: Sewer
Sewers, drainage facilities or other drain lines.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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To assist locaters, you should mark the dig area with white paint or stakes.
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If you are a homeowner hiring an excavator, the excavator is required to request the locates.
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Don’t move or alter the marks until the facilities are exposed.
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Once locates have been marked, the length of time they are good for varies by state. 811 will provide detailed information for your state.
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When digging within two feet of the marked area, only use small hand tools such as a garden trowel to carefully expose the utility line. Keep in mind that utility installation is not the same for all utilities and requirements have changed through the years. Not all utilities are installed with protective casings and can be vulnerable to damage by tools as simple as a shovel. Always proceed with caution when digging around utility lines.
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Exposed gas pipelines need to be properly supported and protected from damage so they don’t break or rupture. You can use secure nylon straps, wood shoring, rope or other means that don’t harm the pipes.
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You’ll need to use acceptable backfill material and proper compaction to avoid damage to the pipes. Since sharp rocks or gravel can damage the pipes, you should use sand or rock-free dirt.
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If you expose electric lines that haven’t been marked, or damage a line, stop excavating and call Inland Power immediately at 1-877-668-8243.
Property owners are responsible for locating any non-utility facilities (such as sprinkler systems). Contact 811 for a list of private locators that will provide this service for a fee.
WHEN TO CALL
Call the national 811 Call Before You Dig number or visit one of the websites listed below two working days before you dig or excavate for the location of underground gas and electric lines. There will also be other utilities locating their facilities such as telephone, cable, etc.
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Whichever method you choose initiates a request for someone to visit your work site — within two working days — to mark the ground above utility lines, including our gas and electric facilities. That way, you won’t inadvertently hit a line while you’re digging.
RESOURCE WEBSITES
WASHINGTON - ALL COUNTIES
800-424-5555
IDAHO - BENEWAH COUNTY
800-398-3285
IDAHO - BONNER COUNTY
800-626-4950
IDAHO - KOOTENAI COUNTY
800-428-4950