Bill PaySC811 – Call Before You Dig
Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines, which can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, cause bodily harm, and potentially result in fines and repair costs.
If it requires a shovel… it requires a call to SC811
Every digging job, even small projects like planting trees and shrubs, requires a call to locate utility lines. Submitting a locate request is a FREE service, and it’s the law.
5 Steps to Safe Digging
- Request a locate. Go online to SC811 or call 811 to start your (free) request.
- Wait the required amount of time. For normal notice tickets, you must wait three (3) full business days, not including the day you requested your locate.
- Check positive response (call 811 or 888-721-7877) to ensure that all the lines at your dig site have been marked.
- Respect the marks. Keep your marks in tact and call for a re-mark if the marks are destroyed by weather or other construction related activity.
- Dig carefully around buried utilities.
HOW IT WORKS:
SC811 takes calls M-F | 7:30am to 5:30pm, excluding holidays, and is open 24/7 for emergencies. Once the request has been made, SC811 notifies the member facility operators who are responsible for having the lines located. Allow 3 FULL WORKING DAYS (not including the day of the call) before starting the proposed work. Once lines have been marked, dig carefully allowing a 24-inch tolerance zone on either side of the markings. Always hand-dig to expose facilities in the tolerance zone. Your request is good for 10 working days after it has been processed.
EXCAVATORS & CONTRACTORS
Excavation equipment is one of the leading causes of damage to pipelines each year. Hitting a pipeline can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. Whether you’re working with a shovel or a 4-ton backhoe, you must make damage prevention your number one priority.
Call 811 before you dig—it’s your responsibility and it’s the LAW!
TO MAKE A REQUEST:
Because of our proximity to North Carolina, if you are calling from a mobile phone in York County, or have a North Carolina phone number use the toll free number 1 (888) 721-7877 to be sure you reach SC811 and not NC811.
For more information visit SC811.com
WHAT DO THE COLORS MEAN?
Locators use uniform color codes to mark underground facilities. Each color used represents a different type of utility.
Member utilities only mark the lines they install and maintain, which does not include privately owned lines. Private lines may include gas lines for a grill or pool heater, water and sewer services that a plumber installed, electric lines that connects to a detached garage/workshop, sprinkler systems, pet fencing, etc.
SURVEY MARKING GUIDE
Electric
Phone / Cable
Natural Gas
Proposed Excavation
Sewer / Drainage
Portable Water
Temporary Survey Markings
Reclaimed Water
Private Utility Lines
SC811 member utilities only mark the lines they install and maintain. Private lines are not marked.
Private lines may be run to outdoor grills, garages, sheds, lights, pool heaters and other outdoor structures. These lines, which are not installed by the utility, will not be marked by an 811 locator.
Allow 3 full working days excluding weekends and holidays, for the locators to mark the area. Once the lines are marked you are ready to dig. Use the color chart above to know which lines have been located. Give a 2 ½ ft allowance on either side of the marked lines and hand dig only in this area. Your request is good for 10 working days.
Underground natural gas pipelines are sometimes identified by markers placed at intervals along pipeline rights-of-way. While the markers are very helpful for indicating the presence of pipelines in the area, they don’t show the exact location, depth, or how many pipelines are in the right-of-way. Don’t rely solely on the presence or absence of a pipeline marker. Markers may not be installed along local distribution lines and local distribution line right-of-ways. You must call 811 before beginning any excavation projects to have all underground utility lines located.
Numbers To Know
Chester County Natural Gas Authority
Non-Emergency Phone Line
Phone: (803) 385-3157
Website: chestergas.com
Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority
Non-Emergency Phone Line
Phone: (803) 285-2045
Website: lcngasc.com
Numbers To Know
Notify us IMMEDIATELY about
Damage or Leaks
Even when pipes are properly marked, accidents can happen. If you accidentally nick or scrape a pipe, damage or cut the wire or marker tape buried near the pipe, or even see minor damage to a pipe – call us at (866) 201-1001 so we can come out and inspect the area for potential damage. Do NOT cover a pipeline that may have damage. Gas can leak and migrate into homes and buildings endangering the safety of others.
If you suspect a gas leak or contact
with a natural gas pipe
- STOP all work
- Leave the premises immediately and instruct others to stay away
- Contact YCNGA at (866) 201-1001
- Call 911
- Do not operate any equipment
- Eliminate any source of ignition
- Do not operate any pipeline equipment or valves
Be Aware of Work Conditions
During the excavation process, be alert to any of the following conditions that may signal a natural gas leak:
- Hissing sounds
- Natural gas odor
- Blowing dirt
- Bubbling water
- Hissing sounds
- Natural gas odor
- Blowing dirt
- Bubbling water
