The Shadow
Dear Editor,
National 811 Day is Tuesday, Aug. 11. It’s a good time to remind everyone that following safe digging practices is a shared responsibility and people in Virginia play a critically important role in the process.
As a member of the Virginia 811 board, I am very passionate about spreading the word and reinforcing the fact that safe digging begins well before the first shovel touches the ground.
Whether you’re planting a tree, putting up a fence, building a deck or starting other outdoor projects, contacting 811 at least three business days before you dig helps avoid injuries, service outages and expensive repairs.
Many essential services we use daily, including natural gas, electricity, water and communications, are delivered through underground utility lines. Accidentally hitting these lines can pose serious safety risks and cause disruptions to homes and businesses. Even small projects can endanger underground infrastructure.
At Columbia Gas of Virginia, safety is foundational to everything we do. That’s why we encourage homeowners and contractors to make safe digging a year-round priority by contacting 811 before every digging project.
Here’s how the process works. Contacting 811, either by calling 811 or submitting a request online at www.VA811.com, at least three business days before digging prompts a visit from a professional utility locator who will mark underground lines with flags, paint or both. This shows you where you can and can’t dig. It’s a simple step to take, it’s free and it’s available statewide.
While observations like National 811 Day raise awareness of safe digging, the importance of contacting 811 extends far beyond a single day or month. The message is simple and applies year-round: contact 811 before every dig, every time.
For more information, visit www.columbiavagas.com or www.VA811.com.
Aaron Boeke is the Vice President of Gas Operations for Columbia Gas of Virginia.
Aaron Boeke
