NPU reminder: Call Before You Dig

With Spring finally upon us, it’s time to start planning for personal and commercial construction projects.  Be sure to notify Call Before You Dig (CBYD) as part of your plans.

CBYD is a free service to anyone excavating near their home or business. This one-call notification system enables excavators, contractors or homeowners to obtain information on the location of underground utility pipes, wires and cables in the area of the proposed work site. This helps protect the person digging from harm and the utilities from damage.

Digging responsibly is very important. The impact of unsafe or careless digging practices is real and often costly in terms of personal injury and damage to underground utility lines, property and the environment. 

Anyone planning an outdoor project that requires digging with power or mechanized equipment must notify CBYD before they start digging – it’s the law. Additionally, anyone using hand tools for their project is encouraged to notify CBYD. Hand tools such as, axes, shovels, post hole diggers, etc. can easily damage underground utility pipes and cables as well as risk personal injury.

Examples of projects that would require notifying CBYD include installing decks, fences, trees, mailbox posts, swing sets, room additions, swimming pools, and patios.

When notifying CBYD, the person doing the digging is required to call with the location information.  Always make sure to contact CBYD at least two full working days, excluding weekends and holidays, in advance of when you plan to start digging.