Dominion Energy West Virginia reminds customers and the general public that West Virginia law requires property owners and contractors to call 8-1-1 — to have underground utility lines marked — at least two business days prior to ANY digging project. WV 811, also known as Miss Utility of West Virginia, Inc., operates the state’s one-call system. A vital resource for West Virginia residents and businesses alike, WV 811 acts as a communications link between Dominion Energy and other member utilities and individuals and companies planning any digging activity.
Under West Virginia law, individuals and excavators MUST contact WV 811, by calling 8-1-1, at least two business days, but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning ANY digging project.
Calling 8-1-1 connects the general public and contractors to WV 811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. This service is free of charge. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines and facilities with flags, spray paint or both.
“Calling before digging helps ensure safety and prevents accidental dig-ins and potential injuries, property damage and utility service disruptions,” notes Jim Eck, Vice President and General Manager, Ohio & West Virginia Distribution.
State law requires a call to 8-1-1 for every digging project, no matter how big or small. For your safety, careful hand digging is required within 18 inches of any line marking. Natural gas lines are typically installed around 36 inches in depth, but this depth easily can vary over time to much shallower or deeper depths as land improvements are made. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a deck, or planting a tree, are all examples of digging projects that require a call to 8-1-1 before starting.
Visit www.wv811.com for more information about the call-before-you-dig process. For additional natural gas safety information, visit www.dominionenergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig.