Whether you are landscaping, building a fence or a deck, or installing a pool, no project that involves digging is too small or insignificant. If you are planning to dig on your property for any reason, state law requires you to place a location request with Dig Safely New York at least two (2) full working days, but no more than 10 working days, before beginning your project, to ensure all underground utility lines are properly marked by their owners. Working days are defined as weekdays (Monday through Friday), excluding holidays. You can place a location request by calling 811 or by using our online Location Request program, Exactix.
Because the depth and placement of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, including erosion, previous digging projects, and uneven surfaces, making assumptions about where the utility lines are under your property can be extremely dangerous. Striking a single line can result in injury, significant repair costs, fines, and inconvenient outages for you and your neighbors.
If you do not plan to perform the excavation yourself, you do not need to contact Dig Safely New York; however, for your safety, you should verify your contractor has contacted Dig Safely New York.
Hired contractors or excavators are responsible for making the call because as the home/property owner, you may:
- Not know the full extent of the work
- Become involved in the liability if an accident occurs
- Not know the complete schedule of the work dates, which is important because utilities often supervise the excavation
- Not know the type of equipment being used or any special information regarding the site that may be pertinent
Additionally, utility owners may want to meet and consult with the excavator prior to the work commencing.
https://www.digsafelynewyork.com/
Homeowners: https://www.digsafelynewyork.com/homeowners
Site Marking (paint and flags) Standard Color Codes:
Red = Electric
Yellow = Gas/Oil/Steam
Orange = Communications/CATV
Blue = Water
Green = Sewer
Pink = Survey Markings
White = Proposed Excavation
Tolerance Zone
By law, each type of marking requires that you observe a certain Tolerance Zone.