Call 811 Before You Dig in Washington, Idaho, or Oregon
Did you know: Something as simple as planting shrubs, installing a fence, mailbox post, or sprinkler system can create a dangerous situation. State law requires you to call at least two business days before you start digging. Calling 811 will initiate a request for someone to visit your work site to mark the ground above utility lines. This way, you won't accidentally hit a line while you're digging.
What you need to know before you dig in Washington, Idaho and Oregon
Calling 811 will initiate a request for someone to visit your work site to mark the ground above utility lines.
Here's what else you need to know:
- Mark the dig area with white paint or stakes for the locator.
- Once located, don't move or alter the marks until the lines are exposed.
- Note the length of time markers remain valid. It varies by state.
- Only use hand tools to expose the utility line when digging within two feet of the marked area.
- Support exposed gas pipelines with secure nylon straps, wood shoring, and ropes so they don't break or rupture.
- Use sand or rock-free dirt as backfill.
- Property owners can call 811 before digging requesting private locates for any non-utility owned facilities (such as underground power or gas lines to an outbuilding).
- If you expose gas or electric lines that haven't been marked, or damage a line, stop excavating and call us immediately at (800) 227-9187. We need to inspect the lines even if gas isn't leaking.
- If you're building, never build decks or structures over our pipelines or meters. Doing so runs a safety risk, and prevents us from servicing the infrastructure. We may be able to relocate our equipment to accommodate your project, but you could be responsible for the associated costs. Call us at (800) 227-9187 to learn more.
Private Locates
What lines are considered Private Lines?
Avista typically owns and maintains lines up to the homes’ meter. Lines that extend beyond the main residence, like a garage, shop, out building etc., are owned by and the responsibility of the homeowner/landowner. For locations of underground privately-owned lines, residents must pay a private line locating service to do this work, beyond the free service mentioned before. See the diagram below.
How to find a locating service for privately-owned lines:
For an additional privately-owned location request for Washington and Oregon customers, go to http://www.callbeforeyoudig.org, choose your state and look under resources. Or, simply call 811 before digging and ask for a Private Locate and for a list of private locating companies in your area. In Idaho, see http://www.digline.com/homeowners/private-lines-public/ or call 811 and ask for a Private Locate and for a list of private locating companies in your area.
Know what's below
Use this color coded chart to keep track of what type of utility line might be on the property.
| Utility line color coding The color of the paint, stake or other marker indicates what's below: |
||
|
|
Proposed Excavation | |
|
|
Temporary Survey Markings | |
|
|
Electric | |
|
|
Gas / Oil | |
|
|
Communications / Cable TV | |
|
|
Water | |
|
|
Reclaimed Water | |
|
|
Sewer | |
Please review current dig laws for your state