811 Day is Approaching!

Published August 2, 2021

811 Day Event

Connecticut-statewide information (August 2, 2021) — With August 11th almost here, Call Before You Dig, Inc. in Hamden, Connecticut hopes the date 8/11 will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 prior to any digging project so underground utility lines can be marked and accidental strikes avoided.

Call Before You Dig (CBYD) is a non-profit organization comprised of all public utility companies and municipalities within Connecticut. CBYD is a free service that connects homeowners and professional excavators to underground facility locating services by dialing 811. Calling before you dig is the law in Connecticut.

August 11 (8/11) is a natural reminder to call 811 before digging.

With many residents still working from home, more DIY projects are underway this summer. Even small excavation work can result in damage to vital underground utility lines. Digging without knowing what lies below the surface risks property damage, service disruption, injury, or worse.

Anthony R. Willemain, Call Before You Dig Center Manager, stated: “If you are digging with power or mechanized equipment, it is the law to ‘Call Before You Dig.’ Even if you are excavating by hand, it is smart and safe to call first. Notify CBYD two working days in advance so buried utility pipes and cable lines can be located and marked. Visit www.CBYD.com or dial 811 to avoid digging accidents.”

When calling 811—the federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number—or submitting an e-ticket through cbyd.com, homeowners are connected to the local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are then dispatched to mark underground lines with flags or paint. CBYD requires notification at least two full working days before the planned start date.

CBYD’s mission is to “Provide communication and education to improve safety when excavating.” Projects requiring a call or e-ticket include installing pools, decks, mailboxes, landscaping, and planting trees. Digging even a few inches can pose serious risks. Striking a single line may result in injury, costly repairs, fines, or service outages. Every digging project— no matter how big or small—warrants a call to 811. Smart, safe digging is no accident.

CBYD.com provides user-friendly tools including:

  • Damage Access – online damage reporting
  • Positive Response – locate request status and documentation
  • Education Access – free online excavation safety training

The Education Access course is self-paced and convenient. After successfully completing the course and exam, participants receive a certificate and a complimentary t-shirt.

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) provides governmental oversight of the CBYD program. PURA investigates violations, conducts hearings, and may issue fines. The latest posted report shows fines paid in 2020 totaling over $250,000. More information is available at: PURA CBYD Monitoring & Enforcement .

Compliance with this law protects people, property, and excavators from injury, fines, and legal exposure. We all share responsibility for safety. It’s free. It’s the law. And it’s better to be safe than sorry.

For more information about the 811 process, visit www.CBYD.com.