Submitted photo From left, Jason Porter, GOWV; Rich Swiger, President of WV811; Brandon Hahn, Director, WV Damage Prevention Board; Mary Friend, Gas Pipeline Safety Director, PSC; Jerry Poage, Executive Director, WV811; Morgan O’Brien, President/CEO, Hope Gas; and Jonell Carver, COO, Hope Gas.
CHARLESTON — April is the month when people shake off winter doldrums, get ready to cut the grass again, and foray into outdoor construction jobs. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia reminds you that April is Safe Digging Month. Before you dig, call WV 811. Metal Cutting Scissors
Gov. Jim Justice declared April is Safe Digging Month in West Virginia at the request of the PSC. Early this month, that proclamation was presented to officials of WV811 by Mary Friend, director of the PSC’s Gas Pipeline Safety Division.
The presentation to Jerry Poage, executive director of WV811, and Rich Swiger, the organization’s president, came at the third annual Damage Prevention Seminar, hosted by the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia. Friend spoke at the seminar.
Safe Digging Month reminds all, from professional excavators to backyard gardeners, you are legally required to call 811 before you start to dig. Call two days, excluding weekends and holidays, before you start your project. The 811 team will notify utility companies, which will send locators to your site. They will mark the locations of underground facilities with flags, stakes, or paint. Once the buried facilities have been marked, you or your contractor can dig.
The depth and location of utility lines can move over time as the ground freezes and thaws, as tree roots grow, or after a large amount of rain. So, even if you have had an area marked previously, you still need to call 811 before you dig. Striking a natural gas pipeline, a wire, or a cable can result in utility service outages, which can leave you liable for costly repairs or significant legal fines. A line strike also can cause serious injury or death.
“Everyone needs to be aware of the importance of calling 811 before they dig,” PSC Chairman Charlotte R. Lane said. “Whether you are a homeowner or a professional contractor, always call 811 before you begin to dig. It is required by law, and the 811 call is free. This protects you, your property, and our underground utility infrastructure.”
For more information about West Virginia 811, visit www.wv811.com or www.psc.state.wv.us and click on the 811 link.
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Datebook is reserved for nonprofit, civic organizations. Unless otherwise noted, events listed ...
ELKINS — The Personnel Committee, the Rules & Ordinances Committee, the Elkins Tree Board, the Police Civil ...
ELKINS — The following property transfers were recorded in the Randolph County Clerk’s office: Kevin P. ...
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Datebook is reserved for nonprofit, civic organizations. Unless otherwise noted, events listed ...
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Psc Cutting Tool Copyright © The Intermountain | https://www.theintermountain.com | 520 Railroad Ave., Elkins, WV 26241 | 304-636-2121