A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.
This is a non-binding Senate resolution acknowledging and supporting National Safe Digging Month. It emphasizes the risk to underground utility infrastructure (such as pipelines, electric and gas lines, telecom, water, sewer, and cable) when digging occurs without locating those lines first. The resolution highlights the 811 “Call Before You Dig” program, established by federal law, which directs homeowners and excavators to contact a local “One Call” center to learn the approximate location of underground utilities before digging. It cites data showing that not notifying 811 is a leading cause of utility damage and urges widespread education and awareness among homeowners, excavators, and damage-prevention stakeholders to mark buried utilities before digging. While aspirational in tone, the resolution does not create new legal requirements or funding; rather, it reinforces existing protections and public safety messaging.
Key Points
- 1The resolution designates April as National Safe Digging Month and supports its goals and ideals, focusing on preventing damage to underground utility infrastructure.
- 2It reiterates that many utilities are buried shallowly and can be struck easily, leading to service interruptions, environmental harm, injuries, or death.
- 3It reinforces the established 811 “One Call” program (Call Before You Dig), including its recognition by law and its nationwide toll-free number, to obtain information on buried utilities before digging.
- 4It references data from the Common Ground Alliance and the Damage Information Reporting Tool showing that no-notification to 811 is a top root cause of damage, and identifies landscaping as a common activity associated with such damages.
- 5It calls on homeowners, excavators, and damage-prevention stakeholders to educate the public about contacting 811 and to ensure the utility locations are marked with paint or flags prior to digging.