Contact 811 Before You Dig
Whether you're excavating, gardening or installing - contact 811 before breaking any ground. It's the law.
Gotta Dig? Gotta Contact 811!
Digging and excavation work are the most common causes of natural gas emergencies. Property owners and professional excavators should contact VA811 at least three business days before digging to have all underground utilities marked.
Professional locators will be dispatched to mark the approximate location of the underground utility lines with flags, paint, or both free of charge. Marking the lines helps protect the underground utility lines, your family, and your community.
Dig with C.A.R.E.
Virginia Natural Gas encourages property owners and contractors to follow these safe digging guidelines and always dig with C.A.R.E. (Contact, Allow, Respect, and Excavate)
Contact 811 before digging: Before beginning any digging project, contact 811 at least three business days in advance to request to have underground utility lines marked. Professional locators will mark all underground utility lines for FREE.
Allow time needed to mark: After contacting 811, wait for underground utility lines to be marked before digging. Locators will mark the approximate location of the underground utility lines with specific colors depending on the utility. The color used for natural gas is yellow.
Respect marks:
Once lines are marked, use only hand-held digging tools in the area around the markings. If you are within 24 inches of a marked utility line, dig by hand. This will help prevent any damage to underground utility lines.
Excavate carefully:
Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If markings are damaged or removed, contact 811 to have the lines marked again.
What Safe Diggers Should Know
Smell Gas? Act Fast!
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless fuel. As a safety precaution, we add a chemical odorant called mercaptan that gives natural gas an odor often associated with rotten eggs. If a natural gas line is accidentally damaged or you smell the distinctive smell, call 911 and the Virginia Natural Gas 24-hour hotline at 877.572.3342 from a safe location. Do not operate any machinery or equipment that could cause a spark.
What is a Cross Bore?
A cross bore occurs when a new underground utility line intersects with an existing one. This intersection can compromise the integrity of the lines. Being aware of cross bores supports safe digging and safe sewer maintenance. If you’re planning a digging project or dealing with a sewer issue, keep these points in mind:
- Verify utility records (or contact 811 to have your lines marked) to understand what underground lines may be nearby.
- Confirm access points such as cleanouts before any work begins.
- Follow safe digging practices to avoid damaging utilities during investigation.
Know Your Flags
Proposed Excavation
Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
Potable Water
Reclaimer Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
Temporary Survey Markings
Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables
Sewer and Drain Lines
Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
Safety Activities for Kids
Hi, kids! I’m Sniffy. As a skunk, I’m an expert in stinky odors—like the “rotten egg” smell that’s added to natural gas. That yucky smell lets you know if there’s a possible natural gas leak.
Teach your whole family about what to do if they smell the rotten egg odor of natural gas. Everyone should know what to do if they think they smell a possible natural gas leak at home, school, at the mall—anywhere! Leave! Then call 877.572.3342 or 911 for help.
Additional Links & Partners
Check out these links for additional information about safe digging:
VA811
Starting a project? Contact Virginia 811 before you start your project. Allow required time for marking. Respect and protect the marks. Excavate carefully.
AGA
The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, represents more than 200 local energy companies.
CGA
The Common Ground Alliance is dedicated to preventing damage to underground utility infrastructure and protecting those who live and work near these important assets through the shared responsibility of our stakeholders.
