FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Aug. 4, 2023 – It is an activity on the rise in summer months that many homeowners and businesses do, but they are unknowingly putting themselves and others in a dangerous situation. Digging without locates could result in costly fines, damage to property or result in harm to yourself and others.

That is why Black Hills Energy is working with communities to recognize August 11, which is National 811 Day – a good reminder for Arkansans to call 811 at least two business days prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Summer months are heightened times for working outside and hit lines, making it incredibly important for everyone to focus on being safe.

“Our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers, employees and the communities we serve. That includes safe digging any time of year,” said Joey Msall, PE, general manager of Arkansas operations at Black Hills Energy, who also serves on the Arkansas 811 Board of Directors. “On August 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line. As we continue to rely on important utilities to keep us connected and safe, calling 811 or visiting Arkansas 811.com is really the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area so that you can dig safely.”

Black Hills Energy has five steps to avoid hidden risks:

1. No matter how large or small the project, call 811 or submit a ticket at Arkansas811.com at least two full business days in advance of when you plan to dig to have utility lines marked.
2. Using white spray paint, stakes or flags, mark around your planned excavation site. This helps the utility locator understand your plans and reduces the chance for project delays if the locator must return to locate additional areas.
3. At no charge to you, utility locators will respond within two business days to mark the approximate location of buried utility lines at your site with color-coded paint or flags.
4. Respect the marked utility lines by using a shovel as opposed to heavy equipment to carefully dig within the tolerance zone of 18 inches or greater depending on the pipe size. Just a nick can create a weak spot that may develop into a gas leak, cause an electrical or internet outage or result in injury.
5. If you do not dig within 10 business days of having utility lines marked, contact Arkansas 811 again. Line locators will return to remark the lines within two days at no charge.

When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to Arkansas 811, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Installing a mailbox, building a deck or planting a tree are examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting. Requests can also be made at Arkansas811.com at no cost to you. Professional utility locators will arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with flags, spray paint or both.

Every few minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first contacting 811. Failure to comply with “Call Before You Dig” laws can result in injury or death, widespread utility service outages, repair costs and fines. More information about Arkansas Act 309 of 2023 is available at Arkansas811.com.

For every digging project, no matter how large or small, call or click 811 – it’s free, safe and the law. Visit blackhillsenergy.com/811 to learn more about 811 and safe digging practices.