AskChesapeake

Underground pipelines are often overlooked when planning improvement projects that involve digging, plowing or excavating. Excavation damage presents the most common threat to underground infrastructure in the pipeline industry. Improper excavation can result in serious risk to life, property and the environment. Using proper notifications and safe excavation practices can significantly reduce these risks to buried pipelines, electric wires, water lines and TV and communication cables.

Anyone from a contractor to a homeowner runs the risk of striking a pipeline or other underground utility if he or she does not follow safe digging practices. Prior to any project, contact your state one-call center by calling 811, which is a free national service that notifies member operators of pipelines and other underground facilities to mark the locations of these lines 48 hours prior to your excavation. Chesapeake participates in the one-call system in every state where we operate. Before you dig, call 811, wait for providers to locate buried facilities in the area and dig safely.​