COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—With the arrival of spring landscaping and construction season, Columbia Gas of Ohio is reminding residents and professional contractors that April is National Safe Digging Month.
Company officials are urging anyone planning an outdoor project—regardless of size—to contact 811 at least two business days before breaking ground to prevent damage to underground natural gas pipelines and other essential utilities.
The increase in spring projects, such as planting trees, installing fences, or building decks, brings a higher risk of striking buried lines. Such incidents can lead to serious injuries, service outages, and expensive repair costs.
“Our pipelines serve communities across Ohio every day, often unnoticed,” said Bob Heidorn, Columbia Gas of Ohio President and COO. “Contacting 811 before digging helps ensure those systems continue to operate safely while protecting families, neighbors and first responders.”
State law requires a request be made by calling 811 or visiting OUPS.org. This allows utility crews time to mark the location of underground lines with color-coded flags or spray paint. Officials noted that even shallow projects require a request, as soil erosion or previous landscaping can leave pipelines buried only a few inches below the surface.
If a natural gas line is damaged or a leak is suspected, residents are instructed to stop work immediately, leave the area, and call 911 and Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077 from a safe location.
Additional information on safe digging practices can be found at OUPS.org or ColumbiaGasOhio.com.