By Daily Press staff
Summertime not only means weekends at the beach, swimming in the pool and early evening strolls. It is also the season when many homeowners embark on that long-awaited home improvement project.
Those with the know-how and desire are anxious to take advantage of the ideal weather conditions to finally landscape their yard, install a new sprinkler system or build that deck. These endeavors can prove dangerous, however, if one inadvertently strikes one of the myriad of underground cables, wires and lines that could cause an interruption in service or, in some cases, injury or even death.
According to Ron Olitsky, president of Underground Service Alert (USA), most hazardous “dig-ins” — unintentional damage incurred during excavation projects — can be avoided simply by calling the toll-free DigAlert number (800) 227- 2600 at least two working days prior to beginning any major digging project.
Upon calling DigAlert, USA personnel research the site of excavation and notifies the owners of underground services (e.g. public utility companies, cable TV operators, city personnel, etc.) to mark the areas that should be avoided. With those areas clearly defined, homeowners then can avoid striking any of those underground structures and complete their projects safely. Licensed contractors and excavators who knowingly and willfully fail to comply with California’s requirements to call DigAlert can face a fine of up to $50,000 and be obligated to pay for the repair of damaged underground facilities.
For more information about USA, call (909) 808-8100. To notify USA before digging, call toll-free (800) 227-2600.
A non-profit mutual-benefit organization, USA was formed in 1976 by a group of representatives from several California public utilities dedicated to ensuring the safety of the public and workers excavating near underground utility lines.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 17, 2002. Read the original PDF.