Missouri PSC Reminds Residents to Call 811 Before Starting Spring Digging Projects

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - As spring projects get underway across Missouri, the Missouri Public Service Commission is urging residents and businesses to take safety precautions before digging.

PSC officials say underground utility lines are damaged every year when people begin digging without first having those lines marked. That can create dangerous situations, interrupt service, and lead to expensive repairs.

Missouri Public Service Commission Commissioner John Mitchell says hitting an underground line can cause serious injury and may also result in fines. He is reminding Missourians that state law requires anyone planning to dig to contact 811 in advance.

Whether it is a landscaping project, fence installation, or a larger construction job, residents are asked to call 811, call 1-800-DIG-RITE, or submit a locate request online at MissouriOneCall.com at least three working days before digging begins.

Once the request is made, the Missouri One Call Center notifies utility providers in the area. Those utility companies then mark the approximate location of underground facilities, ask for more information if needed, or let the property owner know that no underground lines are present in the planned digging area.

The Missouri Public Service Commission says taking that extra step can help prevent injuries, avoid service outages, and keep projects moving safely.