Call 811 Before Digging This Spring

Dear Town of Ausable Residents,

As spring brings warmer weather and the urge to tackle outdoor projects, we want to share an important safety reminder from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). April is National Safe Digging Month, and NYSEG is urging all homeowners and contractors in our community to prioritize safety by calling 811 before starting any digging or excavation project.

Why Calling 811 Matters

Whether you’re planting a garden, installing a fence, or working on a larger construction project, digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can be dangerous. Unmarked gas, electric, water, sewer, or telecommunication lines can lead to serious injuries, costly repairs, and service interruptions. In the Town of Ausable, where our rural charm often means utilities are closer to the surface than you might expect, this step is especially critical.

Jason Marsh, NYSEG’s Supervisor of Damage Prevention, emphasizes, “Everyone needs to do their part to keep our communities safe and that starts with a simple fast and free service to have buried utilities marked.” By calling 811 or visiting UDigNY.org at least two working days before digging, you ensure that public utilities are marked, reducing the risk of accidents.

Steps for a Safer Project

NYSEG provides the following tips to ensure your digging project is safe:

• Plan Ahead: Include utility marking in your project timeline.
• Mark Your Area: Use white paint to outline your digging area.
• Call 811: Contact UDig NY at 811 or via UDigNY.org to request utility marking.
• Verify Markings: Ensure all utilities listed on your UDig NY ticket are marked or cleared before starting.
• Locate Private Utilities: Be aware that privately owned utilities (like your own gas, electric, or water lines) are your responsibility to locate.
• Maintain Markings: Keep utility markings visible throughout your project.
• Hand Dig Near Utilities: Use hand tools near marked utilities to avoid damage.
• Protect Utilities: Provide support for underground facilities during your work.
• Report Damage Immediately: If you damage or disturb underground facilities, call 911 and notify NYSEG at 800.572.1121 (for gas or electric emergencies) or RG&E at 800.743.1702 (gas) or 800.743.1701 (electric). They’ll respond quickly to ensure safety and make repairs.
• Backfill Properly: Use suitable material to backfill around utilities.

Know the Law

New York State’s Code 753 requires that underground facilities be protected. This regulation applies to both professional contractors and homeowners. Skipping this step isn’t just risky—it’s against the law. Let’s keep Ausable safe by making Dig Safe conversations a standard part of every project.

A Community Commitment

As we enjoy the beauty of our hamlets like Keeseville, let’s commit to keeping our community safe. Whether you’re a homeowner sprucing up your yard or a contractor working on a larger project, calling 811 is a free, easy, and essential step. For more information, visit UDigNY.org or call 811.

Thank you for doing your part to protect our town and its residents.

Sincerely,
-Tim

Source: NYSEG and RG&E News Release, April 16, 2025