In a recent meeting of the Lexington Technical Review Committee, the critical importance of contacting 811 before any digging project was underscored. Officials emphasized that whether for small home improvements or large-scale excavations, notifying 811 is not just a recommendation—it's a legal requirement in Kentucky.

The discussion highlighted the potential dangers of unreported digging, including the risk of damaging utility lines, which could lead to outages or even injuries. "You could cause an outage. You could get injured, which we certainly don't want," a committee member stated, stressing the need for caution. The consequences of hitting a water or gas line can be severe, not only causing inconvenience but also incurring significant costs.

To facilitate safe digging practices, the committee explained that 90% of notifications to 811 are now made online through kentucky811.org, making the process accessible and efficient. The law mandates that individuals must wait two full business days after making a request before starting any digging, allowing utility companies to mark their lines with a color-coded system. For instance, blue indicates water lines, while yellow signifies gas lines.

Additionally, the concept of a "tolerance zone" was introduced, which is a 24-inch area on either side of a marked utility line where mechanized equipment cannot be used. This zone is crucial for preventing accidental damage to underground utilities.

The meeting concluded with a strong reminder: "If you're digging, the law defines digging as moving the dirt with any tools or machinery. You're using a shovel, you could call it." The committee's proactive approach aims to enhance public safety and prevent costly accidents, urging all residents to prioritize communication with utility services before any digging begins.