PUC Marks April as Safe Digging Month

PUC Marks April as Safe Digging Month

Published on 4/16/2026

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Water and Wastewater

As Seasonal Excavation Work Grows, PUC Emphasizes Planning, Communication, and Shared Responsibility to Prevent Utility Damage

HARRISBURG - As spring construction and outdoor projects increase across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is joining state and national partners in recognizing April as Safe Digging Month, reminding homeowners, contractors, and utility operators to follow essential safety steps before any excavation work begins.

"Safe digging starts with a simple step - contacting 8-1-1 before you begin - but it doesn't end there," said PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. "As activity across Pennsylvania continues to grow, so does the demand on the systems that support safe excavation. That makes planning ahead, clear communication, and careful work in the field more important than ever. Whether you're a homeowner, a contractor, or a utility operator, everyone has a role to play in protecting underground infrastructure and keeping our communities safe."

What's at Stake - Growing Activity Brings Greater Responsibility

Each year, the PUC's Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) reviews hundreds of cases involving damage to underground utilities - incidents that can disrupt essential services, create safety hazards, and result in significant costs.

Recent trends in Pennsylvania highlight ongoing challenges across the system, including:

• Facility owners responding late - or not at all - to locate requests;
• Failure to properly identify and mark underground lines within required tolerance zones;
• Excavators not exercising due care when working near marked facilities;
• Misuse of emergency tickets, which are intended for situations involving immediate danger to life, property or the environment.

At the same time, overall excavation activity continues to increase, with higher volumes of locate requests, larger and more complex projects, and tighter timelines placing added pressure on both excavators and facility owners.

National data from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) continues to show that the leading causes of damage remain:

• Failure to contact 8-1-1 before digging;
• Improper excavation practices;
• Inaccurate or unverified utility markings.

Telecommunications and landscaping projects remain among the most common sources of damage, both in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Accountability and Oversight - Supporting a Safer System

The PUC continues to prioritize underground utility safety through a combination of investigation, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement.

The Commission's Safety Division conducts ongoing inspections and reviews of excavation practices, while the PUC's independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) pursues enforcement actions in cases involving potential violations of the law.

In addition, the PUC's Damage Prevention Committee - which includes representatives from across the industry - investigates alleged violations of the Pennsylvania One Call Law and helps promote compliance through education, training, and corrective action.

"Behind the scenes, there is a tremendous amount of work happening every day to strengthen this system," Commissioner Coleman added. "Our Safety Division investigators, our independent enforcement staff, and the members of the Damage Prevention Committee are all focused on improving compliance and preventing future incidents. But the most effective safety tool is still prevention - and that starts with each person doing their part."

Reauthorization of PA One Call Law - Act 127 of 2024

Pennsylvania reinforced its commitment to underground utility safety with the passage of Act 127 of 2024, which reauthorized and strengthened the state's Underground Utility Line Protection Law.

Key updates include:

• Mandatory reporting: All stakeholders must submit Alleged Violation Reports (AVRs), with no exemptions;
• Stricter timelines: Facility owners must respond promptly to locate requests and all stakeholders adhere to AVR deadlines;
• Increased accountability: Repeat violations and failure to comply with penalties or training requirements may result in daily fines;
• Extended review period: The DPC now has 270 days to evaluate and act on new cases.

These updates are designed to improve consistency, accountability, and communication across all participants in the excavation process.

What You Can Do - Safe Digging Starts With a Call

To reduce risks and prevent accidents, the PUC encourages anyone planning to dig this spring to follow these key steps:

• Always contact 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging;
• Wait for utilities to mark underground lines at no cost;
• Confirm that all lines have been marked before starting work;
• Respect markings and use caution when digging near utilities;
• Ensure contractors place their own 8-1-1 requests, as required by law;
• Plan ahead - especially for larger projects - and allow adequate time for accurate markings.

For more information, visit www.pa811.org or call 8-1-1. Out-of-state callers may dial 1-800-242-1776 to reach the Pennsylvania One Call system.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  [email protected]
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
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