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Clean, efficient natural gas provides one-fourth of
our nation’s energy, serving the needs of almost 70
million customersThe time-tested delivery system
used to transport this energy has earned an
outstanding safety record. According to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, natural gas pipelines
are the safest method of energy transportation.
Although rare, damage to these pipelines can occur
as the result of excavation, worker error and acts
of nature. Potential consequences include fire,
utility disruption and environmental and property
damage. To guard against such damages, the natural
gas industry invests $7 billion each year in safety
measures, following tough federal and state
requirements for design, construction, testing,
inspection operations and maintenance of pipeline
systems.
But because natural gas pipelines are located
underneath most New Jersey communities, safety is a
critical responsibility that we all share. Please
help us increase your residents’ awareness that at
least three business days prior to outdoor
construction or digging, contractors and property
owners – whoever is excavating – must call New
Jersey One Call at 811 for a free markout of
underground utility lines.
Residents must then wait for the site to be marked
prior to digging, respect all marks and hand dig
within two feet of buried piping. Careless digging
can damage underground utilities, causing disruption
of vital services in your community, as well as
property damage and even possible injury. Taking
the proper steps to avoid damage can prevent
expensive repairs, project delays and helps ensure
service reliability.
If
you haven’t heard about 811 until now, you will.
811 is the new FCC-designated national number that
quickly and easily begins the process of getting
underground lines marked as the first step in any
digging project. The new 811 number eliminates the
confusion of multiple “Call Before You Dig” numbers
because it’s easy to use and remember, and is the
same in every state. 811 replaces the multiple
“Call Before You Dig” numbers that were established
by the existing 62 One Call Centers across the
nation. Much like previous “Call Before You Dig”
services, calls will continue to be routed to the
state’s One Call Center which will then notify the
affected utilities, to mark the underground lines.
Calling 811 is free and eliminates any confusion
about who to call. The number is easy to remember
and the campaign should help to boost compliance by
both professional and do-it yourself excavators.
According to a recent national survey, roughly half
of all Americans are “active diggers” who have done
– or are planning to do – some type of digging
project at home, yet only about a third of these
people have called to have their utility lines
marked. Smart digging means calling 811 before each
job because marked lines show diggers the location
of underground lines and help prevent undesired
consequences.
Our industry’s research has found that those who dig
are aware of “Call Before You Dig” services, but
often make risky assumptions about where utility
lines are buried or when they should call. In fact,
the survey showed that only 33 percent of homeowner
do-it-yourselfers called to have their lines marked
before starting digging projects. Now, with 811
there is no excuse not to call. Safe digging is no
accident, so please help make sure your residents
get to know what’s below and call 811 before they
dig.
Linda Kellner is the chief of staff for New Jersey
Resources, the parent company of New Jersey Natural
Gas, and is responsible for government relations.
She has served as both a legislative and campaign
staffer, and previously worked as a lobbyist. |
