How 811 Works

How 811 Works

Damage prevention starts with one phone call, and since 2007 the phone number for that call has been 811. Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will automatically be routed to your local one-call center.

MT Private Uitlity Locating Services, LLC
MT Private Uitlity Locating Services, LLC

Call Before You Dig (CBYD) Program

Call Before You Dig (CBYD) is a program established to protect public safety with regard to excavations near underground facilities by providing a communications link between excavators, public agencies, and public utilities.

Call Before You Dig (CBYD) Program

Excavation damage to underground utility facilities can cause fires and explosions, injuries, deaths, and significant disruptions to public utility service. Excavators must call CBYD prior to digging, and then CBYD will notify all utilities that might be in the area.

Utilities will then locate their pipes and cables using paint and stakes, so excavators can conduct their work without causing damage. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) oversees the program and may assess civil penalties in the thousands of dollars for any party who violates the Statutes and Regulations.

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Call 811 for Damage Prevention

You’ll give the operator information about how to contact you, where you are planning to dig, and what type of work you will be doing. Utility companies who have potential facilities in the area of your dig site will be notified by the program about your intent to dig.

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Each affected utility company will send a locator to mark the approximate location of their underground utility lines. This typically occurs within 2 to 3 working days. Wait the required amount of time for operators to attend your request and have marked underground utilities. Public utilities will mark only up to the meter in your property. From there, you may need a private utility locator to follow them. Respect those marks and always dig safely.

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