MERRILLVILLE – With April marking National Safe Digging Month and the start of many outdoor projects, NIPSCO urges residents and businesses to help protect the public from serious risk or injury by calling 811 two business days before starting any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. In addition to the risk of serious injury, not calling 811 before digging could also result in fines up to $10,000 or more and the cost to repair damages. In 2013, there were approximately 400 cases of system damage caused when no markings were requested across NIPSCO’s service area, according to the company. The most common digging projects where damage occurred involved fences, landscaping and water and sewer projects. Planting shrubs and trees and installing decks and pools are also common digging projects. Once a call is made, a professional utility line locator will visit the dig site within two business days to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with paint or flags. After the site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging carefully around the marked areas. Visit NIPSCO.com/811 or Indiana811.org for more information.
