[TowerTalk] Underground Utilities

[Tom Anderson]

In Texas, the program is called "Dig Tess" 1-800-Dig Tess and the utility companies pay for the ads and there is no up front cost to the consumers.  Actually I believe its a state law that you call dig tess before digging, even in your own yard.  They'll come out and mark all the utility lines, phone, gas, electric, water, etc. on your property at no charge min bright orange paint. They marked our back yard when we had an undertground sprinkler put in several yearts ago. If you don't call them you're (or the contractor is) liable for any damage as far as I remember the law.

As an addendum, an Eagle Scout candidate who's Eagle Board of Review I chaired many years ago, was erecting a flagpole at his school for his Eagle project.  Well, he didn't call Dig Tess and his volunteers punctured a rather large natural gas line causing a significant leak.  The police, fire department, gas company, etc. all were required to come out on a Saturday afternoon with a plumber (at double time rates)to repair the line.  It cost the scout's dad quite a bit to pay for the costs of repairing the line and the lost gas, so the scout told his EBOR.

I've always warned my troop's Eagle candidates to call Dig Tess if they are doing any project that requires digging, no matter if they thiunk there's a utility line or not. 

Tom, WW5L

 

--- On Mon, 8/30/10, Robrk <robrk at nidhog.net> wrote:

> From: Robrk <robrk at nidhog.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Underground Utilities
> To: "n8de at thepoint.net" <n8de at thepoint.net>
> Cc: "towertalk at contesting.com" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Date: Monday, August 30, 2010, 12:31 PM
> 
> 
> On Aug 30, 2010, at 8:39, n8de at thepoint.net
> wrote:
> 
> > In Michigan, we call 'Miss Dig' which is a separate
> company, PAID BY  
> > Consumers' Electric, when we need this done.
> > 
> > They find ALL underground lines:  phone,
> electric, natural gas pipe, etc.
> > 
> > The cost to the home owner is ZERO.
> > 
> 
> Unless someone works for free and their equipment is free,
> don't think your cost is 'ZERO'.
> You pay for it every month in your electric bill
> >> 
> > 
> 
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