Warning issued to gardeners, home repairmen

Fifty percent of all "dig-ins" (damage to underground gas lines, electrical wiring, water pipes, phone lines and other substructures due to digging) are caused by private citizens, not professional contractors.

Amateur gardeners, home improvement enthusiasts and other do-it-yourself types intent on beginning a major landscaping project or installing a new sprinkler system often are unaware of the myriad of cables, wires and lines located underground. Should they unintentionally strike one of these subterranean structures, it could result in an interruption in service, or in some cases, injury or even death.

Most hazardous dig-ins may be avoided by calling DigAlert at (800) 227-2600 at least two working days prior to digging.

"By simply making one toll-free phone call before putting their shovels to the dirt, property owners can rest assured that they are adequately prepared to begin their projects safely," said Ron Olitsky, president of Underground Service Alert (USA), the nonprofit organization operating DigAlert service. "By educating the public of the potential hazards that lay beneath their property, we hope to help prevent unnecessary and oftentimes costly accidents and tragedies," he said.

After receiving the calls, USA acts as a communication link to more than 800 owners of underground services, such as phone and gas companies, departments of water and electric, and municipalities. Representatives from these entities can designate the location of their underground lines and these markings serve to alert the excavator where the substructures are situated.

Contractors and other excavators who knowingly and willfully fail to comply with the state requirements could suffer suspension or loss of license, face a fine up to $50,000 and be obligated to pay for the repair of damaged underground facilities.

USA is a nonprofit mutual-benefit organization formed in 1976 by representatives from several California public utilities dedicated to ensuring the safety of the public and workers excavating near underground utility lines.

To notify USA before digging, or for more information, please call (800) 227-2600 or visit Website http://www.digalert.org.