Underground Locates

For safety's sake, it's against state law to dig a hole more than one foot deep without notifying utility companies at least two days in advance.

The Revised Code of Washington, 19.122, requires that persons contact the Utilities Underground Locate Center (1-800-424-5555) two working days (48 hours) in advance of excavation on PUD 3's property or public agency right-of-way. The law defines excavation as: "…any operation in which earth, rock or other material on or below the ground is moved or otherwise displaced by any means, except the tilling of soil less than 12 inches in depth for agricultural purposes, or road and ditch maintenance that does not change the original road grade or ditch flow line."

The toll-free number and locating service is a free assistance paid for by utilities. When calling, be prepared to describe the nature of the work, the location of the work and some personal information such as name, telephone number and address.

Contact Mason County PUD No. 3 as soon as possible if an underground electrical cable is damaged. PUD 3 has customer service representatives available 24 hours a day at (360) 426-8255, (360) 275-2833, or (360) 861-4247.

If anyone should dig and make contact with underground utilities, which results in damages, the law minimally provides restitution for repair. If a person should dig and damage the underground utilities without calling for locates, they may be responsible for triple damages.

For more information on Underground Locates visit the Call Before You Dig website at www.callbeforeyoudig.com.