Q. If I hire someone to excavate, do I have to notify CBYD?
A. The excavator actually doing the digging is responsible for calling CBYD and obtaining a location request

Q. How many days is my location request good for?
A. Thirty (30) days from the day notice is provided, not the start date of the excavation

Q. What if I am digging on private property, must I still notify CBYD?
A. Regardless if the work performed is on private or public property, CBYD must be notified

Q. Does grading or milling/reclamation constitute excavation?
A. YES! Effective March 21, 1997, the CBYD regulations were revised and included milling/reclamation as forms of "excavation". When in doubt, CALL!

Q. Can I excavate if I haven't received all of my utility markings after receiving a location request from CBYD?
A. Should you suspect a utility company has not identified its' facility, contact the utility company directly. Remember, a phone call is much cheaper than civil litigation and more importantly, protects you and your employees from hidden underground dangers

Q. Is hand digging required around natural gas facilities?
A. YES, it's the law. It's also a good practice to hand dig around any underground public utility facility

Q. Should I contact the Center if my equipment scrapes, scratches, dents or breaks an underground utility pipe or cable? Also, can I try to fix it and let the utility company know later?
A. If your equipment comes into"contact" with an underground utility pipe or cable, notify the owner or operator of the facility immediately. DO NOT contact the Center. Take necessary safety precautions and keep the general public away from the facility. Never attempt to repair a pipe or cable without the utility company's authorization first.

Q. Is designating my work area in white paint or using stakes/flags really necessary?
A. Absolutely...and it's the law. Unless your work area is over 1000 feet and you have held a preconstruction meeting, your pre-marking helps the utility companies determine the extent and location of your work. This also ensures timely and accurate markings.

Q. If utility companies designate their underground facilities or notify me that no conflict exists at my work site, can I begin work prior to my start date?
A. NO. Although you may have received markings or were given an "all clear" by the affected utility companies, no excavation can begin until the legal start date indicated on your location request.