Planning Fall Projects: Call Orange & Rockland Before Digging

PEARL RIVER, NY — Planning some yard work this fall? Officials at O&R insist that the most important piece of equipment this fall for everyone, from construction contractors to municipal excavators and landscapers to homeowners, isn’t a backhoe.

"The most important power tool this fall is the telephone and the easy-to-remember, toll-free, one-stop number 811. That’s the nationwide One-Call Notification System’s phone number," they said in a press release.

Make the call to make sure utility representatives come out to your house to identify the facilities they own and operate. That way, your digging won't strike any underground natural gas lines, electric cables, phone lines or water and sewer pipes or other utility infrastructures.

Anyone who damages underground facilities because they did not follow the 8-1-1 regulations and calls at least 2 to 10 working days before starting work is subject to hefty fines and repair costs.

And, the risk of a dangerous, even fatal, accident is all-too real if you hit an underground electric or natural gas line.

If you see an active excavation site or digging project, but don’t see flags or painted markings, please call O&R at 1-877-434-4100 and report the location, officials ask.

If you smell gas, immediately leave the area and call 911, O&R’s Gas Emergency Hotline at 1-800-533-LEAK (1-800-533-5325), or your local gas utility. You can report gas leaks anonymously.