PSC: Protecting underground infrastructure key to ensuring safe, reliable utility service
The New York State Public Service Commission, to encourage residents and excavators to dig safely, joined a nationwide effort that recognizes Aug. 11 as national "811 Day" to remind New York residents to always dial 811 to request underground utility lines be marked before any digging.
"The commission continually works to ensure safety and reliability of gas and electric services," Chair John B. Rhodes said. "We remind New Yorkers to always call 811 before any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Dig safely!"
PSC said every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants contacting 811. When digging, people run the risk of hitting an underground utility, even if only digging a few inches. Striking a pipeline, wire or cable can result in costly repairs, fines or utility service outages. Even worse, a line strike can cause serious personal injury or even death.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration stated that, in 2016, New York had 91,191 miles of natural gas distribution, transmission and gathering pipelines, and 1,147 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines.
In addition to participating in the national 811 "Dig Safely Day" and "Safe Digging Month" program, the commission's staff works diligently to enforce its gas safety regulations, which are among the most stringent in the nation, to ensure utility companies adhere to them regarding the safe operation of the utility's gas distribution system. To continue to improve gas safety, the commission routinely monitors the utilities' gas emergency plans to make sure they are up to date, to identify improvement areas, and to ensure the plans are in compliance with the commission's gas safety requirements.
