Dig It ?

Springtime brings many projects into focus for homeowners and do-it-yourself aficionados.

While most projects require some planning and preparatory work, others allow us to just dig in. Just digging in can be costly to your health….and your bank account. Wolverine Pipeline has published some good information below.

April is National Safe Digging Month, an effort to reduce damage to underground utility systems and create safer communities.

Whether you are undertaking a large excavation project or simply making improvements to your home’s backyard, before beginning any digging operation, some planning is required.

There are several types of underground utilities, including pipelines, natural gas lines, electric lines, telecommunications, and water and sewage lines that run under homes, streets, and business locations throughout the United States. Damage to these underground utilities may result in serious injury, environmental damage, high repair costs, and service interruptions affecting entire communities.

Fortunately, many of these accidents are completely avoidable. Before beginning any digging project, one of the most important steps that individuals can take is to contact 811 to locate and mark all underground utilities.

Utility line infrastructure is often installed very close to the surface. Therefore, even shallow digging may damage these lines unless they have been located by calling 811 before digging.

Calling 811 is free and takes only a few minutes. When you call 811, your local utilities will send someone to locate underground utilities as closely as possible using paint, flags, or other markers. This process will allow you to safely dig around these lines. Taking just a couple of minutes to request a locate will help prevent service disruptions, costly repairs, and safety hazards.

Wolverine Pipe Line Company continues to connect with local elected representatives, emergency responders, and other community stakeholders at Paradigm Liaison meetings across our operating regions. The Graafschap Fire Department sends representatives to these annual safety meetings.

The Paradigm meetings are a forum for us to inform emergency responders and local elected representatives about pipeline safety, continue building relationships with local entities, and coordinate efforts in response to emergencies or incidents. Wolverine is committed to ensuring that local government officials and first-responder personnel are fully informed about pipeline operations and emergency preparedness.