Officials Urge Caution During National Safe Digging Month

Contact 811 at least three business days before starting any digging project.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:50pm

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An abstract, hazy scene of soft, warm light and color, conceptually representing the importance of safe digging practices to avoid hitting underground infrastructure.As spring brings a surge of outdoor projects, officials urge caution to prevent accidental damage to buried utility lines.Chester Today

With warmer weather bringing a surge in outdoor projects, officials in Virginia are urging homeowners and contractors to contact 811 at least three business days before starting any digging project. Pipelines and other infrastructure may be buried only inches below the surface, making them vulnerable to accidental damage if not properly identified.

Why it matters

Accidentally cutting underground utility lines can create serious safety issues and lead to costly repairs. By contacting 811 before digging, homeowners can have professional locators mark underground lines with paint or flags, helping prevent injuries, service disruptions, and damage.

The details

Simple tasks such as planting trees, installing fences, or building decks can pose serious risks if underground utility lines are not properly identified. Stephanie Benson, public information officer for Columbia Gas of Virginia, said contacting 811 is both a legal requirement and an important safety measure to avoid accidentally cutting natural gas, communications, or other underground lines.

  • April marks National Safe Digging Month.

The players

Columbia Gas of Virginia

A natural gas utility company serving customers in Virginia.

Stephanie Benson

The public information officer for Columbia Gas of Virginia.

Virginia 811

An organization that helps homeowners and contractors locate underground utility lines before digging.

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What they’re saying

“If you accidentally cut one of those lines — whether it's natural gas, communications, any type of underground line — then that could create a safety issue that could be difficult for you, your family or your community.”

— Stephanie Benson, Public Information Officer, Columbia Gas of Virginia

What’s next

Officials advise residents to be aware of the warning signs of a gas leak, such as a sulfur-like, rotten egg smell. If a gas odor is suspected, they recommend stopping work immediately, leaving the area, and calling 911 from a safe location.

The takeaway

Contacting 811 before any digging project, no matter the size, is a critical safety step to prevent damage to underground utility lines and ensure the well-being of homeowners, their families, and their communities.