House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

Reminds Pennsylvanians to call 8-1-1 before all digging projects

Rep. Robert Matzie April 17, 2024 | 4:06 PM

HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House with overwhelming bipartisan support today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2024 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.”

Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said he introduced H.R.300 to make sure Pennsylvanians understand that calling the 8-1-1 “Call before You Dig” hotline is not just a convenience but a legal responsibility.

“State law requires anyone planning to do digging – whether they are a homeowner, a contractor, or an excavator – to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting the work,” Matzie said. “Making the free call alerts utilities so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins. It’s a quick, simple step that protects workers, prevents underground utility damage, minimizes service interruptions and can even save lives.”

Matzie said calling the hotline is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property.

More information is available here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/pipeline-safety/pa-one-call/#:~:text=Homeowners%20and%20contractors%20must%20call,begins%20to%20disturb%20the%20earth.

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