You must call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC)
at 8-1-1 if you are the one who will be doing the actual digging.
If you have hired a company or contractor to perform the work,
they are required to call UNCC.
Preparation
- Determine the day you plan to begin digging.
- Determine your dig area so that you can be specific when calling for your locate request.
- Call UNCC three business day in advance of beginning your project. UNCC will notify all companies who may have underground lines in your area.
- Wait the required amount of time - three business days - to allow utility owners time to mark their underground lines.
- Your property must be accessible, including having gates unlocked and animals contained. If there is a problem with access, scheduled meet times are available for your convenience. When you call UNCC be prepared to set a time and date for an appointment.
Completed Locate Request
- Be sure you understand all marks. If you have questions about any of our marks, call 448-4800 for assistance.
- Respect and protect the marks. Marks are good while visible or for 30 days. You must request re-marks if your locates have expired or you have lost your marks.
- We will leave a yellow copy of your locate request on site on a white flag with a sketch indicating where the underground utility lines run. Be sure to keep this with you at all times while digging.
Digging Safely
- Utility lines are within 18 inches on either side of the marks left by utility owners.
- Always dig with care. Hand dig 18 inches on both sides of the utility marks and expose the utility carefully so you are aware of where it is.
- Be conscious of utility lines throughout your digging project.
Facts About Natural Gas
- Natural gas is colorless and non-toxic.
- Natural gas is odorized to smell like rotten eggs or skunks.
- Natural gas is combustible.
- Natural gas may become explosive when trapped in an enclosed space.
Some ignition sources are light switches, garage door openers, pagers, cell phones, vehicles and other running equipment.
Facts About Electricity
Electricity always seeks a path to ground. When you become a part of this path you can be injured or killed. Good conductors include water, your body, tree branches, poles and ladders. Insulators isolate electricity from going to ground, but an insulator can become a conductor if it is contaminated or broken.
