I made a request through Gopher State One Call to get utilities marked before I start digging, and they scheduled my dig for today at 12:01 AM. I've heard back from every utility company except one, and despite my efforts to contact them, I haven't received a response. What are my options now? Am I stuck waiting for them to show up whenever they want?
3 Answers
You should consider what type of utility lines are in your area. Different lines like fiber optic, gas, water, and electric can be at varying depths—some might be just a couple of feet down, while others are much deeper. Plus, you need to think about who’s doing the digging; are you doing it yourself or hiring a contractor?
It really depends on where you’re located since state laws vary. Generally, there’s a time limit set by law where if a utility doesn't respond, they could be held liable for any damages that occur once you start digging. But that doesn’t do much if you accidentally hit an unmarked gas line, right?
There are serious risks involved if you dig without knowing what's underground—think potential electrocution, explosions, or damaging utility lines. It's best to be patient and resolve this before digging. Good luck!
Sorry for being vague! I'm just planting two small trees, digging about 24 inches deep. I'm not entirely sure what kind of lines are around since it’s near an oilseed processing plant.