Reminder to Call Before Digging – It’s the Law

Calling Before Digging is the Law

With summer quickly approaching, you may have some outdoor projects you would like done around your property.  Nuvera would like to remind you that you should always call a private facilities locator before you dig into the ground.  This is not only for the safety of the people doing the work, but also to save you from any unnecessary headaches if a power or gas line were cut accidentally.

Did you know there are miles of utilities buried under the surface that are essential to our everyday life, such as water, electricity and natural gas?  It is a Minnesota Law to call before digging to help keep these utilities from getting damaged.  Remember that any type of digging will require a call, even when doing activities such as planting a tree and building a fence.  Once you call, local utility companies will send employees to mark your lawn with flags and/or paint so you know where to avoid digging.

Unfortunately, these public utility workers will not mark for private underground facilities.  These are objects that you have placed in the ground yourself, such as sprinkler systems, underground LP gas lines, and electrical wiring to a shed or detached garage, amongst other things.  If any of these items are accidentally damaged by the construction crew you have hired to perform your outdoor work, and there are no markings, then the homeowner is responsible for the damage.

To view more information about private underground facilities, view Gopher State One Call’s guidelines.

The safest bet for you, your safety, and the construction crew’s safety is to dial 811 for your utility lines, as well as contacting one of the below companies to help you mark your private facility lines.  If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact Nuvera at 1-844-354-4111.

Private Underground Facilities Locators:

Zone 1 Locating
Buffalo, MN
763-682-0206

Premier Locating
Buffalo, MN
763-682-3514

Vanguard Utility
Hutchinson, MN
608-223-2014

Underground Utility
Cosmos, MN
320-583-9401

United Locating Services
Plymouth, MN
406-541-9571

Valley View Electric
New Ulm, MN
507-233-9457