Before You Dig: Essential Dig Safe Vermont Information

Why Choose VT Underground Locators After Working With Dig Safe?

At Vermont Underground Locators (VTUL), we frequently receive inquiries about the difference between our services and Dig Safe. This question is similar to asking, “What’s the difference between public and private underground utility locating?” Dig Safe services are designed to prevent damage to underground utilities by alerting utility companies before any excavation or digging begins. Vermont Underground Locators should be contacted AFTER you have used Dig Safe services, as Dig Safe only covers public utilities and will not locate private utilities, such as residential lines or underground structures that are not part of the public utility system.

Dig Safe is Vermont’s Public Utility Locator

Dig Safe is a non-profit organization that provides a free service to locate public utilities before digging. Funded entirely by its utility members, Dig Safe promotes public safety and helps prevent costly damage to underground utility lines. In Vermont, legal requirements are to premark the dig area and notify Dig Safe at least 48 hours before excavation (Please note that starting November 1, 2024, the required notice period will change to 72 hours in Vermont). In Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, it is legally required to premark the dig area and notify Dig Safe at least 72 hours before excavation (excluding weekends and legal holidays). Notifications must be submitted no more than 30 days before the project begins.

Dig Safe primarily functions as a call center, and its employees do not directly mark utilities. When you contact Dig Safe, by dialing 811 or submitting an online ticket, their operators gather detailed information about your dig site. Dig Safe then notifies member utility companies that may have underground lines in the area. These utility companies, or contractors they hire, are responsible for marking the locations of their respective lines. It’s important to note that not all utilities are required to participate in the Dig Safe program, meaning private utilities may not be marked.

Dig Safe vs. VT Underground Locators

While Dig Safe is the organization tasked with dispatching for public utilities location in Vermont, VTUL locates private utilities. Generally speaking, Dig Safe is responsible for overseeing the location and marking of power, gas, and electric utilities – but essentially this is limited to anything from the pole to meter. So, for example, a homeowner’s meter is down the road rather than attached to the house, Dig Safe won’t mark it. This is when you need a private utility locator like VTUL to find anything underground; public, private, from pole to meter, and beyond. However, before you dig you must call Dig Safe by dialing 811 or submit an online ticket.