Missouri PSC reminds residents to call 811 before digging
Summary
The Missouri Public Service Commission issued a press release reminding residents and businesses to contact 811 before any digging project, in observance of National Safe Digging Month. The notice reinforces existing Missouri law requiring advance utility location requests at least three working days before excavation. The free 811 service notifies utility providers to mark underground facilities to prevent damage, injuries, and service disruptions.
What changed
The Missouri PSC released this notice to reinforce the state's underground utility damage prevention requirements during April's National Safe Digging Month. The notice emphasizes that Missouri law requires individuals planning any digging project to call 811 or submit a request online at www.mo1call.com at least three working days in advance. Utilities will then mark underground facility locations, request additional information, or confirm no facilities are present at the site.
Any resident or business planning outdoor projects such as landscaping, fence installation, or construction must contact 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483) before digging. This free service must be used at least three working days prior to excavation. Failure to comply may result in fines and costly repairs if underground utility lines are struck. Compliance teams should ensure all field personnel and contractors are aware of this requirement and build the three-day advance notice into project planning timelines.
What to do next
- Notify all field personnel and contractors of the 811 requirement for any digging projects
- Update project planning procedures to include mandatory 3 working day advance notice to 811
- Verify all employees understand the penalties for non-compliance including fines and liability for damages
Penalties
Failure to contact 811 before digging may result in fines and costly repairs for damage to underground utility lines.
Source document (simplified)
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 3, 2026
Contact: Sarah Fontaine (573) 751-9300
PR-26-60
APRIL IS NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH
Missouri Law Requires You to Call or Click Before You Dig
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.--- As spring brings an increase in outdoor projects across Missouri, the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) is reminding residents and businesses to take proper precautions before starting any digging work.
“Every year, underground utility lines are damaged because they were not marked prior to digging,” said Commissioner John Mitchell of the Missouri Public Service Commission. “Striking these lines can cause serious injury, disrupt service to you and others, and may result in fines and costly repairs. Missouri law requires anyone planning to dig, to contact 811 in advance. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’s the law.” Whether planning a landscaping project, installing a fence, or undertaking larger construction, individuals must call 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483), or submit a locate request online at www.mo1call.com at least three working days prior to digging. This free service helps ensure underground utility lines are identified and marked in advance. After a request is submitted, the Missouri One Call Center notifies utility providers in the area. Those utilities will mark the approximate location of underground facilities, request additional information, or indicate that no facilities are present at the excavation site. The Missouri Public Service Commission encourages all Missourians to plan ahead and remember to call or click before they dig. It is free, easy, and required by law. For more information, visit www.mo1call.com.
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