Letters to the Editor, Opinion After a long and dreary winter, it’s time for outdoor spring projects to start. NW Natural reminds contractors, homeowners and landscapers to call 811 when a project involves digging 12 inches or deeper.
Calling 811 to locate underground utilities two business days before the start of a task is the simple, smart and safe thing to do. Overlooking this important step may cause property loss, serious injury or worse.
Following safe digging laws helps to prevent accidental damages, which is needed since approximately 800 incidents occur each year in NW Natural’s service area.
No damage is too minor to report; even a small dent or scratch could weaken a pipeline. If a gas line is accidentally hit and there’s a smell of rotten eggs, or the sound of gas escaping, be sure to leave the area immediately and then call NW Natural’s 24-hour emergency line at 800-882-3377.
Have a safe spring and don’t forget to call 811 before you dig.
Nina Carlson, NW Natural Community Affairs, Portland
