CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee 811 (TN811) is using August 11, or 8-1-1 on the calendar, as a reminder for residents to contact 811 before starting any digging project.
The free service allows homeowners and contractors to have underground utilities marked, helping prevent injuries, outages, and costly repairs.
In 2024, there were 8,683 reported utility damages in Tennessee, with the top violation being digging without notifying 811.
Fines for violations of the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act totaled over $212,000 statewide.
Whether installing a mailbox, planting a tree, or breaking ground for major construction, TN811 encourages marking the proposed excavation site with white paint to help utility locators.
State law gives operators up to 72 hours to respond to a request, and within the safety zone of 24 inches on either side of a marked utility, only hand tools can be used.
TN811 President and CEO Bill Turner says the process is simple, free, and potentially lifesaving: “Every excavation damage avoided is one less opportunity for injury or loss of life.”
