Can you dig it? Call before you do
by Erin Roh | April 10, 2019
You probably never knew about the dangers of digging, especially in your neighborhood or when you plan to landscape. April is National Safe Digging Month, which serves as a good reminder to call before you dig.
Simple activities such as installing a mailbox or flagpole, landscaping, business and fence construction, and other excavation-type activities can cause damage to pipeline and its protective coating, so be sure to follow important safety steps to prevent an emergency.
Since 1962 our pipelines have transported fuel oil to the Kahe and Waiau power plants. Pipelines and underground utility lines are buried underneath the surface so you may never see them, but they are vital to our everyday lives and provide energy security. Safety is always our number one priority. Our pipeline operators diligently monitor and inspect the pipeline in Kalaeloa, Ko Olina, Kapolei, Ewa, Waipahu and Pearl City with regular bi-weekly inspections along the pipeline to check for any damage or changes in surrounding conditions that might indicate a potential hazard. Even with safeguards in place, accidents can still occur.
Most of the time, utilities will mark their buried lines with pipeline markers, but it is still always necessary to call. Electrical lines on private property typically do not belong to the utility and are the responsibility of the landowners. You can help avoid injury and additional expenses by using the following resources:
- Hawaii One Call Center, 1 (866) 423–7287 or 811
To safeguard pipelines, anyone planning to dig near or around the Kahe or Waiau Pipelines such as contractors or excavators should call the Hawaii One Call Center at least five working days and no more than 28 working days prior to digging. The call center operates 24/7 and will alert the utility so we can properly mark or indicate the underground pipeline path, provide information about the route, or give clearance to dig. You can also submit a request to locate a pipeline online at calllbeforeyoudig.org. - Common Ground Alliance, (703) 836–1709
Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is the focus of Common Ground Alliance, a member-driven association that is dedicated to public safety, environmental protection, and integrity of services through promotion of damage prevention practices. Callers can learn about best practices for damage prevention and protection of underground facilities. Visit commongroundalliance.com for more information.
After you have called, you can visit www.managetickets.com to check on your request status. Once you confirm that all utilities have responded or five business days has passed, you can start digging! Make sure to always dig carefully around the marks, not on them. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust can bring you right back to square one — facing potentially dangerous and/or costly consequences. Don’t forget that erosion or root structure growth may shift the location of your utility lines, so remember to call again each time you are planning to dig. Safe digging is no accident!
Erin Roh is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
