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‘811 Call before you dig’ program gets revamp from legislature

Posted at 6:49 PM, May 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-21 20:49:05-04

This year lawmakers worked together to pass legislation to create enforcement for those who don’t make the call, as well as companies that don’t show up. 

For the last couple of years, the state was in jeopardy of losing federal funding- as it wasn’t in compliance. 

It is the law in Colorado to call the non-profit service 8-1-1 before you dig on your property. 

A bill passed during this session creates fines for those who don’t make the call and for contractors that don’t show up promptly after you make the call. 

‘I think Coloradans need to understand that there are many lines under our homes and our businesses and out in places that you probably wouldn’t think. So every time you dig and you don’t call, you’re putting yourself at risk, you’re putting your neighbors at risk and you’re putting the environment at risk,’ said Tracee Bentley, Executive Director of the Colorado Petroleum Council. 

Additionally, the bill will create a safety commission for the program- which involves stakeholders in the 811 program.

The commission members will take a look at the fines and other concerns with the program.