AGA Joins Government and Industry Officials in Launch of National 811 "Call Before You Dig" Telephone Number

Washington, D.C. – At a press conference today on the National Mall, the American Gas Association (AGA) joined with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, the Common Ground Alliance, the Federal Communications Commission, and a diverse group of stakeholders that operate underground facilities or are involved in excavation and construction, to ceremonially connect 811, the new national "Call Before You Dig" phone number.

"The majority of safety incidents along natural gas utility lines are the result of digging into our pipelines,” said Lori Traweek, AGA senior vice president of operations and engineering. “The launch of a single nationwide 811 number that anyone can call from any state will make it quickand easy to begin the process of getting underground lines marked and will enhance the safe and reliable operation of natural gas pipelines."

Traweek said, “Calling 811 is free and eliminates any confusion about who to call. One easy phone call quickly begins the process of getting buried utility lines marked. The number is easy to remember and the campaign should help to boost compliance by both professional and do-ityourself excavators.” According to Traweek, even simple digging jobs can damage utility lines, disrupt services and even place the digger at risk of injury if he or she fails to have utility lines marked before digging.

Today’s press conference on the National Mall kicked off a national public education campaign, which includes the www.call811.com web site, television and radio PSAs, industry and consumer outreach, and local events to raise awareness of the new number and demonstrate its relevance to consumers and professionals who conduct digging activities. Across the United States, individual natural gas utilities today are promoting the new number through a variety of tactics designed to leverage the grassroots power of their customers, clients and members, creating awareness and positive behavioral change among those most likely to dig.

Traweek said, “The launch of 811 is a tremendous step forward, however it only marks the beginning of an even more ambitious effort. All of the stakeholders are now focused on implementing the provisions of the 2006 Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006 (PIPES) in order to further reduce excavation damage incidents to underground facilities.” Stakeholders represent a cross-section of American industry, including regulators, excavators, locators, road builders, utilities, emergency services and many other industries with an interest in reliability and safety.

The FCC designated the 811 number in 2005 as part of pipeline safety legislation enacted in 2002. More than 15 industry stakeholder groups, including AGA, supported the creation of 811. For more information and materials on 811, please visit www.call811.com.