U of A Recognizes "National 811 Day" to Promote Proper Digging Safety

The U of A is observing National 811 Day on Tuesday to help keep the Fayetteville community and campus safe and protect underground utility infrastructure from damage whenever digging occurs on campus.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) established National 811 Day over 20 years ago to bring awareness to safe digging practices across the country, observed annually on Aug. 11 (8/11).

811 refers to the nationwide phone number, 8-1-1, which is the "call before you dig" number. It is the most proven way to ensure excavation safety and to prevent pipeline damage.

The U of A maintains a natural gas pipeline on campus, which provides a safe, efficient and sustainable way to produce energy. In order to prevent natural gas incidents caused by digging on top of the pipeline, the university has always required workers to call 8-1-1 prior to starting an excavation project on campus.

In addition to the pipeline, the campus has miles of water and sewer infrastructure, thermal utilities, fiber optic and communication cables and electric power distribution. This is in addition to the underground facilities belonging to public utilities, such as SWEPCO, Black Hills Energy, Cox and the City of Fayetteville.

Research shows that 99% of excavation projects that start by calling 8-1-1 avoid incidents, injuries, damage to utility infrastructure, the environment or death. The U of A, in partnership with all local utility providers, reminds the community that calling Arkansas One Call at 811 before digging is the right thing to do, and it's required by law in Arkansas.

About Facilities Management: University of Arkansas Facilities Management strives to build, maintain and uphold a campus environment that positions students, faculty and staff to succeed in their academic aspirations while providing an exceptional campus experience for visitors and the surrounding community.