Whether you're a contractor, a farmer or just planning to do some work around your yard that requires excavation, you must contact a One Call center at least two business days before beginning any work. One easy phone call to 811 quickly begins the process of getting underground facilities marked. The call and the marking service are free.

These simple steps can prevent most third-party pipeline accidents:

• CALL before you dig. Before digging, call 811 within the time frame required by your state. In California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming you are required to provide at least a two-business-day notice before you begin excavation. The One Call center will notify local utilities and companies that operate underground facilities in your area.


• WAIT the required time for the site to be marked. If your project is close to underground facilities, the affected utility or company will send a representative to your work site to clearly mark the route and location of their operations.


• CONFIRM that all affected utility operators have responded to your request and marked underground utilities. State laws vary on the confirmation process, so be sure to check with your local One Call center for more information.


• RESPECT the marks. Respect and protect the facilities operators' marks. Note the color of all markings used and what types of facilities they indicate. Marking colors may vary from state to state, but Kern River always uses yellow when marking our lines.


• DIG with care. Always hand dig when within 2 feet on either side of any marked lines. A Kern River representative will be present when digging occurs on our right of way.