|
March 20, 2008
Naperville, IL – Today is the first day of spring, but before starting any outdoor projects which require digging, Nicor Gas urges customers to first call JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) by dialing 811. Illinois law requires homeowners and contractors to call JULIE in advance of any dig project, regardless of the depth of the project.
The 811 call is free, and operators are available to receive and process calls 24-hours a day, seven days a week. If customers have a project on their property that requires digging, Nicor Gas recommends they call JULIE in all cases – just to be sure its safe.
JULIE serves as a message handling service for underground utilities, taking information about planned digging projects and distributing the information to the proper utility company. It is then the responsibility of each utility (natural gas, electric, water, sewer, communication) to mark the location of their underground pipes and wires at the excavation site. JULIE neither owns nor marks any underground utilities.
Whether planting a tree, installing a mailbox, building a fence, or preparing a garden, Nicor Gas urges anyone doing the work to call JULIE before digging. Calling protects homeowners and contractors from the potential danger and legal responsibility of damaging underground gas pipes or other utilities.
Projects requiring a call to JULIE include, but are not limited to:
- Planting trees, shrubs, or flowers
- Installing a fence, swing set, or mail box post
- Adding a pool, pond, or fountain
- Building a deck or room addition
Guidelines to follow before starting any digging project:
- Call JULIE (811) at least two working days before you dig. The 48 hour notice does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays
- Begin the project within 14 calendar days from the call
- Respect the marks and dig with care
- If the marks are destroyed or removed before beginning any project then JULIE must be called again
- Never dig without marks
- Remember, the call to JULIE must be made by the homeowner or contractor – it's the law
- If in doubt about any digging project, call JULIE (811)
Established in 1974, JULIE, Inc., which stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, serves the entire state of Illinois outside of the city of Chicago, which is served by DIGGER. JULIE is a not-for-profit corporation that currently represents more than 1,750 members. For more information about JULIE, including a list of free education materials and safety tips, please visit http://www.illinois1call.com/.
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. |
