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LIVEWIRE | PAGE 7


TAKE ACTION


BY ZAC PERKINS, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER


SAFETY: CALL BEFORE YOU DIG


When planned projects include digging, like planting a tree or bringing in a backhoe for trench work, members should wait a few more days to begin so the job can be done safely. Underground utilities, such as buried gas, water, and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning an outdoor project into a disaster.


W


As we pass the official comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations on coal power plants, I want to take a moment and thank you for playing a big role in our effort to tell the EPA that we need a sensible, balanced approach to America’s energy needs and environmental concerns - instead of forcing top-down regulations onto hard- working Americans.


Over 100,000 real people have joined this nationwide effort and I expect that number to increase in 2014 as more consumers recognize that EPA’s plans will raise their power costs.


We need to keep the pressure on the EPA in 2014 and I plan to give you updates on a regular basis throughout the year.


Thank you so much for being a part of this effort at our cooperative.


There’s still time to join our efforts if you haven’t yet. Visit the Cooperative Action Network at www.Action.coop today! n


hether it’s a dreamed up deck addition or a landscaping masterpiece, spring weather is a great time for outdoor improvement plans to actually play out.


A POSTHOLE DIGGER AT WORK. PHOTO SOURCE: NRECA


Members can find out where utility lines run on their property by dialing 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging. Te call will be routed to a local “one call” center. Members tell the operator where they’re planning to dig and what type of work they will be doing, and affected local utilities will be notified.


In a few days, a locator will arrive to designate the approximate location of any underground lines, pipes, and cables with flags or marking paint. Ten the safe digging can begin.


Although many homeowners tackling do-it-yourself digging projects are aware of “Call Before You Dig” services, the majority don’t take advantage of the service. A national survey showed that only 33 percent of homeowners called to have their lines marked before starting digging projects, according to the Common Ground Alliance, a federally mandated group of underground utility and damage prevention industry professionals.


Although light gardening typically doesn’t call for deep digging, other seemingly simple tasks like planting shrubs or installing a new mailbox post can damage utility lines. A severed line can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm diggers, and potentially result in fines and repair costs.


Members should never assume the location or depth of underground utility lines. Tere’s no need: the 811 service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted, and can help avoid serious injury. More information about local services


can be found at www.call811.com. n Sources: NRECA, Common Ground Alliance, SafeElectricity.org


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