After the waiting the required time and confirming that utility operators have responded to your request, you can begin your project. Inspect your dig site before you begin. Look for clear evidence of unmarked utilities. Clear evidence includes, but is not limited to, visual evidence of unmarked utility lines; knowledge of the presence of a utility line; or faded marks from previous markings.

If clear evidence of an unmarked utility line is identified, contact Miss Utility. Wait three hours from the time you notified Miss Utility before proceeding (if after three hours, the operator(s) has not responded, you are encouraged to call Miss Utility again).

Take all reasonable steps to protect, support and backfill underground utility lines. When crossing an existing underground utility line such steps include, but may not be limited to:

·         Expose the utility line to its extremities by hand digging;

·         Not using mechanized equipment within two feet of the extremities of all exposed utility lines; and;

·         Protecting the exposed utility line from damage.

In addition, for excavation parallel to an existing utility line, such steps include but may not be limited to, hand digging at reasonable distance along the line of excavation.

Exercise due care at all times to protect underground utility lines when exposing these lines by hand digging.

In case of utility line damage:

For additional information view  a presentation created by the Virginia State Corporation Commission titled "Exposing Underground Utility Lines", click here.