How much prior notification must be given to utility owners in your state?

In many states, the standard requirement is to notify utility owners a minimum of 48 hours before starting any excavation work. This notification period is crucial because it allows utility companies sufficient time to mark the locations of their underground lines. By ensuring that the utilities are marked, the risk of damaging them during excavation is significantly reduced, which protects the safety of workers and the public, and helps to avoid service interruptions.

Moreover, this notification process is usually mandated by law and integral to excavation safety practices. When workers approach excavation sites, service interruptions, potential hazards, and safety risks can often arise from unmarked underground utilities. The 48-hour notice serves not only as a regulatory compliance measure but also as a best practice to ensure the safety of all involved in the excavation work.

Utility marking services will typically respond within this time frame to clearly indicate their infrastructure on the excavation site, supporting a safer and more efficient excavation process.