Introduction
Greetings, fellow Louisianans! Have you ever wondered how construction crews ensure that they don’t dig into gas lines or electric cables while working? Or how emergency services know where to find a utility line when there’s an accident? Look no further than the Louisiana One Call Center!
The Louisiana One Call Center is a free service that notifies underground utility companies of excavation plans, ensuring that potential hazards are marked before any digging begins. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Louisiana One, including how it works, why it’s important, and how you can use it to stay safe when digging. So, let’s get started!
The Importance of Louisiana One
Why is a service like Louisiana One Call Center necessary? Well, according to the Common Ground Alliance, an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes in the United States because of digging activities. These accidents can cause damage to property, injuries, and even death.
Not only can digging into a utility line be dangerous, but it can also result in costly repairs and service disruptions. By using Louisiana One, you can prevent these accidents and ensure that utility companies are aware of excavation plans in advance.
How Louisiana One Works
So, how exactly does Louisiana One Call Center work? When you call or submit a request online, you’ll provide details about the excavation site, including the address, the type of work being done, and the approximate start date. The center will then notify the appropriate utility companies of your plans, who will then mark the location of any underground lines within 48 hours.
This free service is available 24/7 and is mandatory for anyone planning to excavate in Louisiana. You can call 811 or submit a request online through Louisiana One’s website.
Information Provided by Louisiana One
When you use Louisiana One, you’ll receive a ticket number that you can use to check the status of your request. You’ll also receive information about which utility companies have been notified and when they’re expected to mark the area. Once the area has been marked, you’ll receive color-coded flags or paint that indicate the location of underground lines.
It’s important to note that Louisiana One does not mark utility lines themselves. Rather, they notify the utility companies who are responsible for marking the lines. Also, Louisiana One only notifies underground utility companies. If you need to dig into a water or sewer line, you’ll need to contact your local utility provider directly.
Who Needs to Use Louisiana One?
Anyone planning to excavate in Louisiana needs to use Louisiana One, including homeowners, businesses, and contractors. This includes excavation for landscaping, fence installation, and any construction that involves digging.
Even if you’re just planning to dig a small hole, it’s important to call Louisiana One before you begin. Utility lines can be buried just a few inches below the surface, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Penalties for Not Using Louisiana One
Using Louisiana One is not just important for safety reasons. It’s also required by law. If you fail to call Louisiana One before excavating and damage a utility line, you may be held liable for repairs and face fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
By using Louisiana One, you can avoid these penalties and ensure that you’re one less statistic in the Common Ground Alliance’s report on utility damage.
How to Interpret the Markings
Once you’ve received markings from the utility companies, it’s important to know what they mean. Here’s a quick guide to interpreting the markings:
| Color | Utility |
|---|---|
| Red | Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables |
| Orange | Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit |
| Yellow | Natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable material |
| Green | Sewer and drain lines |
| Blue | Potable water |
| Purple | Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines |
FAQs
1. How early should I call Louisiana One?
You should call Louisiana One at least two working days before the excavation is scheduled to begin.
2. Is there a fee for using Louisiana One?
No. Louisiana One is a free service.
3. What information do I need to provide when calling Louisiana One?
You’ll need to provide your name, phone number, and address of the excavation site, as well as the type of work being done and the approximate start date.
4. How long does it take for utility lines to be marked?
Utility companies have 48 hours from the time they receive notification to mark their lines. They may also contact you directly if they need more information or have any questions.
5. Can I dig before the utility companies have marked the lines?
No. You must wait until the utility lines have been marked before beginning any excavation.
6. What if I accidentally damage a utility line?
If you damage a utility line, immediately call the utility company and Louisiana One. You may be held liable for repairs and face fines if you did not use Louisiana One.
7. What if I need to reschedule my excavation?
If you need to reschedule your excavation, you must call Louisiana One again and provide the new excavation date.
8. Is Louisiana One available in other states?
Yes. Each state has its own call center, and you can find more information on the Common Ground Alliance’s website.
9. Do I need to call Louisiana One if I’m just planting a garden?
Yes. Even if you’re just planting a garden, it’s important to call Louisiana One to ensure that there are no utility lines in the area.
10. Can I submit a request online?
Yes. Louisiana One’s website allows you to submit a request online.
11. How far in advance can I submit a request?
You can submit a request up to 10 working days in advance of the excavation.
12. Who marks the utility lines?
The utility companies responsible for the lines are responsible for marking them. Louisiana One only notifies the utility companies of the excavation plans.
13. What if I have questions about the markings?
You can contact the utility companies directly if you have questions about the markings or need more information.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been informative and useful in understanding the importance of Louisiana One Call Center. By using this free service, you can ensure that your excavation plans are safe and comply with state law.
Remember, it’s not just about avoiding penalties and costly repairs. It’s about keeping yourself and your community safe from potential hazards. So, the next time you plan to dig, make sure you call Louisiana One Call Center first.
Join the thousands of Louisianans who are already using Louisiana One to stay safe and informed. Call 811 or submit a request online today!
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice or have questions about compliance with state law, please consult with an attorney.