SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - No matter if it's a shovel or a backhoe, if you're digging you must call 8-1-1 to check for underground utility lines.
Eric Pauli says Xcel Energy has more than fifty incidents a year where buried electric and gas lines are damaged in digging projects.
Pauli says damaging or hitting a single line can create a dangerous situation, cause injury or result in costly fines, repair costs and outages. South Dakota One Call notifies all utility companies of caller's job. Professional locator, at no cost to homeowners or contractors, will mark underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.
South Dakota law requires that property owners locate underground lines before digging. Pauli says that includes any lines that were previously located.
Call 8-1-1 or submit an online request to South Dakota One Call and wait two business days before digging.