‘Dig Safe’ … more than just friendly advice
IN THE CITY
by Larry Demerchant
“Dig Safe”, the words sound like good advice. In Maine it’s more than that, it’s the law, and it covers everyone making an excavation. It even includes digging on your own property.
An excavation is defined as any operation in which earth, rock or other material below the ground is moved or otherwise displaced, by means of power tools, power equipment or explosives and includes grading, trenching, digging, ditching, drilling, augering, tunneling, scraping and cable or pipe driving.
There are some exceptions such as gardening, tilling of the soil for agricultural purposes and the installation and maintenance of signs by the Department of Transportation.
The state of Maine has new rules for safe digging with serious consequences if you don’t comply. The rule applies to all involved in ground-penetrating projects, including architects, engineers, excavators, utility owners and most property owners. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is enforcing these rules, so it is important that everyone, especially contractors, becomes familiar with them.
Dig Safe is a no cost service that starts with a toll free call to 1-888-344-7233. They will ask you for the particulars of your project and issue a permit number. They will then notify any member utilities in your area to mark their utilities within 72 hours. You must wait until the 72-hour time period has passed before you start your excavation.
Remember, you must call for any project, large or small, where you’ll be disturbing the earth with mechanical equipment. The following activities require a “Dig Safe” permit: Installing mailboxes or clotheslines, planting trees or shrubs, rebuilding walls or driveways, major landscaping projects or building additions, installing sewer lines, septic systems or drains and road construction projects.
The city of Presque Isle has a street opening and driveway permit system called a “Curb Cut Permit.” The application for a driveway permit is available from the Public Works Division at 5 Missile Street. Our summer hours are Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Curb cut permits are required for anyone wanting to move, expand or build a new driveway, or make any changes to the ditches or shoulders of a public way. There is no charge for this permit, but failure to obtain one is a violation of City Ordinance and is punishable by a fine.
On your curb cut application you will find a section requiring a “Dig Safe” number. No permits will be issued until you have called Dig Safe. Please work safe, “Dig Safe” and have a productive summer.
For complete “Dig Safe” information you may call the PUC at 1-800-452-4699 or write to: Maine Public Utilities Commission, 242 State Street, Augusta, ME. 04330-0018.
Larry Demerchant is Presque Isle’s deputy director of public works. He can be reached at 764-2560 or via e-mail at ldemerchant@mfx.net.
