MIDLAND To raise awareness about the importance of safe digging, Atmos Energy celebrates 811 Day annually on Aug. 11 as a reminder for everyone to help protect underground utility lines by calling 8-1-1 before any excavation project, no matter how large or small. This year, Atmos Energy has instituted a new award – The Gold Cup of Safe Digging – which is being presented to contractors, municipalities, and other third-party excavators that demonstrate a remarkable safety record and epitomize the gold standard of safe digging in the communities we serve.
“The Gold Cup of Safe Digging celebrates excavators that have sustained their commitment to protecting underground utility lines,” Andrea Goodson, Atmos Energy public affairs manager, said in a news release. “Natural gas safety is a partnership, and this award is an outstanding way to recognize those community partners who share our conviction that the safety of our customers, employees, and communities is the highest priority. We congratulate the winners of this year’s award and look forward to making this an annual event in the years to come.”
Here in the Permian Basin, Atmos Energy was pleased to present the Gold Cup of Safe Digging to winners including:
- Driver Pipeline – Midland
- Standard Utility – Midland
Effective damage prevention helps to avoid or minimize harm to people, property, and the environment by proactively identifying potential risks and implementing solutions to prevent incidents before they occur. Calling 811 is a critical component of damage prevention efforts that confirms digging projects are conducted safely and without disrupting essential utility services. Striking even a single line can lead to injury, repair costs, inconvenient outages, and fines, the release said.
Texas law requires homeowners, excavation companies, and contractors to call 811 three business days before digging. When using this free service, the caller is connected to a local call center that notifies area utility companies of the location where digging will occur. Professional locators then arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both.
For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit Texas 811 or the Atmos Energy website for safety tips – and don’t forget to become a safety ambassador by signing the Call 811 Pledge.
