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Call Before you Dig

The rainbow of colors at your feet—on sidewalks, driveways, and streets—indicates that a contractor or homeowner did the right thing: before they began digging, they called an important number and arranged to have their underground lines located. Specialists located and marked their underground lines at no charge to the home or business owner.

Oregon and Washington laws require homeowners, businesses, and contractors to notify utilities at least two business days before digging commences. So, if you plan to dig, join the people who did the right thing — call before digging.

Why "Call Before You Dig?"
The most common cause of a natural gas pipeline rupture is someone digging into the pipe, whether it be a contracted construction or a homeowner digging in the backyard. If you plan to dig, call your One Call Center:

Portland: 503-246-6699
All other areas of Oregon: 800-332-2344
Clark County: 360-696-4848

NW Natural and other underground utilities respond to locate requests (someone inquiring where underground lines are located) by marking the location of mains and service lines. This helps ensure that digging in the area will be conducted safely. NW Natural also takes further steps to assure the safe operation of its natural gas distribution system:

• Pipelines are designed, constructed, and tested under rigid specifications established by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• A high safety margin is designed into the pipe to allow it to withstand any stress that might occur because of ground movement.
• The company installs flexible polyethylene plastic and high-strength steel pipelines; all pipe materials must meet high quality standards.
• After many years of experience, these pipe installations have proven to be resilient and resistant to land movement associated with earthquakes, landslides, and other natural disasters.
• NW Natural personnel frequently patrol the company’s mains and service lines to ensure continued safe and reliable operation.

For information about excavation laws and enforcement actions, or other related Call Before You Dig issues, visit the following web sites:

Oregon Utility Notification Center

Washington Utilities Coordinating Council

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