Understanding the Truth Behind Missouri 811
Missouri 811 plays a critical role in protecting underground utilities and ensuring the safety of both homeowners and professional excavators. However, despite ongoing educational efforts, several misconceptions persist about how the system operates. Misunderstanding these key points can lead to serious consequences, including costly fines, service disruptions, and even safety hazards. To help clarify the facts, we are addressing five common misconceptions about Missouri 811 and providing the correct information to ensure safe and compliant excavation practices.
Misconception 1: Missouri 811 Locates Underground Utilities
Clarification: Missouri 811 does not physically locate underground utilities. Instead, Missouri 811 serves as the central communication hub for excavation activities in the state, providing a streamlined process for submitting utility locate requests. Excavators and property owners can submit locate requests online at Missouri-811.org or by calling 811, a service available 24/7, year-round.
Upon receiving a request, Missouri 811 notifies utility owners, such as gas, power, water, sewer, and communication providers, who are then responsible for dispatching professional locators to identify and mark the approximate location of their underground facilities. Missouri 811 ensures that all parties remain informed throughout the process via near real-time communication technology.
Misconception 2: Once all the Utilities are Located, there is No Reason to Submit Another Locate Request for the Same Property/Area.
Clarification: A single locate request does not grant unlimited excavation rights. Missouri law requires that if excavation does not begin within ten working days of the start date and time on the request, a new request must be made before any digging can commence.
Missouri law 319.026.6 states:
“If an excavator is unable to begin the excavation within ten working days as described in the request, the excavator shall make a relocate request before beginning the excavation.”
Failure to comply with excavation laws can result in significant fines. According to Missouri law 319.045:
“Any person who violates in any material respect the provisions of section 319.022, 319.025, 319.026, 319.030, 319.037, or this section or who willfully damages an underground facility shall be liable to the state of Missouri for a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars for each violation for each day such violation persists, except that the maximum penalty for violation of the provisions of sections 319.010 to 319.050 shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars for any related series of violations.”
To avoid unnecessary risks and penalties, always ensure that an active locate request is in place before beginning any excavation work.
Misconception 3: Submitting a Locate Request Ensures All Utilities Are Marked
Clarification: Missouri 811 coordinates the marking of public underground utilities only. The 811 system was designed to protect public infrastructure by acting as a bridge between excavators and utility companies. However, many underground lines, such as private water lines, sprinkler systems, septic systems, and electric lines running from the house to out buildings are considered to be privately owned by the property owner and are not covered by Missouri 811’s free service.
The transition point between public and private utilities typically occurs at the meter. If private utilities need to be located, property owners must hire a private utility locator. A list of private locating companies is available on the Missouri 811 website at: Missouri 811 Private Locators. You may find several additional options via an internet search.
Misconception 4: A Locate Request is Not Necessary for Shallow Digging
Clarification: Missouri law mandates that a locate request be submitted for all digging projects, regardless of depth. Some underground utilities may be buried just below the surface due to factors such as erosion, shifting terrain, or improper installation. Even a seemingly minor project, such as planting a shrub or installing a mailbox, has the potential to damage underground infrastructure.
The best way to ensure safety and compliance is to always submit a locate request before digging, no matter how shallow the project may seem.
Misconception 5: Emergency Locate Requests Must Be Submitted by Phone
Clarification: While phone submissions were once the only option, Missouri 811’s Internet Ticketing System (ITIC) now allows emergency locate requests to be submitted online. Users can quickly and easily initiate an emergency ticket by selecting CREATE JOB TICKET < EMERGENCY TICKET on the ITIC platform.
Note: According to Missouri law 319.015, an emergency is defined as:
“A sudden, unexpected occurrence, presenting a clear and imminent danger demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services. 'Unexpected occurrence' includes, but is not limited to, thunderstorms, high winds, ice or snowstorms, fires, floods, earthquakes, or other soil or geologic movements, riots, accidents, water or wastewater pipe breaks, vandalism, or sabotage.”
For urgent situations that meet this legal definition, emergency tickets can be processed quickly through ITIC, ensuring the same swift results as calling in an emergency locate request.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of Missouri 811 and the requirements for excavation safety is essential for both homeowners and professional excavators. By debunking these common misconceptions, we hope to foster greater awareness and compliance, reducing the risk of utility damage and promoting safer excavation practices. Always remember: when in doubt, contact Missouri 811 before you dig. It’s free. It’s the law. It helps keep everyone safe.
