Kentucky state law (KRS 367.4901 to 367.4917) requires companies involved in excavation activities to call a minimum of two business days before digging to arrange for location and marking of underground facilities in an excavation area. Digging into a natural gas line can cause injury or death. In addition to calling for a line location, remember:

• If you strike or damage a gas line, notify LG&E immediately at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville 800-331-7370).
• Always hand dig to gas pipes.
• If coating on wrapped pipe is damaged or plastic pipe is gouged, contact LG&E immediately.
• If a gas pipe has been damaged and gas is blowing, immediately turn off all equipment and remove/stop all ignition sources (cell phones, nylon jackets, vehicles, smoking). Allow the gas to vent into the atmosphere.
• Do not operate valves.
• Do not try to squeeze off plastic pipe; there is a great potential for static electricity on plastic pipe that could ignite the blowing gas.
• Do not leave, try to self-repair or cover up damaged pipe; the potential danger for the public is still there.

When you call Kentucky 811, they will coordinate with Kentucky 811 member utilities in the area to have their underground lines marked free of charge to the caller.

A "locate request call" sets the following process in motion:

1. Kentucky 811 member utilities with underground facilities in the vicinity of the planned excavation are notified. This may include natural gas, electric, telephone, cable and water companies.
2. Operator crews or their subcontractors either mark their underground facilities or tell the excavator they have no lines in the area. The markings are completed by using either paint or flags according to the standard color code system:
   
            = Electric
   
            = Gas, oil or steam
   
            = Telephone or television
   
            = Water
   
            = Sewer
   
            = Temporary survey markings
   
            = Proposed excavation
   
   
   

   Pipeline Safety Considerations
   
   

   • When planning your landscaping projects, avoid planting trees or large shrubs near your gas meter. As the tree grows, it could cause damage to the gas pipeline facilities in your area.
   • Help enforce state laws by ensuring that any contractor working on your behalf has contacted Kentucky 811 to have all underground lines properly marked before beginning the work. Protect your property and prevent damage to natural gas and other underground facilities by ensuring the lines have been properly marked. You'll know if the contractor has notified Kentucky 811 because you will see paint or flags in your yard indicating the lines have been marked.