The New York State Public Service Commission announced on Apr. 3 that it is participating in the nationwide effort to recognize April as ‘Safe Digging Month.’ The initiative aims to remind excavators, contractors, and homeowners that state law requires contacting a toll-free one-call center before beginning any digging, excavation, or demolition project.
The campaign highlights the importance of safe digging practices to prevent damage to underground utilities and infrastructure. Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed April as ‘Safe Digging Month’ in New York.
Two one-call notification systems operate in the state: New York 811, Inc., which serves New York City and Long Island, and UDig NY, which covers areas north of Westchester County. Both can be reached by dialing 811 from anywhere within New York. Requests for location services can also be submitted online or through their toll-free numbers at any time.
The Commission oversees water, electric, and telecommunication utilities along with nearly 100,000 miles of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines across the state. It conducts rigorous reviews of utility infrastructure and operations that exceed federal requirements by prescribing safety performance metrics and investigating thousands of incidents each year.
Commission staff enforce pipeline safety regulations considered among the most stringent nationally. They routinely monitor utilities’ damage prevention programs for compliance with safety standards. Over the past two decades, these efforts have reduced statewide damages to gas facilities from 6.81 per 1,000 notifications in 2003 to 1.51 damages in 2025.
Excavators who fail to follow regulations may face civil penalties as well as liability for repair costs unless damage is due to noncompliance by a utility or municipality.
