Illinois Commerce Commission Says Not Calling Before You Dig Could be Costly

Are you planning to take advantage of the warm weather by getting some construction work done? One state department wants to remind you to call before you dig, or it could cost you.

The Illinois Commerce Commission says you should call 8-1-1 before any outdoor project that requires digging. They say these projects range from things like building a deck to smaller projects like installing a mailbox or planting a tree. The 8-1-1 number will put you in touch will the State One Call Center, which is a 24-hour service that was put in place to stop you from hitting utility lines when digging.

You should call 8-1-1 at least 2 days before breaking ground on your project, according to the ICC. If you don’t, it could cost you. The ICC says they gave out more than $90,000 in fines for safe digging violations last year.