The Real Dirt On Pipeline Strikes

The TSSA has released an article promoting utility locates as a method of reducing utility strikes.  You can read the article by clicking The Real Dirt on Pipeline Strikes TSSA.  Although we applaud the TSSA for the proactive educational initiative, we disagree with several statements in the article.  Specifically the following phrases:

“Hire the services of a private locate company if unsure.”

“….there may be also underground residential supply lines installed by a contractor at the request or under contract with the homeowner. ………While a homeowner should be asked for locations, they may not have accurate and complete information.  If unsure of any underground line, contact a private locator….”

The inference of these statements, is that having a private locator determine the location of  onsite utilities is discretionary.  We strongly disagree and contend that the only way to safely dig is to have proper utility locates of both utility-owned, and privately owned services.  “Ask for locations” and “private locate company if unsure” are not suitable alternatives to valid, up to date, private locates.