Whether you are building a fence, planting a tree or digging for a foundation, you need to make use of U-DIG, a free utility locating service that can save you a lot of trouble and expense. Buried utility lines need to be identified before a digging project begins.

U-DIG provides a single phone number for the public to call to notify utility companies with buried lines that may be affected by an excavation project.

Utility companies and municipalities who are members of U-DIG provide this service to the public at no charge. The program’s goal is to prevent personal injury, property damage and damage to buried facilities.

Montana law requires anyone who is planning an excavation project to call the U-DIG call center and provide them with details.

Two business days notice to U-DIG is required. The two-day period starts at 7 a.m. on the next working day after the call, and does not include weekends or official state or federal holidays.

The dig area must be identified by marking it with paint, stakes, flags or other items that clearly show where digging is planned. Once the utility lines have been identified, only hand digging is allowed within 18 inches of the marked lines.

When a request is made to the U-DIG call center (755-8344 or 1-800-551-8344 outside the local calling area) U-DIG notifies the member utilities or municipalities that may have buried facilities in the project area.

It is the responsibility of the utility to go to the planned dig site and mark their buried facilities. Buried facilities are identified with specific colored paint sprayed on the ground.

If they do not have any buried facilities at the dig site, they will notify the person who is planning the dig.

For large projects or difficult dig areas, a site meeting can be requested to explain the project directly to the utility locator.

Once the buried facilities have been identified, it is the excavator’s responsibility to maintain the marked lines. More information can be obtained from the U-DIG web site, www.udig.org.