Summit Natural Gas Urges Residents to notify 811 Before Starting Spring Digging Projects

Service helps homeowners avoid damaging underground gas and utility lines

4/1/2026

As warmer weather draws homeowners outdoors to begin spring home improvement projects, Summit Utilities, Inc. (Summit), reminds residents to put safety first during National Safe Digging Month this April by notifying 811 before digging. Summit Utilities is a family of companies that include Arkansas Oklahoma Gas, Colorado Natural Gas, Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Summit Natural Gas of Missouri, Summit Utilities Arkansas, and Summit Utilities Oklahoma.

April is National Safe Digging Month, a nationwide campaign reminding homeowners and contractors to locate underground utility lines before starting outdoor projects. Spring is one of the busiest seasons for projects like planting trees, installing fences or decks, building patios, and landscaping, but digging without knowing what lies below the surface can damage utility lines and lead to injuries, service outages, and costly repairs.

“Even simple spring projects like planting trees or setting mailbox posts can result in striking a gas line if proper precautions are not taken,” said Vernon McNully, vice president of operations. “Notifying 811 before you dig is required by law and is the easiest way to protect yourself and your neighbors.”

National Safe Digging Month, led by the Common Ground Alliance, emphasizes the importance of contacting 811 before starting any digging project. The free service notifies local utility companies, which then marks the approximate location of underground gas, electric, water, and communications lines. To learn more about the Common Ground Alliance, please visit commongroundalliance.com.

Summit Natural Gas encourages residents to follow these steps before beginning spring digging projects:

• Call 811 or submit a request online at least two to three business days before digging.
• Wait for all utility lines to be marked before starting work.
• Respect the markings and dig carefully around them, using hand tools when working near marked areas.

Damaging underground gas lines can create dangerous situations, including the risk of fire or explosion, and may interrupt service to nearby homes and businesses.

For more information about National Safe Digging Month or to learn more about Summit Natural Gas, please visit summitnaturalgas.com