THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM AMEREN
Ameren Illinois has seen a spike in third-party or customer dig-ins in our natural gas delivery system in central Illinois. In the last three weeks, looking back at Monday, April 18, Ameren has responded to 25 “hit lines” where a contractor or homeowner has damaged buried natural gas lines while digging, resulting in leaking natural gas and emergency response by Ameren Illinois.
- Champaign 8
- Charleston 2
- Danville 3
- Effingham 1
- Mahomet 1
- Moweaqua 1
- Paris 3
- Robinson 1
- Shelbyville 2
- Teutopolis 1
- Tuscola 2
Q. Why is it important to call JULIE at 8-1-1 before digging?
A. JULIE stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators and it is a nonprofit organization that handles the 8-1-1 calls.
As an important safety message, Ameren Illinois is reminding property owners and contractors to dial J.U.L.I.E. at 8-1-1 before digging to have the property marked for underground utility lines.
Anyone starting an outdoor project may not be aware that natural gas pipelines or electric lines are buried underground.
In fact, every six minutes, someone contacts underground utility because they didn’t call 8-1-1 before that first shovel broke the ground. A proactive call to 8-1-1 will help prevent loss of power, costly repairs, or serious injury. The service is free and it’s the law.
Q. What happens after you call J.U.L.I.E.?
A. If J.U.L.I.E determines that Ameren Illinois has underground facilities (typically buried natural gas or electrical lines) in the requested dig location, the organization issues a dig ticket.
Ameren Illinois then dispatches U.S. Infrastructure Company (USIC) within two business days to identify and mark the lines. Digging can only begin once the marking process is complete and the start time on the ticket is valid.
Q. What do the different colored flags and painted marks indicated in your yard?A. Yellow paint marks and yellow flags in the yard indicate the presence of natural gas pipelines.
Red paint marks and red flags identify the location of underground electric lines.
Even after the facilities are marked, digging within the tolerance zone (18 inches on either side of a marked line) must be completed by hand.
Q. What is the proper protocol should you accidentally strike a natural gas line while digging?
A. In the event that an underground facility is struck while digging, there are two courses of action depending on whether natural gas is leaking.
- If the strike results in a rotten egg smell, blowing dirt or bubbling water, then natural gas is likely leaking. Immediately clear the area and call 911, then Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000, and then 8-1-1.
- If there is no noticeable release of natural gas, stop digging immediately and call Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000. Ameren Illinois must arrive on scene to make repairs to the damaged line before the project can continue.
- Do not under any circumstance ignore a damaged utility line and continue working. Too often, people overlook damaged natural gas lines and continue working or attempt to stop escaping gas or to fix the damage on their own. This can create a more dangerous situation.
