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April is safe digging month in
Illinois
[April 02, 2025]
Chicago, IL – In observance of
safe digging month, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is
reminding citizens they can reduce utility outages by calling 811.
The state’s annual proclamation is a reminder to professional
excavators and DIY homeowners alike to call 811 to safely mark
utility lines before starting a digging project.
“The warmer weather can inspire us get started on home improvement
projects, but underground utility lines can be unintentionally
damaged during a digging project. Remember to call 811 before you
dig for projects of any size,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott.
Illinois law requires all homeowners and professional excavators to
call the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE)
at 811 before digging at least two working days prior to starting
excavation. The project must begin within 10 days of the call, and
locate requests have a 25-day life. The State One-Call Center,
managed by JULIE (DIGGER within the City of Chicago) is a 24-hour
service network system established to prevent contractors and
private citizens from hitting utility lines while digging. JULIE has
been protecting Illinoisans for 50 years.
Homeowners and excavators may face penalties for not calling 811,
and utilities may be cited and fined for failing to mark lines in a
timely manner.
The ICC is responsible for enforcement of the Illinois Underground
Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act. In 2024, ICC Staff issued
154 warnings and 1,114 citations for safe digging violations,
resulting in over $5 million in fines.
Read the
ICC’s safe digging tips, and learn more about the state’s
One-Call education and enforcement.
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About the
Illinois Commerce Commission
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body
made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility
Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate,
reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least
possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural
gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility
companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the
Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection
programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of
general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers,
safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession
agencies. The Commission’s Rail Safety Program also inspects and
regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and
equipment in the state.
[Text received from Illinois Commerce
Commission]
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