Kentucky state law (KRS 367.4901 to 367.4917) requires companies involved in excavation activities to call a minimum of two business days before digging to arrange for location and marking of underground facilities in an excavation area. Digging into a natural gas line can cause injury or death. In addition to calling for a line location, remember:

• If you strike or damage a gas line, notify LG&E immediately at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville 800-331-7370).
• Always hand dig to gas pipes.
• If coating on wrapped pipe is damaged or plastic pipe is gouged, contact LG&E immediately.
• If a gas pipe has been damaged and gas is blowing, immediately turn off all equipment and remove/stop all ignition sources (cell phones, nylon jackets, vehicles, smoking). Allow the gas to vent into the atmosphere.
• Do not operate valves.
• Do not try to squeeze off plastic pipe; there is a great potential for static electricity on plastic pipe that could ignite the blowing gas.
• Do not leave, try to self-repair or cover up damaged pipe; the potential danger for the public is still there.

When you call Kentucky 811, a locate request ticket will be completed to have all utilities located with paint and/or flags at the proposed dig location.

A "locate request call" sets the following process in motion:

1. Operators with underground facilities in the vicinity of the planned excavation are notified. This includes natural gas, electric, telephone, cable and water companies.
2. Operator crews or their subcontractors either mark their underground facilities or tell the excavator they have no lines in the area.
3. Line markings can be identified by using the standard color code system:
   
   Red = Electric
   Yellow = Gas, oil or steam
   Orange = Telephone or television
   Blue = Water
   Green = Sewer
   Pink = Temporary survey markings
   White = Proposed excavation

• When planning your landscaping projects, avoid planting trees or large shrubs near your gas meter. As the tree grows, it could cause damage to the gas pipeline facilities in your area.
• Help enforce state laws by ensuring that any contractor working on your behalf has contacted Kentucky 811 to have all underground lines properly marked before beginning the work. Protect your property and prevent damage to natural gas and other underground facilities by ensuring the lines have been properly marked. You'll know if the contractor has notified Kentucky 811 because you will see paint or flags in your yard indicating the lines have been marked.