Resources

Where to look things up

The organizations, statutes and reporting systems that govern underground utility safety in Colorado.

Quick answers

How far ahead must I notify?: At least three business days before excavation begins.
Is 811 free?: Yes — for homeowners and professionals alike.
Who locates my private lines?: You do, via a private locating company. 811 covers facilities in the public right-of-way.
What if the marks have faded?: Request a re-mark. Don't work from memory of where the lines were.
When do I report a damage?: Any contact at all, including a nicked coating — report it to the facility owner.

Colorado 811 ↗
File tickets online, check positive response, and find member contacts. Legally the Utility Notification Center of Colorado.
Private locate company directory ↗
811 does not locate privately-owned facilities. These firms do.
Locator contacts ↗
Direct contact lists for USIC, On the Spot and Xcel Energy damage prevention.

Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission ↗
The state regulator, in the Division of Oil and Public Safety. Reviews complaints against excavators, facility owners and locators, and assesses penalties.
C.R.S. Title 9, Article 1.5 ↗
Colorado's excavation notification statute. Requires notice at least three business days before excavating.
Senate Bill 18-167 ↗
Created the Safety Commission, required new facilities installed after 1 Jan 2019 to be electronically locatable, and made facility owners responsible for service laterals in the public right-of-way.

Common Ground Alliance ↗
Publishes the Best Practices the industry works to, and runs the DIRT damage reporting programme.
CGA DIRT reporting ↗
Colorado facility owners must submit damages to DIRT within 90 days of service restoration.
PHMSA ↗
Federal pipeline safety. Has rated Colorado's damage prevention programme 'Adequate' for six consecutive years.