The MISS DIG Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act” (PA174) requires that a person or public agency must provide a dig notice to MISS DIG 811 on intent to excavate, tunnel, discharge explosives, or demolish at least three business days, but not more than 14 calendar days, before commencing the activity. Upon notification, MISS DIG 811 will notify participating members to stake their underground utility lines and/or provide overhead electric line assistance to ensure adequate clearances are maintained. The staking is only an approximation and does not indicate the exact location (to the inch) or the depth of the utility. Participating utilities include underground telephone and fiber, gas, electric, water, sewer, and storm lines and drains.”
A variety of campus activities might require the need for utilities to be located; examples might include test pitting or boring for experimental purposes, tent installation and staking, or installation of sign or fence posts. Faculty, staff, and students are expected to comply with campus health and safety guidance. If activities include earthwork, the location of utilities should be included when planning the work. Michigan law requires anyone who is responsible for the planning or performance of any type of earthwork on University property to submit a locate request through Miss Dig 811.
Prior to submitting your request, prepare to answer questions related to the proposed earthwork, including the following:
- Your name and phone number.
- The contractor or person doing the work.
- The name and phone number of the on-site contact
- The geographical location (county and city) of the work area.
- The address where the work will be done.
- Nearest cross streets to the work site.
- The type of work being done; for example, tent installation.
- Information about the project area that identifies the work limits for the utility locators.
If you have any questions about using MISS DIG or the need to locate utilities for your proposed project please contact Facilities Management. For more information related to “positive response” and the University’s role in locating and protecting campus infrastructure please visit the Grounds Services tab of the Facilities Management website.