Damage Prevention

Maine Law Requires Anyone Using Power Tools to Penetrate the Ground (Including Homeowners (PDF)) to First:

  1. Pre-mark the boundaries of the proposed area of excavation with white markings.

  2. Call 811 three (3) business days (72 hours) prior to digging.  Dig Safe® will then automatically notify all of its member utilities that own underground facilities in the area of the excavation so that they can mark their facilities.

  3. Notify all non-member owners of underground facilities in the area of the excavation 3 business days prior to digging as some underground facilities may be private.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) is vigorously enforcing these rules and may fine you up to $10,000 per violation if you do not comply.  Therefore, please take time to review and understand the law (Title 23, §3360-A) and the MPUC Rules - See Chapter 895 (Word).

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Damage Prevention Training

The Maine Public Utilities Commission Damage Prevention Team provides training opportunities for utility operators, those in the excavation community, and the general public.  These trainings typically take 2 to 2 1/2 hours and are free of charge.  Trainings take place at the Maine Public Utilities Commission at 45 Commerce Drive (Left Entrance) in Augusta.  For those wishing to provide training to a large number of personnel, on site-trainings at your facility may also be available. To schedule a training, please contact Hattie Trask at hattie.trask@maine.gov or (207) 287-6075.

Upcoming Damage Prevention Training Dates:  September 17, 2025 or October 15, 2025

For additional information, please visit:

If you have any questions, please call the MPUC at (207) 287-3831 or toll free at (800) 452-4699.

Remember - Dig Safe® is free and it's the law!