During an event on April 5, Greer Mayor Rick Danner presented Greer CPW with a proclamation to make April Safe Digging Month.
The utility provider and the city of Greer are also encouraging anyone planning to dig to call 811 at least three business days beforehand.
Thank you @CityofGreer and @SCAttyGenOffice for helping us spread the message of 811. No matter how large or small your digging project may be, calling 811 to have underground utilities marked is always the right call. #call811 #safediggingmonth #hereingreer pic.twitter.com/BS3vXqwfre
— Greer CPW (@GreerCPW) April 5, 2021
“One of the frustrating parts about these damages is that it is preventable,” said Rob Rhodes, Greer CPW Natural Gas Manager. “If contractors would take the time to observe the law and wait for lines to be located, it would make things a lot easier for all utility businesses.”
In February 2021, Greer CPW experienced nine damaged gas lines. In eight of those cases, nobody called 811 to have underground utility lines located before digging.
Damaged gas lines cost Greer CPW $140,000 last year and most damages were caused by third party contractors who did not call to learn where the underground lines were.
