In Texas, anyone planning to drill, bore or disturb the ground deeper than 16 inches must first contact Texas811 at least two business days in advance, a requirement now under scrutiny following last week’s deadly apartment explosion in Oak Cliff.
The rule, part of the state’s One-Call Law under Texas Utilities Code Chapter 251, applies to contractors, drillers and even homeowners. It triggers utility companies to mark underground lines — including natural gas pipes — before work begins. The law defines excavation broadly to include drilling, boring and soil sampling with mechanized equipment. Failure to call can result in civil penalties starting at $500 to $1,000 per violation, with higher fines for repeat offenses, and potential liability in lawsuits or criminal cases if damage occurs.
The requirement gained fresh attention after the May 28 explosion at The Clyde apartments that killed three people and injured several others. Records show a drill rig was boring for soil samples ahead of a potential property sale when it reportedly nicked a gas line. Investigators from the NTSB, Atmos Energy and Dallas Fire-Rescue continue to examine whether proper locate procedures were followed.
Texas811, a nonprofit notification center, stresses the free service protects lives and infrastructure. Officials recommend white-lining the dig area and respecting tolerance zones even after marks are placed. The law covers most private and public properties with limited exemptions.
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