Changes to Missouri law prioritize safe digging
Ameren Missouri urges customers to call 811 before beginning excavation work
Ameren Missouri is informing customers of changes to Missouri law that underscore the importance of contacting Missouri 811 before any excavation project – a crucial step to preventing costly repairs, service interruptions and serious injuries.
Passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe, Senate Bill 133 updates Missouri’s 811 system, allowing it to evolve with technological advancements, while also reflecting the needs of both excavators and underground facility owners. Under the new law, excavators will be required to contact 811 at least two business days ahead of a project and complete the work within 21 days of the project start date. If work continues beyond that period, even if marks are still visible, a new 811 ticket is required.
“Our crews and customers play a pivotal role in ensuring excavation safety across our service territory,” said Pam Harrison, senior director of gas operations for Ameren Missouri. “We’re urging everyone to contact 811, as directed by law, so we can mark our facilities before work begins to maintain the integrity of Ameren Missouri’s underground infrastructure and ensure public safety.”
Additionally, the new law requires excavators to notify 811 if they discover an unmarked underground facility, regardless of whether it is damaged, to report it. If damage to a natural gas facility occurs, affected individuals are encouraged to follow these steps:
Stop all excavation activities immediately.
Evacuate the area and ensure others stay away from the site.
Contact 911 to report the incident and provide details about the location and nature of the damage.
Contact Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.
Notify Missouri 811 about the damage.
Ameren Missouri recommends customers call 811 or visit Missouri-811.org at least three business days before starting a digging project. Requests can be made at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, it is important to have underground lines freshly marked every time you dig, even if you have had lines marked for past projects.
Governor Mike Kehoe signed SB 133 into law on July 14, and the measures included in the new law will take effect on Aug. 28.