We dig safety.

You might be surprised how much is going on underground. Gas, electric and other utility lines are just about everywhere. So for your own protection, state law requires you to call at least two days before you start digging - whether you’re planting a tree in your backyard or undertaking some serious excavation work.

Call the national 811 Call Before You Dig number two days before you dig or excavate for the location of underground gas and electric lines. It's the law! Or, if you prefer, you can use www.callbeforeyoudig.org, or the following 800 numbers:

Washington: (800) 424-5555

Idaho Counties:

• Benewah, Shoshone (800) 398-3285
• Bonner, Boundary (800) 626-4950
• Clearwater (800) 553-4344
• Latah (800) 342-1585
• Idaho, Lewis, Nez Perce (800) 342-1585
• Kootenai (800) 428-4950

Oregon: (800) 332-2344

Whichever method you choose initiates a request for someone to visit your work site - within two working days - to mark the ground above our gas and electric facilities. That way, you won’t inadvertently hit a line while you’re digging.

The color of the paint, stake or other marker indicates what’s below:

• Yellow with company ID for gas in Oregon
• Yellow with a "G" for gas in Washington and Idaho
• Red with an "E" for electric in Washington and Idaho

Here’s what else you need to know:

• Don’t move or alter the marks until the facilities are exposed.
• The location marks are good for 10 working days. After that, you should go to www.callbeforeyoudig.org, call your 800 number or dial 811 again for new location marks.
• There will be a 2-foot (24 inch) tolerance on either side of the markings. You must hand dig to expose and determine the exact location of the underground facilities before you proceed with mechanical excavation. We may be able to provide you with depths, but they’re not guaranteed.
• Exposed gas pipelines need to be properly supported and protected from damage so they don’t break or rupture. You can use secure nylon straps, wood shoring, rope or other means that don’t harm the pipes.
• You’ll need to use acceptable backfill material and proper compaction to avoid damage to the pipes. Since sharp rocks or gravel can damage the pipes, you should use sand or rock-free dirt.
• If you find gas or electric lines that haven’t been marked, stop excavating and go to www.callbeforeyoudig.org, call your 800 number or dial 811 immediately.
• You can also call Avista Utilities at (800) 227-9187 if you have any questions. 

 Back to top.

If you smell natural gas

Because natural gas is lighter than air, it becomes combustible when mixed with air and exposed to an ignition source. That’s why we add an odorant that smells like rotten eggs so you’ll know right away if there’s a problem.

Any time you smell or hear a gas leak, take these precautions:

• Don’t smoke, light matches, turn your electrical switches on or off, use the telephone or do anything else that might create a spark.
• Evacuate everyone in the area, and keep others away.
• Call Avista Utilities at (800) 227-9187.

If you damage natural gas lines

Even if gas isn’t leaking, we need to inspect the lines. Call Avista Utilities at (800) 227-9187 as soon as possible.

If you’re building

Never build decks or structures over Avista’s pipelines or meters. Doing so runs a serious safety risk, and prevents Avista from servicing the infrastructure that serves you.

We may be able to relocate our equipment to accommodate your project, but you could be responsible for the associated costs. Call us at (800) 227-9187 to learn more.

 Back to top.