By Amy Batista, Special Writer
A homeowner digging on his property struck a gas line forcing a temporary evacuation of surrounding homes last week, according to officials.
”The owner was hand-digging and hit a 1-inch line,” said Deputy Chief John Newbon Sr. of Hamilton District 4 in an email on July 31.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Vetterlein Avenue and Boxwood Avenue at approximately 5:57 p.m. on July 29.
Six homes were evacuated for about an hour, he said. No injuries were reported.
”We checked the area and called for an extra engine and ladder to standby,” he said.
Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G) arrived on the scene around at 6:19 p.m. and shut the gas off around 7:10 p.m. The damage was repaired and everyone cleared the scene around 7:15 p.m.
PSE&G reminds residents to call before they dig to avoid hitting underground gas and electric lines.
To make it easy to call, 811 has been designated as the national dialing code to have underground lines located and marked, according to PSE&G.
Every digging project, even a small project like planting a tree or building a deck, requires a call to 811. Striking a single line can cause outages and result in repair costs and fines, according to PSE&G.
PSE&G notes that underground gas and electric lines are everywhere, even on private properties, and they can be easily damaged, with the potential to seriously injure someone. Digging into these lines also can disrupt the vital utility services and result in costly delays, expensive repairs and environmental or property damage.
PSE&G suggests calling 811 or 1-800-272-1000 at least four business days before each job to have underground pipes, wires and equipment located. Utility workers will respond and place markers where utility lines are buried, free of charge. Be sure to wait three full business days after calling before doing any digging. Don’t dig until lines have been marked. Property owners must maintain and respect the marks, and should always hand-dig within 2 feet of marked lines, according to PSE&G.
Anyone who accidentally damages gas piping or smells gas when excavating should call 911 immediately from a safe area. Then call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
For additional information, including a damage prevention booklet on safe excavating practices and the protection of underground facilities, visit http://www.pseg.com/call811.

