MISS DIG 811 FAQs
MISS DIG 811 is Michigan's Non-Profit Notification Center that processes locate requests also known as tickets. These tickets are then sent to utility companies that send locators to mark their lines. MISS DIG 811 is a free service and does not mark the lines.
• Yes, you have to contact MISS DIG 811 at least 3 business days before your project. This applies to any project regardless of size or depth. This can be done by either calling 811 or going to missdig811.org. MISS DIG 811 is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Contacting MISS DIG 811 is free and legally required before your project.
• Private utility lines, not installed by the utility company, will not be marked, but can be marked by private locating companies for a fee.
• For overhead lines, contact the electric company on your ticket for assistance.
Private utility lines are not installed and/or maintained by a public utility company. Some examples of private utility lines include a utility line to a grill, shed, underground sprinkler systems, invisible dog fences, detached garage, pool, etc. They would need to be marked by Private Locators for a fee.
• I am planning a project or getting bids from contractors:
Select a Design Ticket. Blueprints and other utility information will be sent within 10 calendar days. YOU CANNOT DIG ON A DESIGN TICKET.• I am ready to dig:
Select a normal 21 Day ticket that will be marked within 3 business days. Please note that excavation must start within 14 calendar days of the dig start date on the MISS DIG 811 ticket. A new ticket must be obtained if excavation has not occurred within that time frame.• Your name and phone number.
• The contractor or person doing the work.
• Field contact information, email(optional), text/sms(optional).
• The type of work being done; for example, installing a fence or building a deck.
• The address where the work will be done.
• The geographical location (county, city, village, or township) of the work area.
• Nearest cross streets to the work site.
• The locating information: Information about the project area that identifies the boundaries for the utility locators.
If the homeowner is doing the work, then it is their responsibility to contact MISS DIG 811. If the contractor is doing the work, then it is the contractor's responsibility to contact MISS DIG 811.
It's required to check Positive Response on or after the Work Legal Start Date on the ticket. Positive Response is an online tool that is used to check and post the status of utility line markings. Do this by clicking Check Status at www.missdig811.org and put the ticket number in the upper left corner, then hit ENTER. Please disregard the magnifying glass. All responses need to be either MARKED or NO CONFLICT before you can dig. If that is not the case, call 811 or 800-482-7171
Digging needs to start within 14 days and be completed within 21 days of the Work Legal Start Date. If the work has not started within 14 days or is not completed within 21 days, a new ticket is required. The markings can be compromised by people, time and weather.
Contact MISS DIG 811 if one of the following conditions exists after the Work Legal Start Date.
• The utility line is unmarked.
• The Positive Response status for a utility is 999.
• There are missing, incorrect, or destroyed markings.
For markings you did not request, refer to the Public Dashboard, https://www.missdig811.org/publicdashboard.html.
Flags may be removed under the following circumstances if you are confident of the following:
• The work is done
• After 21 days with no work
Flags may be thrown away after removal.
Exact depth cannot be determined because of human interference, weather, or other circumstances. Utility locators will only mark the approximate location, not the depth of lines.
• The actual location of the line may vary from the position of the marks. If the digging is taking place within 4 ft of either side of the marks (known as the caution zone), the line needs to be precisely located by hand digging (not using power tools or machinery). Power tools and machinery may only be used once the exact location of the line is known.
• If you can't find the utility line within 18 inches on either side of the paint and/or flags, contact MISS DIG 811 for assistance.
If it appears that someone is digging without having their utilities marked, call 811. Tell them that you would like to place a Concerned Caller ticket. The representative will ask you for the address, city/township/village, county, and cross streets. You can provide the name of the excavator if you have that information, but it is not required.
You do not have to give your name.
If there is a hazardous situation, call 911 immediately. Then contact the utility company directly.