Excavating and Digging
Vermont law requires that excavators, utility operators, and individuals, including homeowners, notify Dig Safe at least 72 hours before excavating on public and private property, rights of ways, and easements. Call Dig Safe at 811 or submit a request online using Exactix. Dig Safe is a free service for anyone to use. Contacting Dig Safe replaces the excavation/trench permit that was previously used by the Town of Brattleboro.
How Does it Work?
After submitting a request for utility marks online or by calling 811, the participating utility companies will respond within 72 business hours. Underground pipes and cables are marked out by the utility companies’ locating technicians using colored paint, stakes, or flags.
For more details, view this video or brochure.
Why Do I Have to Contact Dig Safe?
Damaging an underground facility is dangerous – for you, and for the people around you. A broken pipe or cable can cause outages, expensive repairs, and legal problems. This is why state law requires contractors and homeowners to notify Dig Safe before digging, even on private land.
Whether you plan to install a swimming pool, basketball hoop, mailbox, or a fence on your own property, no digging project is too small to notify Dig Safe first.
What is Dig Safe?
Dig Safe is a notification center, serving as a link between you and Dig Safe's participating member utility companies. Dig Safe is a private, not-for-profit organization that collects information about your upcoming excavation project, then notifies the appropriate member utilities in the area of excavation. The utilities respond to mark the location of their lines, or they use contract locating companies to mark their lines.
If you have further questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 802-254-4255.