USA dig requirements

Any time you are preparing to dig on the University of Nevada, Reno property with machinery beyond a shovel, utilities are to be marked to prevent injury and damage to utilities. Call 811 or visit usanorth811.org to initiate the utility location process.

Working with University USA Dig Coordinator

The University USA Dig Coordinator or designate can be contacted by emailing usa@lists.unr.edu or by phone at (775) 784-8020. Facilites Services and outside utilities will complete marking of utilities within 48 hours of the request. Each group will mark the location with a different colored paint designating the type of utility that can be found underground. Once all markings are complete by the university, the USA Dig coordinator will close ticket with a reply of clear, marked, no remark or unable to mark.

Frequently asked questions

Expand All
  • Why can't I just dig? When do I need to call? What if there is an emergency?

    There are underground utilities that could cause serious personal injury if contacted. Also service interruptions are not only inconvenient, but can be life threatening around our medical campus. You need to call at least 2 working days prior to your excavation. An emergency is defined as "a sudden, unexpected occurrence that involves clear and imminent danger and requires immediate action..." If the excavation is an emergency, please contact Facilities service center at (775) 784-8020 for immediate action.

  • If I am hand digging, do I need to call?

    If hand digging without powered equipment, then a call is not necessary. If utilities are suspected nearby and you would like to avoid contacting them, please call 811 so that they can be marked.

  • How do I mark my excavation site?

    The industry wide method of pre-marking your excavation site is to use white paint. Other methods that will suffice include white stakes, white flags, white whiskers, white chalk and even white baking flour in a pinch. White is the only color identifier that is recognized for proposed excavation.

  • How are utilities located? How accurate are the markings?

    The utilities are located by locating signals and previous maps. The tolerance is 24" on either side of the mark.

  • What happens if I encounter something that isn't marked?

    If you have damaged a utility (e.g., natural gas, electricity, etc.) that poses an emergency, dial 911 immediately. While we try to maintain the most accurate representation of underground utilities, some utilities were buried decades ago without documentation. If you encounter something, please contact the USA dig coordinator immediately so that it can be identified for safety and also update map for future communication.

  • How long is the dig request good for?

    The dig request is valid for 28 calendar days. If additional time is needed, the dig request may be extended. If weather or unforeseen event has removed marks, a request to remark the area may be completed at this time. If the area is an active gated construction zone, the University will not attempt to remark.

  • What should I do when I complete my job?

    Please follow the Facilities Design and Construction Standards as it pertains to the work that has been accomplished. It is also recommended that the excavator be responsible for removing all marks in reference to their required dig request.