April is Safe Digging Month and NW Natural wants you to be safe and "Call Before You Dig"
Locating utility lines is free and the law
Media contact: Bryant.Clerkley@nwnatural.com; 636-634-8090
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2025
PORTLAND, Ore. —
NW Natural, Oregon’s largest gas utility company and one of the state’s oldest companies, wants to remind people to “Call Before You Dig” as the weather warms up and more people are working in their yards. Spring marks the beginning of digging season for many as they tackle gardening, landscaping and construction projects.
To ensure the public stays safe and comfortable, it’s important to know where underground lines for natural gas, water and other important utilities are located before starting these projects. Fortunately, NW Natural is part of a free “Call Before You Dig” service to avoid striking lines and provide peace of mind before starting a project.
Locating utility lines is free and the law. Call 8-1-1 at least two business days prior to digging or you can go to Oregon 811: Dig Safely with Free Locate Requests (digsafelyoregon.com). NW Natural crews respond to hundreds of dig-ins or damages each year in their service territories, illustrating why it’s important to call 8-1-1.
“Locating underground utility lines is an important step in the excavation process, it informs you what’s underground,” Damage Prevention Supervisor Jaimie Lemke said. “Whether it’s natural gas, electrical, water, sewer, or communications - all are essential services that need to be protected from damage.”
NW Natural is also encouraging people to download the NW Natural Safety App which allows users to add their own safety phone numbers, tap to report a rotten egg odor or call 8-1-1 before digging. The app is free and available to anyone.
For an interview with a NW Natural damage prevention specialist contact Safety PIO Bryant Clerkley.
About NW Natural
NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 800,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for over 166 years. NW Holdings owns NW Natural, SiEnergy Operating, LLC (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.
To ensure the public stays safe and comfortable, it’s important to know where underground lines for natural gas, water and other important utilities are located before starting these projects. Fortunately, NW Natural is part of a free “Call Before You Dig” service to avoid striking lines and provide peace of mind before starting a project.
Locating utility lines is free and the law. Call 8-1-1 at least two business days prior to digging or you can go to Oregon 811: Dig Safely with Free Locate Requests (digsafelyoregon.com). NW Natural crews respond to hundreds of dig-ins or damages each year in their service territories, illustrating why it’s important to call 8-1-1.
“Locating underground utility lines is an important step in the excavation process, it informs you what’s underground,” Damage Prevention Supervisor Jaimie Lemke said. “Whether it’s natural gas, electrical, water, sewer, or communications - all are essential services that need to be protected from damage.”
NW Natural is also encouraging people to download the NW Natural Safety App which allows users to add their own safety phone numbers, tap to report a rotten egg odor or call 8-1-1 before digging. The app is free and available to anyone.
For an interview with a NW Natural damage prevention specialist contact Safety PIO Bryant Clerkley.
About NW Natural
NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 800,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for over 166 years. NW Holdings owns NW Natural, SiEnergy Operating, LLC (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.