In Texas, anyone planning to drill, bore or disturb the ground deeper than 16 inches must first contact Texas811 at least two business days in advance, a requirement now under scrutiny following last week’s deadly apartment explosion in Oak Cliff.
The rule, part of the state’s One-Call Law under Texas Utilities Code Chapter 251, applies to contractors, drillers and even homeowners. It triggers utility companies to mark underground lines — including natural gas pipes — before work begins. The law defines excavation broadly to include drilling, boring and soil sampling with mechanized equipment. Failure to call can result in civil penalties starting at $500 to $1,000 per violation, with higher fines for repeat offenses, and potential liability in lawsuits or criminal cases if damage occurs…