In the state of Tennessee, State Law requires anyone about to engage in either digging, excavation, moving of earth, demolition or any type of activity that disturbs the earth and therefore possibly involving a danger to damaging underground utility lines,  to notify Tennessee 811, of their intent to dig.

   Tennessee 811 will then notify the member utilities of your proposed work. The utility company locator will then have 72 hours, excluding holidays and weekends, to locate those underground facilities. 
   
   In addition to calling Tennessee 811, you may also want to contact any non-member utilities that you know are in the area of your proposed work.

   The locate ticket you receive is only valid for 15 calendar days from the start date indicated on the ticket, after which time, it expires.  If you wish to continue working, you must call in at least 3 working days before the expiration date to renew your locate ticket, at which time you would be given a new ticket number. 
  
   The complete state law is shown in its entirety by clicking on the link.   Do NOT use the above quick summary as the complete representation of the law.   Tennessee 811 would be happy to clarify any questions you might have regarding the law and outline helpful guidelines and procedures of excavation.
  
   The New Law was effective May, 2015, and can be read by clicking the link below. This pdf will indicate the new law (in red), showing the old portions of the law (with strikeout indicators). 

Click here for Entire Law