Call J.U.L.I.E. Before You Dig
What Is JULIE?
Before starting a project that requires digging, be sure to call JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators). JULIE serves as a clearinghouse for agencies that may have utility lines, cables, etc running under campus. JULIE forwards notifications to all affected agencies, which in turn dispatch locators to "mark" their underground lines with flags and paint. JULIE can be contacted by dialing 811 or visiting their website. Please be advised that once the call is placed, JULIE generally requires three working days before digging can begin.
When Do I Need to Contact JULIE for Work on Campus?
Illinois law requires a JULIE locate request before beginning excavation or other ground-disturbing work. For non-emergency work, the request must be submitted at least 2 days, but no more than 10 days, before excavation begins. Saturdays, Sundays, JULIE-recognized holidays, and the day the locate request is submitted are not counted in the notification period.
A new locate request must be submitted when required, even if work has previously been performed or utilities have previously been located in the same area.
Contact JULIE Before Performing Work Such As:
- Digging post holes
- Driving or inserting stakes for tents
- Planting or removing trees or shrubs
- Installing signposts, fence posts, or similar items
- Driving stakes, anchors, rods, or other objects into the ground
- Performing any other excavation or ground penetration that could expose, contact, or damage an underground utility
Important
Do not assume an area is safe to excavate because it has been located for a previous project. Follow current JULIE requirements and confirm the required utility responses before beginning work.
The current Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act also requires the excavation area to be pre-marked as part of the locate process.
Prior to contacting JULIE
Prior to contacting JULIE, pre-mark your project area using white paint or flags. Doing so provides facility owner locators more specific knowledge about where on campus you plan to do the work. It is required by law that only WHITE paint or flags are used for pre-marking (black if snow is on the ground).
Color Flags
Below is list of their color-coded flags, stakes or paint and what they mean.
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Electric |
| Yellow | Gas, Oil, or Petroleum |
| Orange | Communications |
| Blue | Portable Water |
| Green | Sewer |
| Purple | Reclaimed Water |
| Pink | Temporary Survey |
| White | Proposed Excavation |
JULIE Contact Information
Call 811 or JULIE’s toll-free number at (800) 892-0123.