Before digging in Vermilion, plan for the 811 request and unmarked service lines

Louisiana 811 describes its free service as a way to notify member underground-facility operators before soil is disturbed. Its website, checked October 17, 2026, says individuals using hand tools can use the service as well as companies operating heavy equipment. The statewide process applies to digging projects in Vermilion Parish. Louisiana 811

Start with the work location

Louisiana 811's locate-request guide, checked October 17, asks for the parish and city, worksite address or description, nearest intersecting road, location relative to that intersection, proposed start time and the part of the property needing marks. Its request page links separate online routes for homeowners and excavators; an operator is available at 811 or 1-800-272-3020 if online filing is difficult. Locate requests

Louisiana 811's homeowner guide, checked October 17, recommends contacting the service at least two business days before digging, excluding weekends and legal holidays. Requests received after 6 p.m. on weekdays are processed the next business day, the guide says. A weekend project therefore needs advance planning rather than a same-day routine request. Homeowner guide

Identify what the marks do not cover

Louisiana 811's homeowner guide warns that an unmarked area is not necessarily safe. It explains that utility markings commonly end at a meter or the beginning of a service line; customer-owned lines beyond that point may not be covered. It also says some underground-facility operators are not members and must be contacted directly. This guide does not establish the membership of a particular Vermilion utility. Homeowner guide, checked October 17

Louisiana 811's request guide says to retain the request number and identify the proposed excavation area with white paint, stakes or flags. For uncertainty about a specific request or missing operator, the service's published contact route is 811 or 1-800-272-3020. This explanation describes the notification process; it does not establish that an individual site has been cleared for digging. Locate requests, checked October 17