Columbia Gas Issues a Safety Reminder to Homeowners, Builders and Excavators to 'Call...

Columbia Gas Issues a Safety Reminder to Homeowners, Builders and Excavators
to 'Call Before You Dig' This Spring

Free Call to 8-1-1 Ensures Digging or Excavation Does Not Puncture Gas Lines

CANONSBURG, Pa., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Warmer temperatures and the arrival
of spring typically signal the beginning of outdoor projects -- everything
from replacing the mailbox and installing a new pole lamp to building an
addition on a home or excavating the yard for a new swimming pool. April is
National "Dig Safely" Month, and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, a premier
provider of safe, reliable natural gas to more than 412,000 customers in 26
counties, is issuing a reminder to contractors, excavators, and homeowners who
are considering a project that requires digging. State law requires calling
8-1-1 three days before excavating.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090316/NE84371LOGO )

"It's a free call, and it's a simple rule to follow. Before you pick up the
shovel or power up your equipment, pick up the phone and call 8-1-1," said
Terrence J. Murphy, president of Columbia Gas. "Puncturing a gas line can
have catastrophic consequences. By calling 8-1-1 before you dig, you will be
protecting your family, your home, and your community. You will also avoid
potentially costly repairs."

Maintained by Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., a nonprofit organization,
the 8-1-1 "Call Before You Dig" hotline is a statewide clearing house for
calls from excavators, contractors, plumbers, builders, designers, and the
general public. The hotline alerts Columbia Gas that excavation is about to
occur. A Columbia Gas representative will then visit the property and mark
the location of the natural gas lines before digging begins so the lines are
not compromised.

State law requires that a homeowner or a contractor provide three days' notice
before the excavation begins. In addition, the person conducting the
excavation is charged with the responsibility of making the call to 8-1-1.

The 8-1-1 "Call Before You Dig" hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, 365 days a year. For more information, please visit the Columbia Gas of
Pennsylvania Web site at www.columbiagas.com.

About Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, with local headquarters in Canonsburg, serves
more than 412,000 customers in 26 counties. More information about Columbia
Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland is available at
www.columbiagas.com.

Contact: Bethany Burtyk
Media Hotline: 888-416-4224

SOURCE Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania

Bethany Burtyk of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Media Hotline,
+1-888-416-4224