Before a stump is ground out

How the law defines digging

Washington's underground utility law defines excavation as any operation that moves or displaces earth, rock or other material on or below the ground. The person doing it is the excavator. (RCW 19.122)

A grind that reaches below the ground moves soil. Plan that job as a dig, and expect the 811 call that goes with one.

Who calls, and when

• Before digging, the excavator marks the work area with white paint or white flags, then gives notice through the one-number locator service. (RCW 19.122)
• The notice goes in at least two full business days, and no more than 10 full business days, before work begins. The day of the call, weekends and holidays don't count. (RCW 19.122) (WA 811)
• The duty belongs to the excavator. A company may have someone else place the call, but it keeps the legal responsibility. (RCW 19.122)
• The law exempts a dig under twelve inches on private noncommercial property when the owner or occupant, or their employee, does it. A hired grinding crew falls outside that exemption. (RCW 19.122)

Lines 811 won't mark

Utilities mark their own lines, not yours. WA 811 lists private lines it says public utilities will not mark: pool heating lines, power to outbuildings, invisible fences, fiber optic lines, septic systems and satellite dish lines. (WA 811)

The locate is free, according to the state Utilities and Transportation Commission. Call 811 or 1-800-424-5555. (WA UTC)

If a line is hit

The law sets civil penalties for violations. Damage caused after an excavator fails to give notice is treated as willful and malicious and can bring treble damages. (RCW 19.122)

Questions for the crew

1. Will you call 811 before you grind, and on what day?
2. How deep will you grind, and how far out from the stump?
3. Who will find private lines, like a septic line or an invisible fence?
4. What happens to the grindings and the hole?

Next

Read how to hire a tree service or see stump grinding companies.