In 1976, California construction workers accidentally
cut through a petroleum pipeline; the explosion destroyed half a city block. Since then, before any repair or development project, the painting of colored codes called Dig Alerts have been required.
Workers called “locaters” measure and mark the distance of underground utilities that lie precariously close to projects requiring excavation. In New York City, pink is for a preliminary survey. Red refers to an electrical project; yellow, to gas, natural gas, oil and steam utilities. Orange is about alarm and cable systems (recently they’ve popped up around West 12th Street and Hudson); blue, drinkable water systems. Purple refers to a water system of the type used by a car wash. Green means new sewers or a new drainage system is planned. White means an excavation is imminent.
Perhaps now you can guess the future of your
street! — Carol Yost
