What does JULIE stand for?
JULIE stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators.

Do I have to call JULIE, Inc.
Yes.  According to state law, anyone planning an outdoor project that requires digging, regardless of the depth or the size of the project, must call JULIE first.  Today, more utility members that supply power, gas, water and telecommunications are delivering these services underground.  

What area does JULIE Cover?
JULIE handles the entire state of Illinois, except for the city of Chicago, which is covered by DIGGER. If you will be digging within the Chicago limits, please contact DIGGER at (312)744-7000.
 
How much does it cost to use JULIE, Inc.?  When does the call center have operators available?
The call to JULIE and service provided by utility members are free to the excavator.  Call center operators are available to receive and process calls 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 

Will JULIE, Inc. tell me the specific location or depth of the public utilities?
No.  JULIE does not obtain or have information on the specific location or depth of underground facilities for any members.  Depth variation can be caused by human interference, weather or other circumstances. 

If I am the subcontractor on a job, do I have to get a locate request ticket or will the general contractor's ticket protect me?
According to the state law, the person, as defined in the Act, actually doing the digging is required to call JULIE with the locate request information at least 48 hours (two working days) in advance of the start of the excavation, not the homeowners or company for whom the work is being done.  The general contractor's ticket only applies to its company.  In addition, the general contractor should only request a ticket if its company is planning to actually dig at the site.

When should I pre-mark the work site?
When the excavation site can not be clearly and adequately identified on the ticket, JULIE recommends that the excavator, prior to calling JULIE, designate the route or area to be excavated using white paint, flags, stakes or a combination of these methods.  Black may be used when snow is on the ground. 

How long do I have to wait after calling in an emergency locate request? 
An emergency locate request call is processed immediately by the JULIE system.  According to the Act, a 2-hour wait time exists after an emergency locate notification request is made through JULIE.  If the conditions at the site dictate an earlier start than the 2-hour wait time, it is the responsibility of the excavator to demonstrate that site conditions warrant this earlier start time. 

If a member(s) does not respond within 2 hours, call the member company directly and/or JULIE again.  JULIE will send another request to the member(s) not responding.   

May I dig after the 48-hour advance notice?
According to state law, the excavator shall exercise due care at all times to protect underground utility facilities and CATS facilities.  If, after proper notification through the State-Wide One-Call System and upon arrival at the site of the proposed excavation, the excavator observes clear evidence of the presence of an unmarked utility or CATS facility in the area of the proposed excavation, the excavator should not begin excavating until two (2) hours after an additional call is made to the State-Wide One-Call Notice System.  The operator of the utility or CATS facility should respond within two (2) hours of the excavator's call. 

The excavator has an obligation to honor all time/marking requirements and then to dig in a reasonable and prudent manner, taking all reasonable and required precautions to avoid damaging underground facilities.  It is suggested that you follow current industry practices, such as hand digging and/or vacuum excavating with 18 inches on either side of a marked underground facility. 

I have hit a facility; what do I do now?
First, if you have created a potentially dangerous situation (i.e. damaged gas line, etc.), evacuate the area and call 911 and/or the proper emergency responders immediately.  State law requires the excavator to call JULIE and the affected utility to report that you have come into contact with an underground utility facility. 

Where can I find more information about the state law and the JULIE process?
JULIE's Damage Prevention Managers are available to assist members and excavators.  You can go to this link for contact information.