1. What qualifies as a Large Project?

A large project is an excavation project that meets the following criteria:

  • Takes more than 90 days to complete,

  • Covers more than one mile linearly or 2 square miles of excavation, and

  • Consists of major highways, utility, or development projects in areas which underground lines exist.

Large projects involve ongoing excavation over an extended period across a broad area and require coordination among multiple parties. The Large Project process allows work to be managed through planned phases and agreed Marking Schedules rather than repeated standard locate notices.

Examples of Large Projects

Example 1 (A well-defined large project) – An interstate highway expansion spanning several miles and is expected to take six months to complete would qualify based on duration and distance.

Example 2 (Qualifies due to complexity)–   A provider is installing 6 miles of fiber across a multi-phase subdivision spanning several square miles. While segments can be completed in under 90 days, the pace of construction requires upfront communication and coordinated planning so locators can align resources to keep up with multiple active crews.

Example 3 (Does not qualify as a large project)– A residential pool installation that takes several months to complete but is limited to a small area would not qualify as a Large Project, as it does not meet the required distance or work type requirements.

  1. Who is responsible for submitting a Large Project?

The Project Initiator is responsible for creating the Large Project. However, in some cases, the initiator may not be able to reasonably enter all required details. In those situations, another party, such as a general contractor, can submit the Large Project on their behalf when acting as the Project Administrator. However, it is preferred that the Project Initiator enters the project when possible, since they are responsible for the overall project scope. Subcontractors should not submit Large Projects, as they typically do not have full visibility into the project.

 The Large Project information should accurately reflect the project’s scope and enable all parties to coordinate effectively, regardless of who submits the information.

  1. How are Large Project tickets structured?

Large Projects are organized into phases based on the areas where the work will take place. Each phase has its own start and end date, and one ticket is created for each phase. This allows the project to be coordinated in more manageable sections.

  1. Are planning meetings required for Large Projects?

Yes, planning meetings are required for Large Projects. A planning meeting must be scheduled so that all known parties, such as facility operators, locators, and excavators, can review the project scope and begin coordinating work. Planning meetings may be held virtually or in-person. These meetings are required because they initiate the coordination process and establish the Marking Agreement(s) for the Large Project.

  1. How are marking agreements established?

Involved parties work together to agree on marking dates and define the scope of work to be completed in each phase. Once agreed upon, the marking agreement reflects how and when marking will take place for the different phases of the project.

  1. What happens to existing tickets that need to be converted to a Large Project?

Existing tickets that meet the criteria for a Large Project are being identified in the system and flagged to be migrated to a Large Project once the updated law takes effect on May 22nd, 2026.

SC811 will work with those involved to complete the migration and gather any additional information that is needed.

  1. What happens if someone does not follow Large Project requirements?

If Large Project requirements are not followed, a violation complaint may be filed with the South Carolina Attorney General’s office for noncompliance with Large Project Requirements. Violation complaints may also be filed at the ticket level for other violations (e.g., failure to respond, or failure to follow required excavation practices).

  1. Who does this process benefit, and how?

The Large Project process is beneficial for all parties involved. It allows excavators to manage work under one project instead of multiple standard notices, while locators and facility operators can better plan their workload on defined schedules and the project scope. Overall, it improves organization and communication by keeping information in one place, making excavation work easier to manage.

  1. Is training required to participate in Large Projects?

Yes. Large Projects must be submitted online, and users are required to complete training before they can use the system. If you would like to be notified of training once it is available, use our training sign-up form by clicking here: Get Notified

  1. Looking for more information about Large Projects?

For a complete list of frequently asked questions, view the full Large Projects FAQ document here. If you still have questions after that, please contact our Help Desk at support@sc811.com.

 

  1. Who is required to notify SC811 before beginning excavation work?
    • a) Anyone who intends to excavate (See definition of excavation, Section 58-36-20 (9)), unless an exemption listed in the state law applies. To view exemptions, review section 58-36-110 of the SC Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act click here.
  2. Why won’t 811 tell me the depth of the facilities?
    • a) Members are only required to mark the horizontal location of their facilities because facility depths can vary due to installation practices, changes in the grade, soil, erosion, etc.
  3. I have waited for the required time and some or all my lines have not been marked. What do I do?
    • a) If you have waited the full three working days to begin your excavation or the full ten days for subaqueous excavation and the member has failed to respond in Positive Response, check to make sure that the information provided on the notice is correct and contact SC811 to have the member(s) re-notified.
  4. As a subcontractor, do I need to obtain my own ticket, or can I operate under the general contractor’s locate ticket? Additionally, can more than one contractor be listed on the same ticket?
    • a) SC811 recommends that each company conducting excavation has its own locate notice. This ensures that all details are accurate and the notices are managed properly from beginning to the end of the excavation. While some companies may choose to include multiple subcontractors on a single notice, this is not the best practice to ensure that other obligations, such as positive response, are handled appropriately.If you are a subcontractor and do not have your own ticket, it is important that you ensure you are listed as a subcontractor on the general contractor’s notice(s). Please verify this information with the general contractor that your details are included correctly in their notices.
  5. There are underground utilities in my yard, but they were not located. Why?
    • a) If underground utilities were not marked in your yard, there could be several reasons. Firstly, if your excavation notice was specific about the location but there are no facilities in specified area of excavation, the facility operator may respond as “No Conflict.” Additionally, utility companies only mark the lines they install and maintain. Private lines, such as water lines installed by plumbers or electric lines to detached garages, are not marked. You can hire a contract locator to find private lines. For a list of private locators, click here or contact SC811.
  1. Who is liable for damages caused by a third-party company if a utility line is struck, or if excavation started after the work date but before all responses were completed? 
    • a) SC811 cannot advise on specific damage situations or any liability issues. We recommend that excavators seek legal advice from their attorneys. If damage occurs, notify the operator whose facilities were damaged and report the damage to SC811 by completing our Damage Report.
  2. How do I submit a Damage Report?
    • a) In the event of damage to underground facilities, it is mandatory by law to report it promptly. To submit a damage report, please click here (link to Exactix). 
      As per the South Carolina Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act Section 56-36-90 (A), you must notify the notification center and the facility operator (if known) of the location and nature of the damage immediately upon discovery. 
  3. Why is it important to submit a Damage Report?
    • a) Damage reports are a vital tool in the continuous improvement of excavation practices. They help maintain legal compliance with South Carolina state regulations and provide SC811 with essential data to analyze trends and identify areas of concern. This information is invaluable for improving damage prevention strategies, enhancing safety measures, and focusing education and enforcement efforts where they’re most needed. By reporting damages, stakeholders contribute to a safer and more efficient excavation environment throughout the state.
  4. Does South Carolina 811 record any damage data for users to view?
    • a) Yes, South Carolina 811 records damage data and makes it available for public viewing. You can access statistics and reports on our stats page by clicking here.
  1. Why do I need to be a member? 
    • a) 58-36-50(B) All operators are required to join the association and utilize the services of the notification center. It is required by law in South Carolina. An operator can be defined as any person, public utility, communications and cable service provider, municipality, electrical utility, electric and telephone cooperatives, and the South Carolina Public Service Authority as defined in Titles 5, 6, 33, and 58, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, who owns or operates a facility for commercial purposes in the State of South Carolina. In addition to enabling operators to enhance safety, comply with regulations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs associated with damage to their facilities, our state statute also has penalties that may be assessed if operators do not join SC811.
  2. What are the benefits of being a member of South Carolina 811?
    • a) Being a member of South Carolina 811 ensures legal compliance, reduces the risk of costly damages, and enhances public safety. Membership helps you receive timely notifications about excavation activities near your underground infrastructure, allowing you to mark the area and prevent damage. Additionally, it demonstrates your commitment to safety and valuable resources and support from South Carolina 811.
  3. How long does membership take?
    • a) The membership process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, provided everything goes smoothly. This timeline assumes that the member fills out the required forms, completes the necessary training, and uploads their data on time.
  4. What is the rate of membership?
    • a) The rate of membership varies based on several factors. For detailed information on membership rates, please visit our membership page here.

  1. What qualifies as a Large Project?

A large project is an excavation project that meets the following criteria:

  • Takes more than 90 days to complete,

  • Covers more than one mile linearly or 2 square miles of excavation, and

  • Consists of major highways, utility, or development projects in areas which underground lines exist.

Large projects involve ongoing excavation over an extended period across a broad area and require coordination among multiple parties. The Large Project process allows work to be managed through planned phases and agreed Marking Schedules rather than repeated standard locate notices.

Examples of Large Projects

Example 1 (A well-defined large project) – An interstate highway expansion spanning several miles and is expected to take six months to complete would qualify based on duration and distance.

Example 2 (Qualifies due to complexity)–   A provider is installing 6 miles of fiber across a multi-phase subdivision spanning several square miles. While segments can be completed in under 90 days, the pace of construction requires upfront communication and coordinated planning so locators can align resources to keep up with multiple active crews.

Example 3 (Does not qualify as a large project)– A residential pool installation that takes several months to complete but is limited to a small area would not qualify as a Large Project, as it does not meet the required distance or work type requirements.

  1. Who is responsible for submitting a Large Project?

The Project Initiator is responsible for creating the Large Project. However, in some cases, the initiator may not be able to reasonably enter all required details. In those situations, another party, such as a general contractor, can submit the Large Project on their behalf when acting as the Project Administrator. However, it is preferred that the Project Initiator enters the project when possible, since they are responsible for the overall project scope. Subcontractors should not submit Large Projects, as they typically do not have full visibility into the project.

 The Large Project information should accurately reflect the project’s scope and enable all parties to coordinate effectively, regardless of who submits the information.

  1. How are Large Project tickets structured?

Large Projects are organized into phases based on the areas where the work will take place. Each phase has its own start and end date, and one ticket is created for each phase. This allows the project to be coordinated in more manageable sections.

  1. Are planning meetings required for Large Projects?

Yes, planning meetings are required for Large Projects. A planning meeting must be scheduled so that all known parties, such as facility operators, locators, and excavators, can review the project scope and begin coordinating work. Planning meetings may be held virtually or in-person. These meetings are required because they initiate the coordination process and establish the Marking Agreement(s) for the Large Project.

  1. How are marking agreements established?

Involved parties work together to agree on marking dates and define the scope of work to be completed in each phase. Once agreed upon, the marking agreement reflects how and when marking will take place for the different phases of the project.

  1. What happens to existing tickets that need to be converted to a Large Project?

Existing tickets that meet the criteria for a Large Project are being identified in the system and flagged to be migrated to a Large Project once the updated law takes effect on May 22nd, 2026.

SC811 will work with those involved to complete the migration and gather any additional information that is needed.

  1. What happens if someone does not follow Large Project requirements?

If Large Project requirements are not followed, a violation complaint may be filed with the South Carolina Attorney General’s office for noncompliance with Large Project Requirements. Violation complaints may also be filed at the ticket level for other violations (e.g., failure to respond, or failure to follow required excavation practices).

  1. Who does this process benefit, and how?

The Large Project process is beneficial for all parties involved. It allows excavators to manage work under one project instead of multiple standard notices, while locators and facility operators can better plan their workload on defined schedules and the project scope. Overall, it improves organization and communication by keeping information in one place, making excavation work easier to manage.

  1. Is training required to participate in Large Projects?

Yes. Large Projects must be submitted online, and users are required to complete training before they can use the system. If you would like to be notified of training once it is available, use our training sign-up form by clicking here: Get Notified

  1. Looking for more information about Large Projects?

For a complete list of frequently asked questions, view the full Large Projects FAQ document here. If you still have questions after that, please contact our Help Desk at support@sc811.com.