Excavation notice

What is it?

If you are going to dig by machine, you are required by law to file an Excavation Notification with the Land Registry in advance. With this:

  • Helps you prevent excavation damage and dangerous situations in the area
  • contribute to the safety of the digger

For an area 500 by 500 meters or smaller, one Excavation Report is sufficient. For larger areas, make multiple reports or choose a trace report. 

How does it work?

After the excavation notification, you will receive digital information about the location of underground cables and pipes. You use this information to dig carefully. The information must be on site when the excavation takes place.

If the excavation area contains a "hazardous content pipeline" or a high-value grid, the grid operator may require precautions.

What to do.

You make the notification to the Land Registry.

If the excavation site is in a safety area, a different procedure applies.

How long does it take?

You can report mechanical excavation work at the earliest 20 and no later than two working days before it begins.

Additional information

If you do not yet know when you will dig and you need some extended preparation time, make an Orientation Request. Note that with the information you receive as a result of an Orientation Request, you may not dig yet. Once the start date of the excavation is known, you will still need to file an excavation notification. It is therefore advisable to file an excavation notification within twenty days before starting the work.

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