Berkshire Gas: Call Dig Safe Before Starting Any Digging Project

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  — In recognition of National Safe Digging Month this April, Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., is reminding customers that state law requires contacting Dig Safe prior to any excavation activity.

The company is stressing the importance of marking underground utilities, even for small jobs like fence posts or mailboxes, to help prevent damage and keep everyone safe.

"Calling 811 before digging is one of the easiest ways customers can protect themselves and their communities," said Charlotte Ancel, President and COO of Berkshire Gas. "Doing so allows underground utilities to be marked in advance, helping projects move forward safely while protecting critical infrastructure. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and educating customers about this simple step is essential to preventing injuries and service disruptions."

 Berkshire Gas emphasizes the importance of using this free service to help reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and costly repairs. Incidents caused by third?party damage to underground natural gas and electric facilities can pose serious safety risks and disrupt essential utility services. Many of these incidents are preventable by contacting Dig Safe and ensuring utilities are properly marked before work begins.

Call 811 or 888-DIG-SAFE (888.344.7233) and visit Digsafe.com for more information. State laws require anyone who digs to notify utility companies at least 3 business days (72 hours) before starting. Once a request is received, representatives from local utility companies will visit the property to identify and mark underground utilities using color?coded paint, flags, or stakes.

Tips for a safer digging project include:

1. Plan for gas utility conflicts as part of all underground construction.
2. Mark out the area of construction.
3. Properly notify the not-for-profit clearinghouse Dig Safe at 888.344.7233.
4. Provide adequate training and supervision on a job site to ensure that good construction practices are followed.
5. Properly maintain all underground utilities markings.
6. Hand dig around underground gas facilities in accordance with dig safe requirements.
7. Provide adequate protection and support for gas facilities.
8. Notify the gas company if a gas facility is damaged or disturbed so they can make repairs if required.
9. Use and properly install suitable backfill material around gas facilities.

 For more information on safety, visit Safety - BGC.

 For gas emergencies or to report damage, contact:

• Berkshire Gas: 800.292.5012 (Berkshire Gas Emergency Number)

 In the event of an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

Pittsfield Celebrates Arbor Day at Taconic

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:10PM / Saturday, May 02, 2026

Mayor Peter Marchetti presented the framed original cover art for the day's program. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Generations of Taconic students will pass the tree planted on Arbor Day 2026 as they enter school. 

Pittsfield's decades-long annual celebration was held at a city school for the first time. Different vocational trades at Taconic High School worked together to plant the Amelanchier, or flowering serviceberry, mark it with a plaque, record the ceremony, create artwork for the program's cover, and feed guests. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said the students' participation reflects the spirit of Arbor Day perfectly: learning by doing, serving the community, and helping Pittsfield grow greener for generations to come.

"It's not unknown that trees help shade our homes, help clean our air and water, they support wildlife, and make our neighborhoods and public spaces more beautiful and resilient," he said. 

"And Arbor Day is our chance annually to honor that gift and to remember that when we plant something today, we are investing in the future of our green world."

The holiday was established 154 years ago by J. Sterling Morton and was first observed in Nebraska with the planting of more than a million trees.

CTE environmental science and technology teacher Morgan Lindemayer-Finck detailed the many skilled students who worked on the event: the sign commemorating this Arbor Day was made by the carpentry and advanced manufacturing program, specifically students Ronan MacDonald and Patrick Winn; the multimedia production program recorded the event, and the culinary department provided refreshments. 

The program's cover art was created by students Brigitte Quintana-Tenorio and Austin Sayers. The framed original was presented to Mayor Peter Marchetti.