Owensboro Municipal Utilities on Monday received Atmos Energy’s Gold Cup of Safe Digging award, which recognizes leaders in damage prevention and raises awareness about the importance of calling 811 before any excavation project. The presentation coincided with National 811 Day on August 11.
Atmos Energy created the award in 2024 to honor partners with an outstanding safety record. Officials said OMU shares their commitment to safety and exemplifies the “gold standard” of safe digging in the communities they serve.
“Third-party excavation damage is the greatest threat to natural gas distribution systems, accounting for more than 92 percent of all damage to Atmos Energy pipelines in Kentucky over the past 12 months,” said Mark Martin, Atmos Energy VP Public Affairs Manager. “This is why we created The Gold Cup of Safe Digging – to celebrate excavators who consistently and effectively protect underground utility lines. We greatly appreciate OMU for their ongoing partnership in natural gas safety and congratulate their entire team for continued excellence in preventing damage to underground pipelines.”
Atmos officials said effective damage prevention helps minimize harm to people, property, and the environment by proactively identifying potential risks and implementing solutions to avoid incidents before they occur.
“We are honored to receive The Gold Cup of Safe Digging this year and thank Atmos Energy for this recognition,” said Tim Lyons, OMU General Manager. “Our employees share Atmos Energy’s conviction that safety is the highest priority, and we echo the important need for everyone to call 811 before any digging project, no matter how large or small.”
Kentucky law requires homeowners, contractors, and excavation companies to call 811 at least two business days before digging. The free service alerts local utilities, which send professionals to mark the locations of underground lines.
