Positive Response & Compliance

All notified operators must respond through the Positive Response system before excavation begins. Excavation may not proceed until all required responses are received and reviewed.

Confirm All Responses

Before excavation begins, all notified operators must respond through the Positive Response system. Excavation may not begin until all responses are received and reviewed.

• Verify all operators have responded
• Review each response for status and instructions
• Do not begin excavation until all required responses are received
• Document confirmations for project records

Understanding Response Types

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Located: Facilities MarkedFacilities MarkedYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Located: To Meter OnlyPrivate Property Beyond MeterYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Located: In ConflictFacility owner/operator should be on site during excavationYESRequiredNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Clear / No Conflict

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONINITIAL RESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIRED FOR INITIAL RESPONSEFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Clear: No Conflict for Area RequestedNo facilities in the area requested for excavationYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Unmarked Responses

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Unmarked: Unable to Access Locate Request AreaUnable to access area noted for locate requestNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Incorrect Address or Excavation Site Info insufficient infoInfo incorrect - contact AL811 for new locate requestYESRequiredNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Marking Information Unclear - Locator to Contact ExcavatorInfo unclear - excavator to be contacted directlyNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Unable to Contact ExcavatorNeeded additional info - unable to reach excavatorNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Delayed due to Weather or Other CircumstancesDelayed - need to contact locator or facility owner/operator directlyNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Cannot locate - contact facility owner/operator directlyUnable to locate - need to contact facility owner/operator directlyNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Facility Owner/Operator or Master Contractor Generated RequestFacility owner/operator or master contractor responsible for markingYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Design / Survery Responses

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Design/Survey Locate: MarkedPhysical markings completed at excavation siteYESOptionalNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey
Design/Survey Locate: Cleared No ConflictNo facilities in the area requested for design/survey siteYESOptionalNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey
Design/Survey Locate: Facility Owner/Operator to Provide MapsFacility owner/operator will provide maps or access to mapsYESOptionalNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey
Design/Survey Locate: Meeting RequestedFacility owner/operator will contact to set up meeting arrangementsYESRequiredNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey

Other Responses

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Other: Parties Have Agreed and Documented Locating ScheduleParties have met and made locating schedule arrangementsYESRequiredNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Administrative Notice Only: No Marking RequiredSystem-generated response providing custom messaging requested by the memberN/AN/AN/AN/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
No Response from member facility owner/operatorSystem generated response for no response to positive response systemN/AN/AN/AN/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Understanding Response Types

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTION
Located: Facilities MarkedFacilities Marked
Located: To Meter OnlyPrivate Property Beyond Meter
Located: In ConflictFacility owner/operator should be on site during excavation
RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONINITIAL RESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIRED FOR INITIAL RESPONSEFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Clear: No Conflict for Area RequestedNo facilities in the area requested for excavationYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTION
Unmarked: Unable to Access Locate Request AreaUnable to access area noted for locate request
Unmarked: Incorrect Address or Excavation Site Info insufficient infoInfo incorrect - contact AL811 for new locate request
Unmarked: Marking Information Unclear - Locator to Contact ExcavatorInfo unclear - excavator to be contacted directly
Unmarked: Unable to Contact ExcavatorNeeded additional info - unable to reach excavator
Unmarked: Delayed due to Weather or Other CircumstancesDelayed - need to contact locator or facility owner/operator directly
Unmarked: Cannot locate - contact facility owner/operator directlyUnable to locate - need to contact facility owner/operator directly
Unmarked: Facility Owner/Operator or Master Contractor Generated RequestFacility owner/operator or master contractor responsible for marking
RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTION
Design/Survey Locate: MarkedPhysical markings completed at excavation site
Design/Survey Locate: Cleared No ConflictNo facilities in the area requested for design/survey site
Design/Survey Locate: Facility Owner/Operator to Provide MapsFacility owner/operator will provide maps or access to maps
Design/Survey Locate: Meeting RequestedFacility owner/operator will contact to set up meeting arrangements
RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTION
Other: Parties Have Agreed and Documented Locating ScheduleParties have met and made locating schedule arrangements
Administrative Notice Only: No Marking RequiredSystem-generated response providing custom messaging requested by the member
No Response from member facility owner/operatorSystem generated response for no response to positive response system

No Response or Conflicts

If a Required Response Is Missing

• Follow up before excavation begins
• Do not assume clearance
• Contact 811 if response status is unclear

If Markings Conflict or Are Inaccurate

• Stop / Do not proceed until resolved
• Protect the area

Documentation & Recordkeeping

Maintain Records

• Retain ticket number
• Maintain proof of responses
• Keep documentation for the duration of the project
• Provide documentation if requested during investigation

Understanding Response Types

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Located: Facilities MarkedFacilities MarkedYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Located: To Meter OnlyPrivate Property Beyond MeterYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Located: In ConflictFacility owner/operator should be on site during excavationYESRequiredNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Clear / No Conflict

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONINITIAL RESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIRED FOR INITIAL RESPONSEFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Clear: No Conflict for Area RequestedNo facilities in the area requested for excavationYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Unmarked Responses

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Unmarked: Unable to Access Locate Request AreaUnable to access area noted for locate requestNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Incorrect Address or Excavation Site Info insufficient infoInfo incorrect - contact AL811 for new locate requestYESRequiredNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Marking Information Unclear - Locator to Contact ExcavatorInfo unclear - excavator to be contacted directlyNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Unable to Contact ExcavatorNeeded additional info - unable to reach excavatorNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Delayed due to Weather or Other CircumstancesDelayed - need to contact locator or facility owner/operator directlyNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Cannot locate - contact facility owner/operator directlyUnable to locate - need to contact facility owner/operator directlyNORequiredYESRequiredNormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Unmarked: Facility Owner/Operator or Master Contractor Generated RequestFacility owner/operator or master contractor responsible for markingYESOptionalNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice

Design / Survery Responses

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Design/Survey Locate: MarkedPhysical markings completed at excavation siteYESOptionalNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey
Design/Survey Locate: Cleared No ConflictNo facilities in the area requested for design/survey siteYESOptionalNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey
Design/Survey Locate: Facility Owner/Operator to Provide MapsFacility owner/operator will provide maps or access to mapsYESOptionalNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey
Design/Survey Locate: Meeting RequestedFacility owner/operator will contact to set up meeting arrangementsYESRequiredNON/ADesign, Survey Request, 2nd Notice - Survey

Other Responses

RESPONSE TITLERESPONSE DESCRIPTIONRESPONSE CLOSES TICKETCOMMENTS REQUIREDFOLLOW UP RESPONSE REQUIREDCOMMENTS REQUIRED TO CLOSE FOLLOW UP RESPONSECOMPATIBLE AL811 TICKET TYPES
Other: Parties Have Agreed and Documented Locating ScheduleParties have met and made locating schedule arrangementsYESRequiredNON/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
Administrative Notice Only: No Marking RequiredSystem-generated response providing custom messaging requested by the memberN/AN/AN/AN/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice
No Response from member facility owner/operatorSystem generated response for no response to positive response systemN/AN/AN/AN/ANormal, Update, Emergency, 2nd Notice, Refresh Markings, Replace, Short Notice