Blue Stakes of Utah Utility Notification Center

Blue Stakes of Utah Utility Notification Center, Inc., is a nonprofit organization operating under the IRS designation as a business league, created for the improvement of business conditions. It is categorized under community improvement and capacity building, as well as business and industry according to the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE)[1].

Purpose and Function

Blue Stakes serves as the primary communications link between excavators, homeowners, and utility companies in Utah. It operates a one-call center to facilitate the location and marking of underground utility lines before excavation activities commence, providing this service free of charge to excavators and homeowners. The organization is funded by participating utility companies[2][4].

Activities and Programs

Blue Stakes actively supports national safety campaigns such as "Dig Safely," promoting practices like calling before digging, waiting for the required time, respecting marked utilities, and digging with care. These efforts aim to prevent personal injury, minimize service interruptions, and protect property and equipment. The organization emphasizes that damage prevention is a shared responsibility among excavators, utility owners, locators, and one-call centers[2][4].

Operations and Finance

As of 2024, the organization reported a revenue of approximately $3.34 million and expenses of about $3.83 million. It maintains total assets of around $6 million and total liabilities of approximately $564,000[1]. Donations to Blue Stakes are not tax-deductible[1].

History

Established in 1998, Blue Stakes of Utah has operated for over 25 years, fostering a safe environment for excavation projects by promoting state and national guidelines for safe digging practices[3][4].