DIRT Reporting for Missouri 811 Utility Members
DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool) is used to document excavation-related damage to underground facilities. The information collected through DIRT helps identify trends, improve safety practices, and support statewide and national damage prevention initiatives.
For certain utilities, including regulated operators, submitting damage information may also support compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. Whether required or voluntary, accurate reporting strengthens Missouri’s overall damage prevention efforts.
The Purpose of DIRT Reporting
Excavation damage remains one of the leading causes of service interruptions and infrastructure incidents. DIRT reporting provides a standardized method for capturing how and why damage occurs.
This data is used to analyze root causes, evaluate locate performance, improve education efforts, and inform regulatory oversight. The goal is not simply to record incidents, but to use reliable data to reduce future damage and improve public safety.
Participation in DIRT contributes to a broader industry effort to strengthen underground facility protection across Missouri and nationwide.
Compliance Considerations
Some utility operators, including gas utilities and other regulated entities, may be required to document and report excavation damages under state or federal oversight.
DIRT reporting may support compliance with Missouri Public Service Commission requirements, internal audit standards, and industry best practices. Utility members are responsible for understanding the reporting obligations that apply to their organization and ensuring that damage data is submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
Missouri 811 membership does not replace separate regulatory reporting requirements.
How to Register and Report Damages
Follow the steps below to register and report damages.
Go to the website cga-dirt.com. Select Begin Registration if you have not previously registered.
Select Start in the “Need to Register” box.
Answer the questions under the following headings:
- Country: United States
- Stakeholder Group: Type of underground facility you own
- Associated with the following: Missouri One Call System, Inc.
- Do you operate in a single state: Select Missouri
To complete the registration process, select Missouri Virtual Private DIRT when prompted.
After registration, select the appropriate tutorials located on the left side of the login page for instructions on how to load information into Missouri Virtual Private DIRT.
Security information is provided in the tutorial section. Your information is only available to you and those that you allow access.
Using Missouri Virtual Private DIRT
Once registered, you will have access to Missouri Virtual Private DIRT for submitting and managing damage reports.
Tutorials are available on the left side of the login page and provide instructions on how to enter and upload information. These tutorials also include security guidance.
Your damage data is secure and is only accessible to you and those individuals you authorize.
Utility members should establish internal procedures to ensure that excavation-related incidents are consistently documented and entered into the system when required.
Supporting Damage Prevention
Accurate DIRT reporting strengthens the overall damage prevention framework in Missouri. Reliable data supports educational programming, enforcement initiatives, safety meetings, and policy development.
When damage information is reported consistently and correctly, it allows industry leaders and regulators to identify patterns and take informed action to reduce risk.
For questions regarding DIRT reporting expectations, contact Missouri 811 Administration at 573-635-1818.