How to Reduce Underground Utility Damage: CGA

Locating error case studies

The contributors and topics covered in the report are:

• Google Fiber’s efforts to coordinate with 811 centers, locators, and fiber-installation sub-contractors on large fiber and network build projects. This study looks at steps taken in 10 states to reduce over-notification, reduce project delays, and improve efficiencies for all involved stakeholders.
  In its analysis, CGA noted that $42.5 billion in federal spending on broadband infrastructure will put “additional strain on the already overloaded [811 Centers] system” at a projected annual growth rate of 15% to 20% in location requests.
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities’ (MA DPU) proactive enforcement on facility operators that were failing to complete markouts on time. As an alternative to monetary penalties, the MA DPU had operators develop corrective action programs to address the underlying issues.
  The report noted a 10% improvement in on-time locating as a result of “improved communication between involved stakeholders.” The communication efforts uncovered underlying issues such as lack of communication with locating staff and excavators.
• North Carolina 811’s (NC811) analysis of the effects of ticket screening. This study examines tickets that were initially “cleared,” but then re-issued because the excavator found evidence of unmarked facilities at the work site, and how many of those tickets were associated with DIRT-reported damages.