We’re setting up a lot of new clients in Ontario, Canada right now who are jumping on the Dedicated Locator bandwagon and need a ticket management system. I thought it would be worthwhile sharing how the program works and if it’s worth rolling out in the US and into other 811 areas. For those unfamiliar with the Dedicated Locator model, …
The CGA Fall Committee Summit was a great event this year and worthwhile for any stakeholder involved in damage prevention and infrastructure safety. Gathering over 160 passionate professionals in the field, this years summit was an epicenter of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies. One of the standout features was the dedicated focus on leveraging precise mapping and timely locates to …
This article was first published in ASCE Illinois Section News, Vol. 63, No.4 Winter 2022 There are several risks that might prevent a project from being completed in a safe manner, on time and within the construction budget. These risks typically include permits, rightofway acquisitions, unsecured construction easements, unexpected or changing site conditions, and utility conflicts and protection. This article will emphasize …
“You never know what you’re going to find underground” – well you definitely wouldn’t expect to find bats during an underground utility survey. This weeks VHS isn’t very educational but it’s worth a watch.RECENT POSTSJan. 24, 2025VHS | MORE THAN UPSTATE 100 GAS LINES DAMAGED IN 2024Jan. 17, 2025VHS | MISLOCATEDJan. 16, 2025FAILURE TO NOTIFYJan. 13, 2025UA / ISSUE 127Jan. …
Drone GPR has been hailed as the “next-gen” solution for underground utility mapping and locating. The promises are alluring: the ability to rapidly survey vast areas without any ground contact. However, beneath the sheen of innovation lie significant drawbacks and potential pitfalls that demand our attention. [There’s a few people on LinkedIn that I follow closer than others. Jan Francke …
South Dakota One Call* Renews Partnership with Texas811 Texas811 continues to strengthen Commitment to South Dakota One Call Richardson, TX – November 1, 2023 – After a competitive bid process, South Dakota One Call has renewed their partnership with Texas811 to provide services enhancing their mission of ensuring the safety of South Dakotans and the integrity of critical underground …
“Burying power lines is an expensive but sure-fire way to practically eliminate the risk of utility-caused wildfires, which have devastated towns across California. PG&E, the nation’s largest utility, has been found liable for numerous wildfires in the state. In an effort to prevent future disasters, the utility is planning to underground 10,000 miles of distribution lines in fire-prone areas, including …
I recently shared a video from the Barstool Sessions, where Jemmie and Mike engaged in a thought-provoking conversation. The central focus of their discussion revolved around the current state of the 811 locate process. In particular, they delved into the pressing issue of the significant shortage of staff in comparison to the ever-increasing number of locate requests. This discussion shed …
“On October 9, 2023, at 12:35PM, the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded to the area of N. Tryon Street and Lincoln Street for the smell of natural gas in the area. Firefighters arrived a short time later and determined a contract crew working in the area had stuck a 2-inch gas main inside a sewer line. Nicor arrived approximately 30 minutes …
The locating and excavation industries like any industries are only as effective as the people which are in them. While technological advancements have improved performance and safety measures, there’s another vital factor that often goes unnoticed: the psychology of the workers. In this article, I’ll focus on behavioral science and its potential role in reducing accidents and protecting critical infrastructure …