According to the Infrastructure Protection Coalition, $61 Billion a year is lost to waste and excess on damaged infrastructure. These failures in the 811 call system show that states can benefit from reworking current legislative checks and balances to avoid damages and public risk. The Infrastructure Protection Coalition (IPC) is comprised of professionals from several different areas of infrastructure. In a sobering report, the IPC provided a detailed breakdown by state, highlighting the main offenders contributing to the enormous cost:
Congratulations should be extended to Delaware for being ranked as efficient and effective; however, areas were listed for improvement that, if adjusted, could make Delaware a top performer. Some results provide a sense of urgency for states to review and reflect on policies that leak government dollars, as most multi-million dollar offenses were due to administrative errors and waste in process. This does not reflect well in light of the recent spotlight on US Infrastructure with the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. In that light, $61 Billion of waste is LOUD, especially when improvement and rehabilitation projects are happening near or underground.
Local governments are reflecting on the flawed administrative processes and legislation limiting grant dollars’ stretching. However, in some states, it is cheaper to pay the fine than remedy the problem, which adds to the imbalance.
One thing that should be made clear is that when you call 811, your information is dispersed to the utility company or municipality for your location – IF they are a participating member. This means if a company has infrastructure under your feet, it will not be notified if they are not a participating member with 811, which has the potential to leave unmarked utilities that contribute to damages and increased public harm. The good news is that most major companies are members. However, small companies such as propane suppliers or fiber companies may not be members, so the homeowner is responsible. Read that again.
According to the IPC [pg5], Delaware would significantly improve its standing if these improvements were implemented:
Third-Party Enforcement Board: Develop or enhance the third-party investigation and enforcement board, with a balanced number of representatives from each stakeholder group imbued with responsibility and authority to manage the entire damage adjudication process.
Ineffective Penalty Structure: Bring balance to the penalty structure or amount so that asset owners, excavators, and locators each face similar risks and responsibility.
Effective Metrics: Identify, develop, collect, and track metrics that effectively support trending and continuous improvement of the state damage prevention performance. Mandatory reporting is necessary to accomplish this effort. a. Develop and track metrics that support behavioral change in addition to metrics designed to track violations of the law.
Annual Reporting to CGA and DIRT: Require state entity(s) responsible for the oversight of the 811 system and collection and adjudication of compliance or damage reports, ticket volumes, etc. to submit data to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to support preparation of the annual DIRT report.
Standardize Ticket Size – Distance, Duration, and Life: Standardize the ticket size, distance, duration, and life to the described characteristics.
Delaware is rising to the challenge with Miss Utility [https://www.missutilitydelmarva.com/] serving as the communication and information hub for utility information and digging. To aid in rehabilitation and resolution, Standard Pipe Services is pleased to assist in trenchless solutions wherever possible and provide preventative measures to renew and protect infrastructure. Standard Pipe Services sets the standard for quality, innovation, and accountability in pipe rehabilitation and infrastructure renewal. Contact us today to assist in the development of your project. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook and join the conversation!
