Page 19 - Louisiana 811 Magazine 2022 Issue 3

operator has no underground utilities in the proposed area of excavation. This notice shall fulfill the operator’s obligation. When each operator notified...has notified the one-call service that its underground utilities
in the proposed area of excavation
have been marked or that the operator has no underground utilities in the proposed area of excavation, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition may immediately proceed with the excavation or demolition, notwithstanding the minimum three- working-day notice requirement...
Solution Reference – Tennessee Code Title 65, Chapter 31, Part 108.3.b
Excavation Site Accurate Description
Tactical / Process Issue Addressed – Process: Reduce or eliminate confusion describing where excavation will occur from ticket marking instructions.
Recommendation
1. Premark / White-line Requirement*: Require pre-mark or white-lining of any proposed excavation area that includes traditional reference to intersecting streets/roadways paired with one or more of the following options:
a. GPS coordinates
b. Electronic white-line using aerial image(s)
c. Physical white-lining using white paint or flags
2. GIS System Adoption by Asset Owners: By 2030, cause all asset owners to adopt a GIS system for
asset mapping and require notification through 811 using GPS coordinates. *This requirement applies regardless of excavation length.
Solution Summary – §18.7(a), Prior to giving notice...an excavator shall mark, if applicable according to the specific excavation area using white paint flags, or stakes. §18.3(c), When an excavation site cannot be clearly identified and described on a line locate ticket, the excavator shall use white-lining to mark the excavation area prior to giving notice to the notification center and before the locator arrives on the excavation site.
Standardize Ticket Size, Distance, Duration, and Life
Tactical / Process Issue Addressed – Tactical: Lack of consistent and ongoing improvements to various processes that support a high functioning damage prevention program.
Recommendation – Standardize Ticket Size, Distance, Duration, and Life: Standardize the ticket size, distance, duration, and life to the described characteristics. A national standard supports and vastly improve efficiency throughout the utility locate and damage prevention process. Standardizing four basic elements
of a notification request opens the possibility to complete robust analysis, build continuous improvement into the system, and simplify training
and education programs. The four elements of notification and ticket standardization:
1. 3 working day notification time (addressed in Standardize Minimum Notification Time recommendation above)
2. 30 calendar day ticket duration 3. Ticket type:
a. Standard*
b. Complex*
c. Design
4. Ticket size limit:
a. Standard urban = 1,000 LF
b. Standard rural = 2,500 LF
c. Complex = joint meet, 5 working days clear
d. Design = joint meet, 10 working days clear
* Standard and Complex tickets are limited to one (1) refresh before a new notification is required.
Solution Summary – Brings consistency to the notification process and ticket elements, balancing reasonable notification time for locators with ticket size and ticket life preferences. Creates an opportunity for locators to plan and resource level effectively, raising the likelihood of successful damage prevention and profit generation. In addition, the standardization streamlines locator, excavator and stakeholder education and training.
Educational Resources
Tactical / Process Issue Addressed – Process: Lack of up-to-date or existing educational resources (primarily an Excavator’s Manual) that are readily available to support education, training, and continuous improvement efforts.
Recommendation – Educational Resources: Develop and publish electronically an excavator’s manual that is updated and republished every
5 years or when an update to the law takes place, whichever is more frequent.
Solution Summary – This document
is intended for informational and reference purposes only. The handbook provides basic information on defensive excavation practices and the protection of underground utility facilities in each state. Minimum contents include the following:
1. Overview
2. When and Who to Call
3. Reasons to Contact Facility Owners Directly
4. Ways to Notify 811 Facility
5. Types of Requests
6. Excavator Responsibilities
a. Premarks / White lining
7. Facility Owner Responsibilities a. Positive Response
8. Damage Reporting Requirements
9. Enforcement Program
10. Web site and Electronic System Use 11. State “Dig Law”
Solution Reference – Excavator Manual is to contain a minimum of the following: See Table of Contents https://www. illinois1call.com/ excaLAtorhandbook/
Louisiana Summary Conclusions
Overall, Louisiana achieves less than adequate performance as measured by PHMSA, CGA’s DIRT Report, IPC, and stakeholders. There are weaknesses or gaps in the Louisiana dig law that are directly related to its low performance. Areas highlighted and contributing to this performance include:
1. Weak Adjudication & Enforcement Process: No 3rd Party Enforcement Board
a. The Louisiana damage adjudication process lacks effective enforcement.
b. The Louisiana dig law includes a provision for an “advisory committee” to support enforcement of the law. We found no evidence this group is used frequently or effectively.
2. Inconsistent Utility Treatment:
a. The state dig law and regulatory structure is focused primarily on natural gas and hazardous liquid assets and does not reference or treat other underground utilities in the same
fashion. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 2022, Issue 3 Louisiana 811 • 17