Page 10 - LA811 2023 issue 1

Board
Member
Spotlight
John Neilson
Waterworks District #1-DeSoto Parish At Large Board Member
As Administrator of one of the largest Water Districts in the State, with well over 400 miles
of water lines in one Parish alone, safe digging is always a priority. We are involved with all three segments of protection of underground assets, as we are
an owner, also an excavator that installs our own meters, and as a locator since we mark our lines after notification of a dig ticket. Water lines are notoriously hard to locate after locate wire has deteriorated, so accurate data during construction and normal repairs are crucial in our industry. When we do our installs, we depend on accurate markings and good communications from other stakeholders so we can dig safely and protect their assets. Education is a vital part of ensuring an awareness of safety and confidence when digging and Louisiana 811 plays a vital part in the education of not only infrastructure stakeholders but also the general public by making them aware of the laws put in place to protect vital infrastructure. While my team
and I are responsible for our assets, we also promote safe digging awareness to help protect other assets in our State. We publicize Louisiana 811 by signage on our vehicles and notices on our water bills. I am often called upon to give talks concerning our Water District and always mention safe digging to help promote awareness. I enjoy serving
on the Louisiana 811 Board and feel that together, the Board has made and is continuing to make a difference in Louisiana promoting safe digging. Together, we can all work toward fewer damages to underground utilities.
8 • Louisiana 811 2023, Issue 1
Louisiana Damage Prevention Summit Sets Record Attendance
More than 350 damage prevention professionals descended on Baton Rouge’s L’Auberge Casino and Hotel
for this unique event! Educational workshops, interesting and relevant sessions and an exhibit hall that wowed the attendees kept the event moving at a fast pace.
Sponsors and exhibitors alike lauded the enthusiasm and interest of attendees, while the attendees were actively involved in the sessions throughout the event.
This year’s event also hosted its first Spanish- speaking only competent person workshop. It was very successful. Based on the feedback we’ve received; we can expect to host the session again next year.
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