VHS | BEFOREUDIG LOCATOR PERSPECTIVE

beforeUdig is the New Zealand equivalent of our 811 centers and they’ve produced this video with a locator’s perspective. It’s beneficial to learn from other places what works and what doesn’t. In their own words; “Our latest Front Runners episode is here, featuring the Locator’s Perspective while using beforeUdig services. Join the Locate Services team, as they guide us, through …

MEASURING SUCCESS IN DAMAGE PREVENTION

Excavation projects, vital for development and infrastructure, often encounter a lurking menace beneath the surface: ‘Ghost’ Utilities. These are the elusive, forgotten, or abandoned facilities that pose a substantial threat to safety and efficiency during excavation processes. The 2022 DIRT Report recorded 477 unique damages due to abandoned facilities, which isn’t a lot in view of all the other damages, …

VHS | HYDROVACING HOLES

Watch as Double H Construction use their hydrovac trailer to safely dig holes for light poles. In their own words, “Follow along as we dig holes for light poles using a hydro excavation trailer.”RECENT POSTSApr. 24, 2025THE RELENTLESS THREATApr. 21, 2025UA / ISSUE 139Apr. 17, 2025SLOW PROGRESS IN DAMAGE PREVENTIONApr. 14, 2025UA / ISSUE 138Apr. 08, 2025UA / ISSUE 137

THE DANGERS OF GHOST UTILITIES

Excavation projects, vital for development and infrastructure, often encounter a lurking menace beneath the surface: ‘Ghost’ Utilities. These are the elusive, forgotten, or abandoned facilities that pose a substantial threat to safety and efficiency during excavation processes. The 2022 DIRT Report recorded 477 unique damages due to abandoned facilities, which isn’t a lot in view of all the other damages, …

LET’S TALK ABOUT DEDICATED LOCATORS

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, …

RECAP FROM THE CGA FALL SUMMIT

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 …

THE BENEFITS OF A RIGOROUS UTILITY INVESTIGATION FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

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 …

VHS | UTILITY SURVEY BATS

“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 POSTSApr. 24, 2025THE RELENTLESS THREATApr. 21, 2025UA / ISSUE 139Apr. 17, 2025SLOW PROGRESS IN DAMAGE PREVENTIONApr. 14, 2025UA / ISSUE 138Apr. 08, 2025UA / ISSUE 137

THE PROBLEM WITH DRONES

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 RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH TEXAS811

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 …