The focus of the Virginia One-Call Technology Pilot Project is Incorporating Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology to Enhance One-Call Damage Prevention.

Phase I

Phase I of the Pilot Project addressed Electronic White-Lining and was completed in November, 2007. The Phase I Project Report is available.

Based on the data, Phase I proved the benefits of applying GPS technology and electronic white-lining to improve underground damage prevention. The Phase I technology is being applied in Virginia, where the Virginia Utility Protection Service (VUPS) and Virginia State Corporation Commission (VA SCC) are working with excavators and technology vendors to expand its application within the state. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is considering the adoption of the demonstrated technology as a Damage Prevention Best Practice. Stakeholder organizations are encouraged to review the Report and consider adoption of similar technology in other states.

Phase II

Phase II of the Pilot Project was initiated in January 2008 and completion is expected in January 2009. Phase II is being conducted to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of applying GPS technology to produce Electronic Manifests of facility locates.

Background

Underground facilities are vulnerable to damage that can result during excavation activities near those facilities. Damage to underground facilities such as pipelines and telecommunication systems can result in serious consequences. Effective damage prevention programs are necessary to ensure public safety and continuity of vital services.

At the heart of any effective damage prevention program is the communication of accurate and timely information about planned excavations and the underground facilities that may be affected by those excavations. Information about planned excavations must be communicated by the excavator to operators that have underground facilities in the area. Facility operators must in turn determine the exact locations of their underground facilities and communicate that information to the excavator to ensure facilities are not damaged during the excavation process.

The one-call damage prevention process needs more accurate and more efficient means of determining and communicating location information for the vast number of excavations performed annually in the U. S. The objective for the Virginia One-Call Technology Pilot Project is to improve the safety, accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness of the one-call damage prevention process.

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