The nation’s 811 utility location system is significantly flawed, according to a new survey of construction firms that perform underground excavation work.
The survey report, released by the Associated General Contractors of America, found that more than half of the responding firms reported damages and near misses because lines were unmarked or marked incorrectly. “Most contractors say that calling 811 often leads to inaccurate line marking and that utility firms are often very slow in coming out to locate and mark their underground lines,” according to an AGC news release.
Seventy-eight percent of firms who found weaknesses said the biggest problem is the lack of accurate utility locating by utility owners and operators. And 56% of firms with concerns about the 811 system said slow utility owner and operator response times are a significant weakness.
Many firms reported being unfairly blamed for damages even after contacting 811. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of contractors received a claim from a utility owner and operator for damage to a line the construction firm was not responsible for damaging.
“We need to fix the 811 system to make sure utility firms are doing their part to accurately mark their lines,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC CEO. “Too few utility firms are being held accountable for doing their part when it comes to helping contractors avoid hitting underground lines.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2021
Study finds racism, discrimination common in construction industry
NIBS to share best practices with industry leaders to improve worker treatment.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
White paper addresses insulated metal panel specifications for roofs and walls
Pertains to provisions of the National Building Code of Canada.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
KTGY releases free resource to reduce carbon footprint in multifamily developments
Helps navigate Denver Green Code measures—a series of voluntary codes.
Codes and Standards | Aug 19, 2021
Massive infrastructure bill includes hundreds of millions for building energy efficiency
Funds allotted for updated code implementation, construction technology, K-12 efficiency programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2021
Fannie Mae green bonds program could be greenwashing
Analysis shows significant number of green bond properties become less efficient.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2021
Three Texas cities head list of most environmentally vulnerable
Hazard analysis includes natural disasters and government response categories.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2021
Bill would reform New York’s public contracting process
Council on Public Contracting Reform to have contractor representation.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2021
AGC pushes for more environmentally friendly construction
Contractor trade group supports government investment, tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints.
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2021
Decentralized approach to codes means emissions reduction responsibility falls on local officials
Efficiency advocates focusing more on local code amendments.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2021
Dept. of Energy issues model energy code determinations for commercial, residential buildings
2021 IECC offers 9.4% site energy savings.