Underground Infrastructure - October 2023 - 29

Inside Infrastructure
Proponents of the MUMP approach envision the pilot
program as a scalable model for major, future improvements
in the North American damage prevention process.
Expansion needed to other markets
Recognizing the effectiveness and increasing attention being
paid to this superior mapping technology, GIS advocates are
now looking to promote its use in other underground infrastructure
markets. For example, mapping of water and sewer
systems, often owned and/or operated by municipal entities,
is also in bad need of improvement. Municipal exemptions
from 811 membership are an enduring problem, and one that
removes incentive to improve municipal water/wastewater
infrastructure maps.
Water assets are largely regulated by states and not the federal
government, and there is no standard data model for water
and wastewater pipes, similar to gas and oil pipelines. Many
contend that visibility and optimization of in-ground water assets
are more vital now than ever to safe operations - especially
with the influx of $55 billion into water/sewer markets.
Broadband and electric power systems are also in dire
need of improved mapping, as are a range of other subsurface
facilities. Efforts to expand use of GIS are intended to
address issues such as rising costs of infrastructure failures,
the public's attention on America's energy future and the role
pipelines will play in it, water quality issues, the need for data
transparency and accuracy to meet new and pending regulations,
and reduction of methane emissions.
DCA continues to support damage prevention policy that
reflects shared responsibility among all stakeholders in the process
and promotes four principal pillars to damage prevention:
1. membership of all owners/operators of underground
facilities to the state one-call center
2. accurate and timely locating
3. potholing of underground facilities
4. full and balanced enforcement of state damage
prevention statutes
Accurate mapping of underground facilities is a fundamental
part of accurate and timely locating and incentivizing the
use of GIS should be considered as damage prevention policy is
developed and considered at both the federal and state level. UI
WYMAN ASSOCIATES offers
strategic consulting with its clients
and direct advocacy before the United
States Congress and executive branch agencies. Working with several
allies in Washington and around the country, provides clients a constant
voice in the national debate.
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UndergroundInfrastructure.com | OCTOBER 2023 29
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Underground Infrastructure - October 2023

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