Iowa One Call Newsletter - April 2012

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In This Issue
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
SOTA COMMITTEE UPDATE
MAPPING CORNER
WHAT'S UP BELOW
ITIC MAPPING TIPS
APRIL IS SAFE DIGGING MONTH
EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS
NORTHERN NATURAL GAS COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT
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Iowa One Call Officers, Directors & Staff
2011 - 2012
President
Ed Greiner
Alliant Energy
319-786-2013

Vice President
Neal Drefke
Spencer Municipal Utilities
712-580-5842

Secretary/Treasurer
Timothy Flickinger
Windstream
515-309-1135

Chairman
Dan Klopfer
Des Moines Water Works
515-283-8754

Directors

Charles Bruggerman
Windstream
641-787-2555

Dan Childers
Interstate Communications
641-765-4201

Terry Fox
MidAmerican Energy Company
515-281-2316


Curt Hodges
Mediacom
641-842-2988

Leon Hofer
Iowa Network Services
515-830-0441

Brian Mueller
Enterprise Products
319-351-1234

Greg Pavelka
East-Central Iowa REC
319-443-3564

Steve Stone
Black Hills Energy
641-792-1548

Ross Wendell
CenturyLink
515-286-6613

Paul Wiegand
ISU Institute for Transportation
515-294-7082

Mike Wildung
Central Iowa Water Association
641-792-7011

Class B Director
Mike Heggen
Communication Technologies Holding, Inc.
515-249-5140

Class C Director
Mick Secory
United States Infrastructure Corp.
515-321-6220

IOC Center Manager
Janice Fisher
563-884-7764

IOC Administrative Staff

Craig Walter - Administrative Director

Shellie Petek - Executive Administrator

Ben Booth - Manager, Public Relations/ Communications
benbooth@netins.net

Steve Halstead - Mapping Coordinator
stevehalstead@mchsi.com

Phone: 515-278-8700
Fax: 515-278-0245
Email:
onecall@iowaonecall.com
INDUSTRY LINKS
Two Story County Companies Penalized for Violating One Call Law

AOPL Commends PHMSA Damage Prevention Proposal

CGA Update: March 2012

DIRT Report Highlights

IAMU Informer Features Safe Digging Month
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 

by Ed Greiner, President

The exceptionally mild winter leading into an unusually early spring has allowed Iowa excavators to take advantage of a significantly extended dig season. There was very little downtime for many excavators, who were able to continue excavation operations throughout most of the winter. Volume at the call center certainly reflects this, as we have seen record numbers of incoming and outgoing transmissions. The call volume for March alone is up by thirty-percent.

 

While spring typically signifies the start of the "dig season," it is also the time when Iowa One Call holds elections for new board members and officers. At the release of this newsletter in April, I will have completed my term as Iowa One Call President. While the Board and staff have realized many accomplishments, it hardly seems that a full year has already passed.

 

Some highlights from this past year include significant enhancements to the mapping system which now features considerably more geographical information, allowing facility operators greater efficiencies when mapping their facilities database, as well as allowing Call Center Representatives (CSRs) easier access to locating and mapping areas of proposed excavations. Additionally, the ITIC online ticketing system has been enhanced and features the same new mapping system, which provides users with even greater details and accuracy when searching for streets and geographic locations. One reason ITIC is such a popular tool is because it ensures the person who knows the most about the worksite (the excavator) has complete control over mapping his or her locate requests. Enhancements to the ITIC system have lead to an increase in users, with nearly half of the locate requests to Iowa One Call now being completed electronically (via ITIC). Excavators not currently using the ITIC system should seriously consider utilizing this highly efficient ticket entry method. Registering to use the ITIC system is easy and can be accomplished by accessing the Remote Access Page. 

 

Developing and maintaining a highly efficient system effective in preventing damage to the underground facilities infrastructure significant to the well-being of all Iowans is the primary goal of the Iowa One Call Board of Directors. While system development is key, communicating with and educating the public remains a high priority as well. Iowa One Call will continue to implement effective outreach and educational programming targeting professional excavators, homeowners and the general public with damage prevention and safety awareness messaging. The partnership efforts of our industry stakeholder associates - excavators, operators, locators, etc., are greatly needed to further conveying the damage prevention message to as broad an audience as possible. Damage prevention is indeed a shared responsibility.

 

In closing, I would like to thank the Iowa One Call Board, committees and administrative staff, whose hard work and support has made my job as President significantly easier. I would also like to welcome Neal Drefke as he begins his term as Iowa One Call President. A long-time IOC Board member, Neal has significant industry experience and will undoubtedly be a very effective leader.

STATE OF THE ART COMMITTEE UPDATE

by Dan Klopfer, Chair 

 

At One Call Concepts' (OCC) Technology conference last October, we learned about the enhancements being made to the online ticketing process called ITIC. At that time, OCC was just beginning to field test the process at Missouri One Call. Iowa was scheduled to receive the enhanced version right after Missouri.

 

At our March 15, 2012 State of the Art Committee meeting, we were told the field testing and review would begin in Iowa during April. However, several pieces must come together before the product is released to users; since each state varies in terms of wait time, tolerance zones, ticket transmission venues and so forth, the computer program behind ITIC must take each of these variables into account. The ITIC training module must also be updated.

 

Frequent users will see features in the new ITIC that will make entering tickets much easier. For example, they will be able to set up "profiles." Each profile will reflect a particular type of work the excavator might be doing, such as installing a water line. Required information that is particular to installing a water line, such as type of trenching device used, blasting or not, and white-lined or not, can be included in that profile. A profile for installing a sewer line, on the other hand, might contain some of the same information, but also those things that are unique to installing a sewer line. The excavator simply has to pick the profile for the job the ticket will cover, add in the dates and location, and the ticket is ready to be submitted.

 

All users will see a friendlier interface and improved mapping. They will be able to pan the map, zoom in and out, and get online help with the click of the mouse. It will also be possible for the user to view street maps, aerial maps and hybrid maps on the excavation site. That feature alone will take some of the human error out of the damage prevention formula.

At the end of February 2012, 41% of all incoming tickets were coming via ITIC.

 

Currently, the SOTA Committee is considering a process called ITIC Lite, which will be available to homeowners and allow them to enter tickets online. At this time, homeowners must call in their tickets. OCC reports that in those states that allow homeowners to enter tickets online, the quality of those tickets is equal to or higher than those one line tickets received from excavators. In some cases, the Call Center will have to map the ITIC Lite tickets. However, if the user enters enough information, the computer can find the location and actually map the site and present it to the user for approval. The Committee expects to make a recommendation regarding ITIC Lite at the April 26 Board meeting.

 

On a sad, personal note: Tim Flickinger will be leaving the IOC Board of Directors and the State of the Art committee. PAETEC was purchased by Windstream and Tim was reassigned to different job responsibilities that preclude his involvement on both the Board and the Committee. He will be greatly missed by all of us who have come to rely on his insight and input. 

MAPPING CORNER
by Steve Halstead, Mapping CoordinatorSteve Halstead

To those of you who are using ITIC: How do you like those Google Maps? I have been able to use them in a way that maybe you haven't thought about. In my case, try as we might, it seems our database maps are always a bit out of date. When you consider that we use a compilation of maps from a variety of sources, this is probably to be expected. What I have found is that sometimes when we don't have a street in our database, if I can get close to the location and then go to the aerial photo, I can actually see the street and where it connects with existing streets and we can map it accordingly. If you haven't looked at the aerial photos and the hybrid map, do so. They're quite fascinating.

 

One of the most interesting things I learned at the Common Ground Alliance Conference in early March was about the use of Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) in marker balls. The RFID chips can be programmed from a laptop to show the size of the facility, what it carries, what it is made of, who owns it, when it was installed and even when it was last inspected. The marker ball is then placed on top of the facility and backfilled. The RFID is dormant until it is activated by a radio frequency from a locating device, at which time the RFID not only indicates where it is located (X,Y and Z!) but also makes available the information stored in the chip. No batteries to run down. No need to replace. The devices work up to twenty feet deep and are 100% accurate within the limits of the human operator. It is recommended that marker balls be placed every twenty (20) feet and whenever the facility changes direction or crosses another facility. The marker balls cost about $16 each, so using the recommended number would increase the cost of installing a facility by about $4,000 per mile. This seems expensive until one considers the cost of repairing a damaged gas line or fiber optic line.

 

RFID products are fairly new on the market, but their success will bring more players into the marketplace and will increase their availability while decreasing the cost per marker ball. Marketers are working on ways of retro-fitting existing facilities with the marker balls, and I am confident you will see more of these being placed along facilities in the future.

 

The other product that I learned about was a device that will allow the detection of non-metallic facilities. The device was originally developed by the Gas Technology Institute and then the patents were sold to Sensit Technologies, who are producing and marketing the device. The instrument makes use of acoustic waves that are set up in the facility and are then detected by the receiver. GTI insisted on 98% accuracy before they released the patents, so the track record is there. Central Iowa Water has one of the devices and reports that it does a great job of locating plastic rural water lines, but also does a super job of finding rocks! Just one more tool in the facility locator's toolbag, but given the amount of non-metallic facilities buried in Iowa, a valuable tool indeed.

WHAT'S UP BELOW
by Ben Booth, Manager Public Relations/CommunicationsBen Booth 

  

Typically, April is the start of the "dig season." With the unusually warm winter and earlier than usual arrival of spring, however, the Iowa dig season got off to a very early start. Accordingly, the Governor's signing of the National Safe Digging Month Proclamation was executed in March. Iowa One Call implemented a series of promotional activities as part of a public awareness campaign to officially celebrate April as National Safe Digging Month.

 

The Common Ground Iowa (CGI), the regional partner of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) was instrumental in coordinating the Governor's signing of the proclamation. Iowa One Call (IOC) and the CGI have worked closely together over the years in an important damage prevention and safety awareness alliance. In conjunction with several custom IOC promotions, including a couple Arbor Day events and a supporting role with the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) tree distribution program, IOC and CGI teamed up to literally take the National Safe Digging Month promotion to the jobsite.

 

Representatives from CGI and IOC visited numerous jobsites throughout the Des Moines area, where they posted banners proclaiming, "Call 811 - We Did." The crews at each jobsite were very receptive to these visits and were more than happy to pose for pictures. The banners were left up at each jobsite in clear view of oncoming traffic. In each instance, the crews agreed to maintain the banners at the jobsite and then reuse them at future sites.

 

Damage prevention is alive and well in Iowa thanks to the commitment to safety and damage prevention by crews like these.

Cynthia Munyon, CGI;  Mike Johnson,  Corell Contractors; Ben Booth IOC
Cynthia Munyon, CGI; Mike Johnson, Corell Contractors; Ben Booth, IOC
Ben Booth, IOC; Buzz Fairbanks, Corell Contractors; Cynthia Munyon, CGI
Ben Booth, IOC; Buzz Fairbanks, Corell Contractors; Cynthia Munyon, CGI
Ben Booth, IOC; Cynthia Munyon, CGI
Ben Booth, IOC; Cynthia Munyon, CGI
Mike Buntz, Shawn Gesme and Joe Stuart of Mid American Energy Company
Mike Buntz, Shawn Gesme and Joe Stuart of MidAmerican Energy Company
Ben Booth, IOC; Mike Buntz, Mid American Energy; Cynthia Munyon, CGI
Ben Booth, IOC; Mike Buntz, MidAmerican Energy Company; Cynthia Munyon, CGI
Randy Ericksen, Jack Theulen, Adolpho Delarosa, Tony Swiegert and Ron Stajcar of Mid American Energy Co.
Randy Ericksen, Jack Theulen, Adolpho Delarosa, Tony Swiegert and Ron Stajcar of MidAmerican Energy Company
ITIC MAPPING TIPS
One reason ITIC is such a popular tool is because it ensures the person who knows the most about the worksite has complete control over mapping his or her ticket. Because ITIC is so easy to use, people tend to grow so comfortable with it that they begin to overlook the importance of the mapping. While accuracy is very important throughout the entire process of submitting a locate request, it is perhaps most important during mapping. The sole purpose of identifying the dig site on a digital map is to enable ITIC to compile an accurate list of the affected utilities. Omitting even a small section of the work area from your mapping creates a risk of under-notification. All stakeholders should fully appreciate the dangers of failing to notify a facility operator prior to digging.

 

There are several handy features built into ITIC to help ensure you have fully and accurately mapped your work area. Here's how to access them:

  • Check to see if the initial computer search has found the address or intersection you entered. ITIC automatically searches for these pieces of information as you enter them into the data fields. If the area in which you are working is a relatively older and more established location, ITIC will most likely be able to find it through this simple method. Double-check the name of the city; there will likely be several matches for '101 Main St.,' no matter what county you're working in.
  • Try a manual search if the automated search fails. Leave out some specifics in the search criteria when you attempt this second search. For instance, if you're working at the intersection of US Hwy 83 and N Elm St, try searching for the intersection of "83" and "Elm." This will cause ITIC to bypass many minor spelling or abbreviation discrepancies that can wind up "confusing" ITIC during a search. If the road has multiple names, try searching for one of these alternate names instead.
  • Use the Google function. This will change the map data source to a Google-powered map, which has alternate information for many different areas. It works the same way as the base maps, so follow the same steps as above.
  • If you haven't found your worksite, it may not be in the base map. When you are unable to find it, the best alternative is to search for a nearby major intersection, and use it as a point of reference. This method requires some knowledge of the surrounding area, but the specifics are up to you. Some commonly used variations on the "known intersection as reference point" are:

- Select grids that cover a specific distance from an intersection adjacent to your job site. For example, use the measuring tool to measure out an area ¼ mile north and east of the major intersection, then select the grids within that area.

                       

- Select grids by using surrounding known roads as boundaries. Use this if your job site lies within an area bounded by three or four different roads.

                       

- Follow known driving directions from a major intersection, and then use that end point as the reference point to map the entire job site.

  • Use GPS coordinates. Users can enter these coordinates in the appropriate fields in ITIC. ITIC will then center the map on the GPS location (if found) within the county you have selected. Marking instructions are still required. Using the known GPS coordinate should assist you in selecting the grids that cover your job site.

Once you have selected the grids that cover your worksite, take a moment to double-check your work. Be sure you're mapping in the correct city, take a look at the surrounding roads, and verify the grids you have selected cover the proper distance off of the road's edge. You can even check satellite imagery and view real-world conditions. Simply click on the word "satellite" on the upper-right corner of the map, and a satellite image of the area you're looking at will appear.

           

If everything matches, and you are certain your work area is fully gridded, release the ticket. Just keep in mind that if your work area changes for any reason, you'll need to file a new ticket to adjust the mapping accordingly.

 

Use these simple tips every time you file a mark-out request, and you should have no trouble with under-notification in the future.
APRIL IS NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH

Iowa One Call participated in a number of events marking the month of April "Safe Digging Month."

 

Click here to see official Proclamation signed by Governor Terry Branstad
First, Iowa One Call, Common Ground Iowa (CGI) and the Governor Terry Branstad's staff came together on March 22nd to officially proclaim April as "Safe Digging Month."

As CGI explained in their press release, "Each year more than 170,000 underground utility lines are unintentionally damaged nationwide, and one out of three hits is due to failure to call 811 before digging. The proclamation signed by the governor demonstrates his commitment to improving our communities through safe digging practices."

Iowa One Call's mascot, Gabby the Groundhog, is also scheduled to attend several Arbor Day events at the end of the month to help spread the Safe Digging message.

On April 27th, students from several neighborhood schools will visit with Gabby during an Arbor Day Tree Party at Union Park, co-sponsored by Wright Outdoor Solutions and the City of Des Moines. On the 28th, Gabby will support the Altoona Residential Tree Program at Altoona's Arbor Day Celebration held at the Enabling Garden.
EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS

A rather interesting question came up as we approached the federal holiday called "President's Day." This is the day the federal government observes the anniversary of the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The question was whether the Call Center should consider President's Day as a business day or a legal holiday when calculating the start time of an excavation.

 

The Iowa Code is very specific that facilities have forty-eight (48) hours excluding weekends and legal holidays, to mark their facilities after being notified to do so by Iowa One Call. The Code is equally clear about what is considered a legal holiday in Iowa. The ten (10) legally recognized holidays for the state of Iowa are: 

  • New Years Day
  • Martin Luther L King's Birthday
  • Lincoln's Birthday
  • Washington's Birthday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Thus President's Day, while a federal holiday, is just another business day when it comes to calculating the start date, but both Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday are holidays and will be excluded in the calculation.

 

Note that the Call Center is open and staffed 24/7/365. To Iowa One Call, the only difference between a holiday and any other day is when it comes to calculating the excavation start date.
NORTHERN NATURAL GAS COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT
Beginning March 30, 2012, Northern Natural Gas Company increased aircraft patrols to identify excavation activities that may encroach on Northern's pipelines.During the week of April 2, 2012, aerial patrols identified 24 locations requiring follow-up investigation. Three (13 percent) of the identified excavations resulted in one-call violations, and all violations were associated with field tiling and repairs. Northern is committed to safety and the increased aerial patrols are being used as a tool to keep our customers, employees and excavators safe. Please call your One-Call center before you dig!
This newsletter is published by Iowa One Call, Administrative Office, 9001 Hickman Road, Suite 220, Des Moines, Iowa 50322.

Copyright © 2012 Iowa One Call. All rights reserved. These materials may not be reproduced without permission of Iowa One Call.

Disclaimer: This publication is designed to provide general information in regard to the subject matter covered and should not be used as a substitute for professional service, advice or actual wording of regulations or standards in specific situations. The reader is cautioned that the publisher does not endorse or recommend specific manufacturers, industry standards or practices and reliance should not be placed upon the information within this publication without confirming independent research.