Author: john.chambers@agc.org

Earlier this month, the Common Ground Alliance released their 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report. The report, released annually, gives an in-depth analysis into the state of underground utility damages and what steps stakeholders should consider when attempting to reduce damages. According to this year’s DIRT Report, 76% of damages are caused by six root causes: failure to notify 811, excavator failed to maintain clearance, facility not marked due to locator error, improper excavation practice, lines marked inaccurately due to locator error and excavators commencing digging prior to verifying via potholing. These root causes are consistent issues with the…