Description
The purpose of the Damage Prevention grants is to establish comprehensive state programs designed to prevent damage to underground pipelines in states that do not have such programs and to improve damage prevention programs in states that do. States are encouraged to implement the following nine elements of an effective damage prevention program:
* Element 1: Enhanced Communication between Operators and Excavators
* Element 2: Fostering Support and Partnership of all Stakeholders
* Element 3: Operator's Use of Performance Measures for Locators
* Element 4: Partnership in Employee Training
* Element 5: Partnership in Public Education
* Element 6: Enforcement Agencies' Role to Help Resolve Issues
* Element 7: Fair and Consistent Enforcement of the Law
* Element 8: Use of Technology to Improve the Locating Process
* Element 9: Data Analysis to Continually Improve Program Effectiveness
Some of the key responsibilities of the grant recipient include:
* Developing and implementing effective communication methods between operators, excavators, and other stakeholders
* Fostering support and partnership among all stakeholders
* Reviewing and implementing performance measures for locators
* Developing and implementing effective employee training programs
* Fostering active participation in public education for damage prevention activities
* Resolving disputes and enforcing state damage prevention laws and regulations
* Promoting the use of improving technologies to enhance communications and underground pipeline locating capability
* Reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness of each program element and implementing improvements.