The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Register (CUIR) initiative was introduced to readers last May 2022, where the initiative's basic intent and reasoning were discussed. The initiative is to reduce the risk and cost associated with working on, or near, buried infrastructure. This is done by providing better information to the stakeholders. You can read the previous update here.
This short interview with Steve Slusarenko, the Director of the CUIR initiative, is intended to give an update on the CUIR Team’s progress and to give readers an idea of what to look forward to in the coming months.
Q: What is the focus now, how has it changed, or has it changed, since June?
A: The focus on saving lives by providing a secure process that allows utility owners to share asset location information with requestors remains the same. To achieve this we continue to expand our network of people that we know to raise awareness and garner more support for what we are doing from a broader representation of the stakeholder community. At the same time, we are engaging with other teams working on similar initiatives to collaborate with them, learn from each other, and harmonize the end result.
Q: How has the committee changed and developed since June?
A: We have grown in numbers from 50 to over 80 professionals on both sides of the border. Given the interest from our counterparts in the United States, we are now working with them to deliver this as a joint initiative that will cover North America at a minimum
Q: What organizations have joined the efforts of CUIR?
A: Canadian organizations; Carleton University, City of Burnaby, Region of York, Competers, and Infrastructure Canada
US Organizations; Minnesota 811, USA North 811, UDig NY (811), Perdue University, Open Geospatial Consortium, Colorado DOT, FHWA, Southern Company, NY University UNUM Project,
Q: Have there been any improvements, breakthroughs, or challenges in recent months?
A: Some exciting new technologies have come to light that will improve the data available to utility owners which should get them interested in the positive benefits for them. These technologies not only include GPS-enable locate instruments, but also includes the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to pour over old records, photos, videos, et cetera, to supplement the data collection process.
Q: What is the next big piece the CUIR committee needs to overcome?
A: There are two major hurdles at the moment. The first is more engagement from the utility owners to vet the process and confirm the outcomes. The second is to secure a source of funding for our project.
Q: How are similar initiatives doing in other countries?
A: To my knowledge, the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) project in the UK is still proceeding apace, and is due to launch an operational platform this month in North East England, Wales, and London. Here is the latest NUAR update: 2023-01-17_-_A_guide_to_NUAR..pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk) The main difference between the NUAR process and the CUIR process is that they are providing a federated database where users can access the data. The CUIR project will provide a channel where users can request data for an area of interest from a utility owner via the one call ticket process. In the CUIR process, the utility owner is aware of the request, and the area of interest retains control of the information and, is aware of who requested the data, and the purpose of the request.
In the US, the MN811 Facility Notification Center, quite independently from CUIR, has developed the same process that we had proposed and we are now working on developing the solution jointly with them and other US entities. Here is an article posted by the US Common Ground Alliance on their initiative: Gopher State One Call Underground Mapping Project
Q: How has the “Click before you Dig” process turned out?
A: This is by all accounts a great success and to a great degree our process relies on its continued use. As the number of people using cloud computing and mobile apps grows, Facility Notification Centers (aka One Call Centers) are seeing a greater percentage of requests being generated using “Click Before You Dig”.
Q: What opportunities are on the horizon for CUIR?
A: The formalization of a North American initiative where all owners of underground facilities can be registered and allow them to provide map data on request in near real-time. One of our members, the City of Burnaby, has automated the process to provide the data requested in a one-call ticket that operates 24/7/365.
Q: How will CUIR be participating in SUMSF coming up in May?
A: It’s yet to be discussed and confirmed with the team, but we will likely have members attend live sessions and participate remotely in panel discussions
To hear more about CUIR and other relevant topics, be sure to attend SUMSF on May 16 and 17, with a workshop day on May 18.
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