Common Ground Study

In June 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 ^st Century (TEA 21) was signed into law.  Section 6105 of TEA 21authorized the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to undertake a study of damage prevention practices associated with existing one-call notification systems.   This direction resulted in the development of the Common Ground Study. 

The Study was performed and the report was developed through the work of a joint industry/government team.  The team worked to determine which industry practices were most effective in protecting the public, excavators, and the environment in preventing disruptions to public services and damage to underground facilities.  The team worked on a consensus basis resulting in practices that were agreed to and well-received by industry stakeholders.

The Common Ground Study team produced an unprecedented collection of best practices in one-call and damage prevention programs.  These practices address key elements to successful damage prevention programs for underground facilities including: stakeholder communication while planning construction activities; accessibility of one-call centers; accurate locating and marking; safe digging throughout excavation; education and enforcement to facilitate compliance; marketing strategies to enhance public education; and effective reporting and evaluation of damage prevention programs.

The Common Ground: Study of One-Call Systems & Damage Prevention Best Practices was presented to the Secretary of Transportation at a public meeting held on June 30, 1999. 

STUDY OBJECTIVE:     The purpose of the Study was to identify and validate existing best practices performed in connection with preventing damage to underground facilities.  The collected best practices were intended to be shared among stakeholders involved with and dependent upon the safe and reliable operation, maintenance, construction, and protection of underground facilities.  These best practices contain validated experiences gained that can be further examined and evaluated for possible consideration and incorporation into state and private stakeholder underground facility damage prevention programs.

STUDY RESULTS:   The Common Ground Study effort was divided into nine areas, which fostered a concentrated focus on work practices within the natural groupings of damage prevention activities.  Eight of the Task Team Chapters provide a collection of current damage prevention best practices which are believed to help prevent damage to underground facilities.  Appendix A, “Emerging Technologies,” provides a view of new or developing equipment and technologies.

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