The All-Star Panel on The Roundtable, produced by Planet Underground, had an insightful discussion among industry leaders on the evolving landscape of damage prevention, focusing on future technology and methods. Chaired by Jemmie Wang, the panel delves into pressing questions about leveraging new technologies to enhance the management of crowded underground utility rights-of-way. The discussion considers whether we are on …
UNSAFE TRENCHES KILL
Trench collapses are devastatingly lethal. They can claim the lives of employees, coworkers, and friends in an instant, turning preventable accidents into tragedies. Every collapse is a stark reminder of how crucial it is to keep trench safety a priority, not just in policy but in practice. To protect teams, all trenches must be safeguarded with proper protective systems, like …
VHS | TEXAS HOMEOWNER CLAIM DENIED AFTER WATER MAIN BREAKS 3 TIMES
This video recounts the story of a Dallas homeowner, Robert Brown, who faced over $350,000 in damage after a city-owned water main burst multiple times behind his home. The water main broke in February 2023, February 2024, and August 2024, causing severe flooding in his Preston Hollow neighborhood. Despite filing claims with both the city and his insurance company, both …
VHS | TAMPA ELECTRIC CEO TALKS MILTON MOBILIZATION
This video provides a valuable insight into how electric utilities, like Tampa Electric, prepare year-round for hurricanes. CEO Archie Collins explains how the company is ready to tackle challenges like storm surge, high winds, and supply chain issues with transformers. Having faced hurricanes Debby and Helene earlier, their preparedness, including a robust transformer inventory, ensures they can swiftly restore power …
VHS | GROUND PENETRATING RADAR
Morehead City’s Public Services recently acquired a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) unit, to assist with locating underground utilities. The GPR was successfully used at Big Rock Stadium to locate irrigation boxes buried under several inches of soil. The device operates by displaying underground objects as parabola shapes on a screen, allowing for easier identification. It can scan up to 30 …
VHS | UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIPS FOR EXPANDING ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION
In this insightful episode, Crystal Ball and Matthew Schroettnig sit down with Sarah Edmonds, Bob Rowe, and Debra Smith to discuss their “Theory of Change” for expanding high-voltage, long-distance transmission in the Western U.S. The conversation centers around the need for collaboration and innovation to meet the demands of the future energy grid. As part of the Western Transmission Expansion …
VHS | GAS LINE STRIKE LEADS TO CATASTROPHIC EXPLOSIONS
“Whether you’re adding a fence to your home or working on a construction site, if you’re planning to dig more than a few inches into the ground, you need to check for buried utilities, including buried gas lines. An exposed gas line is a vulnerable gas line, and a gas line strike can result in serious danger. We investigated two …
VHS | KUALA LUMPUR’S SINKHOLE
Kuala Lumpur is grappling with a series of sinkholes, the most prominent being the one that tragically claimed the life of a woman on August 23, 2024, along the busy Jalan Masjid India. The incident has stirred concern among residents, traders, and authorities due to the potential risks posed by similar occurrences in the area.Heavy rains and potential underground infrastructure …
VHS | FIXING MANHOLES
When we think of underground utilities, manholes are an essential ingredient to supporting access and damage prevention processes. This video delves into the essential yet often overlooked infrastructure that keeps cities functioning. It highlights the critical role of systems like roads, bridges, water supply, and waste management in sustaining urban life. The video contrasts traditional methods with modern advancements, such …
VHS | LOCATOR LOUNGE EPISODE 6
In this episode, Ben from Geelong Cable Locations, Geoff from Locators, and Danny from In Depth Locations share their expertise on the art and science of utility locating. They explore essential topics such as the various quality levels involved in the industry, offer insights into the best types of paint for marking, and provide practical tips for accurate and efficient …