Page 3 - Arkansas 811 Magazine 2017 Issue 1

from the desk of
ill we have an early spring in 20177 Punxsutawney
Phil — the pleasantly plump Pennsylvania marmot
who claims he "is the only true weather furzcasring
, groundhog" — woke up Thursday, February ziid, crawled out at
D his hole and saw his shadow. "More winter,” Phil said. "I'm going

back to bed." Personally, I think he got it wrongl

If the construction and excavation activity in the state (largely

driven by the weather) is any indicator, then Phil needs to wake

up and get to work 2015 was a record year for 311 call volumes

across this state The below graph shows that record monthly

volumes were experienced in to of the 12 months of 2015.

Moreover, we have started 2017 with a 17% increase over the 2016

recordl There is little doubt 2017 will be another record setting

year for excavation here in Arkansas.
mm Toh1IMonIhly Tlckets by Year2lJ08 -2017
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The mission of Arkansas one Call is the protection oi the publlc and the prevention of damage
resulnng irom accidents involving underground tacilities. This ZU17 iirst issue of the Arkansas 811
magazine is dedicated to "Pipeline saiety" The gas pipelines, both distribution and transmission,
are valued utility parmers in this state. But they also present a real danger should excavation
damage prevention Efforts tail. so, for a little extra focus on gas line excavation saiety, ADC is
coordinating and ~'pon~oring two mock gas line strike events in Arkansas this year. one in the
central part of the state and another in the west/northwest part of the state Monitor our website
for futum inioi-mation on when and wherel we also completed the shooting at a promotional
video that will showcase what good damage prevention looks like ..irom start to i’-inishl Damage
prevention is a process that requires a collaborative eitort by many in order for it to he successiul.
we look forward to promonng the edited version
Arkansas one Call will also shift its awareness iocus this coming year irom "Call laeiore You Dig"
to "Excavate Responsibly." Record call volumes validate the call betore you dig message is doing
well However, damage data is indicating that excavation practices are in need at improvement I
thank you all in advance for your continued cffurls toward damage prevention and public saiety
here in Arkansas in 20171
Darrell Boggs
CEO
Arkrms/15 one Call
2017, Issue 1 Anarlsss an Magszlrves . 1