Setting the Pace

PACP becomes the industry standard in Quebec, and the new mandatory guideline helps position the program as the standard for Canada

It’s always satisfying when we accomplish our goals. I’m experiencing that satisfaction right now as NASSCO’s vision of creating standards for the rehabilitation of underground utilities in the United States and across North America is becoming more and more of a reality.

NASSCO has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Expertise and Research on Infrastructures in Urban Areas (CERIU) to make our Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) the new industry standard in the Canadian province of Quebec.

I’m confident this agreement will demonstrate the value of using a single standard for defect coding, and that eventually it will lead to PACP becoming the defect coding standard for Canada. PACP provides standardization and consistency in the way sewer pipes are evaluated, coded and managed. Recognized as the industry standard in North America since 2001, it creates a comprehensive and reliable reservoir of data that can be used to plan and set priorities in collection system renovation.

A 2006 survey by CERIU found discrepancies in the way sewer systems were evaluated and inspected. This lack of consistency led some to classify a defect in a pipe as a crack, while others labeled it a fracture. That made it difficult for professionals to establish a protocol for successful assessment and rehabilitation. As a result, CERIU established a committee of city representatives and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection professionals to discuss the issue. Together, the group adopted the NASSCO protocols for mains, laterals and manholes.

By implementing NASSCO’s proven standard protocol, Quebec professionals will be able to create, exchange and integrate their reports on common rules and codification objectives, enabling more effective rehabilitations.

In addition to standardizing the evaluation of sewer pipes and standardizing TV inspection codes, PACP includes user certification, tools for data integration and mapping. NASSCO offers PACP training throughout the year across the United States. To see a complete schedule of PACP and other training and education courses, visit www.nassco.org or call Andrea Carter at 410/486-3500.

Irv Gemora is executive director of NASSCO. He can be reached at director@nassco.org. The new NASSCO headquarters is at 11521 Cronridge Drive, Suite J, Owings Mills, MD, 21117. Call 410/486-3500.



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