NASSCO’s Pipeline Assessment Certification Program, Lateral Assessment Certification Program and Manhole Assessment Certification Program are the trusted sources for proper and consistent assessment condition coding of pipelines, laterals and manholes. The goal of these programs is to help pipeline system owners create comprehensive databases to properly identify, plan, prioritize, manage and renovate their assets based on condition evaluation.

Since the release of the current version 7.0 in 2015, NASSCO has been gathering comments from industry professionals who use these programs so that we may make improvements to the PACP/LACP/MACP to better suit the needs of those using the data. 

A very dedicated PACP Version 8 workgroup comprised of NASSCO’s Infrastructure Condition Assessment Committee and others have spent a lot of time reviewing and vetting all of the comments and code update requests. Below are some of the notable enhancements to be included:

• Reorganization of the manual to allow a more logical progression from PACP to LACP and then to MACP

• Updated photos, illustrations and examples

• Coding of new pipe versus existing pipe

• Stormwater code updates (aligned with AASHTO stormwater guideline)

• Additional surface damage codes to address materials other than concrete

• Pressure pipe codes

• Perforated pipe codes

• Update of condition grade scores

Below is a tentative timeline for activity leading to the launch which is slated for December 2023:

In addition to PACP Version 8, NASSCO is also working on training programs to help those who may not have a need to be PACP-certified, but nonetheless need a basic understanding of how to use the data.

PACP for Asset Management - Evaluating Condition Grades

This course will give an overview of PACP codes, the rationale behind the condition grades and scoring systems, and automated reports. This is intended for utility managers who require an understanding of NASSCO condition assessment results and how they can be interpreted to support proactive maintenance plans. The expected launch is summer 2023.

PACP for Asset Management - Assessing Risk

A course for utility managers and engineers to understand how NASSCO’s PACP condition assessment results combined with computerized maintenance management systems and off-the-shelf tools such as GIS can be used to predict maintenance, rehabilitation and/or replacement of gravity piping systems. The expected launch is fall 2023. 

For more information or to take a NASSCO training course, please visit www.nasscotrainingsource.org.