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Benchmark Program Data Collection Effort Starts Next Week

By Zachary Hillock posted 9 hours ago

  
APGA is beginning a new Benchmark Program data collection effort next week, and we are hosting a webinar next Thursday, February 19 at 1:00pm ET, to answer questions that you may have. 
 
The Benchmark Program is focused on allowing APGA members to compare their system’s pipeline safety and operational metrics with other similarly sized systems, as well as ones that may be larger or smaller. This is an effort to assist in the sharing of best practices among the membership to further goals of continuous improvement, and pipeline and operational safety. The 2026 data will focus on Damage Prevention and the best practices surrounding systems' Damage Prevention Program.
 
The 2026 Benchmark Program will collect 14 baseline, operational & pipeline safety metrics to be collected, including:
  • Miles of main
  • Numbers of Services
  • Number of one-call tickets
  • Total excavation damages
  • Mapping errors corrected, etc.
 
Damage Prevention, was chosen as the Area of Focus for 2026 and questions will include: qualitative vs. quantitative questions, such as if there is someone in your system that manages your Damage Prevention Program, beyond public awareness compliance.
 
Data collection effort begins next week through April 16 with a form for system members to submit data. To register for the Benchmark Program webinar, please go to www.apga.org/webinars. You can learn more about the Benchmarking Program at www.apga.org/benchmarking.

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