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Public Awareness

TESS Began Statewide Emergency Responder Training in 2005. 

TESS' Regulatory Services include 70 training sessions for Emergency Responders and Excavators throughout Texas. A web-based documentation system from Celeritas Technologies is used to provide the necessary records for auditing. The Public Awareness Manager allows sponsoring companies to access their documentation from any Internet accessible computer. It provides true database functions for sorting the information based on audience type such as excavators or public officials. The pricing for this additional service is a flat rate based on number of asset counties. This allows sponsoring companies to know the exact cost of the program before committing to participation. 

If you would like more information on these services contact Jack Garrett at 817-251-5137 or Email: jackgarrett@texas811.org

Texas Excavation Safety System is taking another step to help pipeline companies with their compliance requirements. In 2003 TESS organized a service for pipeline companies that were required to perform public awareness mailings along their right-of-way. The project concept is to share the cost of data processing, postage and printing among as many pipeline companies as possible, thereby lowering the cost for each company. As more companies participate, the savings for each company will increase. In 2006 this program included 137 pipeline companies in 26 states. The program expanded to 48 states in 2008 with nearly 200 companies participating. 

Participating pipeline companies supply TESS with their facility locations. TESS generates an address list for each company, based on their facility location plus the appropriate buffer (660 feet or any specific footage). When addresses appear on more than one company's list, the cost of the mailing is shared between the companies. For two operators sharing a right-of-way, the cost will be half of what it would be if each company mailed to the addresses individually. In areas with several operators, the total cost may actually be lower for each company than the cost of postage alone. TESS will provide documentation of the mailing to each company as well as maintain web-based documentation for the program. 

TESS members and non-members can participate in this project. Operators have several options, from mailing along their entire system or to specific districts. This allows operators to perform door-to-door awareness in areas where that is feasible. By participating in this joint venture, small operators will benefit from the purchasing power of all the participants. Distribution operators participate in the program as well as transmission and liquids operators. Surveys are conducted in conjunction with the mail out to meet the measuring effectiveness requirement of API RP 1162 and the material used is focus group tested before delivery to the appropriate audience. 

The mailing provides clear, concise information in English and Spanish. A feedback form is included for property owners and residents to respond to the information they receive. TESS compiles the feedback and supplies it to all participants. 

For further information, contact Jack Garrett, Director of Regulatory Services, at 817-251-5137.

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