Open Letter from the Desk of VA811 President and CEO, B. Scott Crawford
From Data Disputes to Shared Solutions in Excavation Readiness
Virginia 811 is committed to service and safety – in fact, its motto is “Passion to Serve, Dedication to Safety!”
In the spirit of both service and safety, I have felt compelled to address the use of data in damage protection, specifically related to safe excavation and the protection of the nation’s underground utility infrastructure – the infrastructure that truly defines all of our understanding of a comfortable and civilized life!
In relation to issues brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic and then national efforts to expand broadband connectivity in rural regions, much as been written and discussed about pressures on the 811 process, which is the primary process for ensuring excavation safety and the protection of underground utilities. This is a complex issue – truly, a “wicked problem.” There simply are no simple solutions, but some rhetoric surrounding this issue tends to be hyperbolic and may make some challenges even greater than they are.
I am hopeful for a near future where every stakeholder has confidence in the system and where new solutions replace frictions and challenges. How we talk about the system, whether in our own circles within the industry or as we broadcast in public reports to the outside world, will inevitably shape perception and ultimately confidence.
“Data-driven” is the phrase used most to support a host of conclusions; conclusions that then are at times accompanied by “solutions.”
However, “data-driven” suggests a relationship between data and truth that is not necessarily accurate. Data is simply information. Information may be incomplete, biased, and even false. If a decision is made based on data that is actually inaccurate, is that data-driven decision the right decision? Of course not. As such, data must be questioned. It must be reviewed. Data presented should always be transparent.
Data, ultimately, should inspire questions and further analysis; we, as an industry should be “data-inspired,” not necessarily “data-driven.” Truth is something that is sought and rarely found – but the pathway toward truth is paved with questions.
It is in this spirit that I decided to write a white paper where I take data analyzed by Virginia Tech and data related to a mathematical formula developed by Virginia 811 to explore excavation (or job) readiness in Virginia. The result is a white paper that is now published through the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure. This work builds directly on the collective efforts of our industry and adds another valuable lens through which to strengthen our shared commitment to safety and service.
Specifically, I use an observation advanced by an industry organization to serve as the focus of a juxtaposition between supposed national trending related to excavation readiness and what Virginia’s data suggests – note, please, I use the word “suggests” as admittedly the conclusions of this white paper are equally open to questioning and critiques as any other study.
Similarly, once it is in the public eye, a publication is open to a myriad of interpretations. Some may interpret this paper as intended – a call for further dialogue on the topic of excavation readiness. Others may interpret this as an attack on one or more particular organizations – an interpretation that is antithetical to anything intended!
To help to, I hope, direct readers toward the genuine intentions behind this white paper, I want to state the following in absolutely no uncertain terms:
- A call to work together, not attack – This white paper, in the spirit of a Platonic dialectic – a methodology to drive us as an industry toward truth – is written to encourage collaboration and continued dialogue. In no way should any reader interpret this as an attack on any organization. The paper is simply a reaction to verbiage published by a respected industry stakeholder; a reaction that is driven by questions and then by data that does not align with broader conclusions found with the published verbiage. Any criticism of verbiage is not negative criticism but rather a critique – a critique intended to spark discussion. By placing these observations into the open, we enrich the conversation and give ourselves more tools to solve the challenges ahead – together, stronger.
- Support for state-led solutions, not a federal takeover – No parts of this white paper should be interpreted or construed as support for the nationalization of the 811 process or even for national standards related to 811 locate request ticket data/information. If anything, this paper supports the continuation of relying on state laws to determine unique needs for excavation in each states’ respective areas. While red herrings are typically thrown into discussions about data needing to be the same across the United States in relation to locate request data, such as scope of work, Update tickets, etc., there is a much simpler method to take the “fruit bowl” we are trying to compare and make comparisons more strongly between “apples and apples.” This is something alluded to in the white paper.
- How we think about data, not just excavation readiness – The white paper is as much about epistemology related to data as it is about excavation readiness. The white paper at one level uses excavation readiness as a case study related to how our industry should approach data and truth. It attempts to work with an industry partner to demonstrate what we should all be doing: questioning data, questioning interpretations of data, and questioning data-driven assertions. I am comfortable enough with the argument found within the white paper to respond to questions and critiques, and I am secure enough to admit any errors pointed out if I cannot address them. I am eager to collaborate with any entity advancing conclusions publicly that is just as comfortable and secure. I’m proud of how this research honors the dedication and ingenuity across our field. Each dialogue we spark brings us closer to innovations that protect our infrastructure and the communities we serve.
I hope, as you read this white paper, you formulate challenging questions and you further these observations through your own research and analysis of relevant data to which you have access. I hope you will share that information and add to this ongoing dialogue.
You can find this white paper here: https://www.aii.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Sound-and-Fury-Signifying-Nothing.pdf
As a final note, I hope all readers will forgive my indulgence in Shakespearean rhetoric. The title of the report is a direct reference to language within a play and is used to draw out a key point about the important content of our dialogue – it is far from an attack on damage prevention education and awareness efforts. I hope no reader lets the five-word title color their reading of the substance of the piece, or indeed even the subtitle!
To that end, I hope you’ll be intrigued to engage with “Moving Excavation Readiness Beyond Rhetoric and Toward Truth Through a Call for Dialectic.”
Thank you for your time reading it!
Guest post written by, B. Scott Crawford, President & CEO, Virginia 811
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is an independent, national research and educational organization working to advance innovation across industry and public policy. The only nationwide public policy think tank dedicated to infrastructure, Aii explores the intersection of economics, law, and public policy in the areas of climate, damage prevention, eminent domain, energy, infrastructure, innovation, technology, and transportation.