On the cover of this issue is a uniquely powerful tool for cutting-edge science located on the crisp, high desert of western New Mexico. Outwardly, it looks much the same as the famed Very Large Array (VLA), a radio telescope that has spent more than three decades on the frontiers of astronomical research. The 27 white, 230-ton dish antennas still peer skyward. The 72 miles of railroad track still wait to transport the antennas across the San Augustine plains, the familiar buildings remain, and crews still fan out across the desert to service the antennas. Functionally, however, everything has changed. The VLA has become the Expanded VLA (EVLA). The new system is more than ten times more sensitive to faint radio emissions from distant astronomical objects than the old VLA system and covers more than three times more radio frequencies. The EVLA receiving systems would be capable of detecting a weak radio signal from a cell phone from the distance of Jupiter, half a billion miles away. Each antenna is 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter. The data from the antennas are combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna 36km (22 miles) across, with the sensitivity of a dish 130 meters (422 feet) in diameter. Technology is probably a fitting theme for this issue of the magazine as NM811 moves forward to its goals.

Technology enables us to do things we haven’t been able to do before. This is true for NM811 as we begin installing the computer and phone switches to our new building. The ability to back up the hardware and support business activities for any contingency is quickly coming to fruition. By using tried and proven technology, we are able to now meet the CGA’s best practices for backup systems. The increase in reliability will certainly add to the level of customer service we can provide to excavators and members. Technology also helps us provide increased security at the new site. Not only do we employ state-of-the-art fire suppression systems in the computer rooms, but we have sprinkler systems and fire controls interlinked with the air systems to ensure quick containment and extinguishment of any fire that may occur. We are able to monitor both buildings 24/7 and numerous alarms for component failures and breeches of security. This provides a much safer and more reliable environment.

We are also partnering with the Pipeline Safety Bureau to implement the Damage Reporting & Enforcement Tracking System (DRETS). TelDig, NM811’s software vendor, is providing the programming necessary to implement the web-based system. Initial programming is expected to be completed by December 2011. In October, we will get to review the basic screens and processes and provide the programmers direction in completing the DRETS module. The system will interface to NM811’s existing databases to provide contact information of record in the processes. Since the program is web-based, anyone with a username and password will be able to access and submit information regarding any pending case. This technology will help the state investigators to compile information and aid in the completion of the investigation. Following the Public Regulation Commission’s adoption of the rules and regulations, we expect to have training in early 2012 on how to use the system and will develop manuals and other aides to help users learn how to operate the system correctly. Most of 2012 will be spent training users and fine tuning the processes. The system will make damage reporting easier, and the data collected will be more reliable and useful.