BIL – a shift of paradigm for construction inquiries

In macroeconomic terms, the cost of compensating damage to pipeline and cables caused by construction work amounts to an estimated € 2 billion per annum. Much of this damage is due to a lack of information on the location of pipeline/ cables during the site investigation phase prior to the commencement of construction. Indeed, both building contractors and pipeline/cable/cable operators seeking to obtain such information will often find that identifying pipeline/cable routes and their operators is far from easy. An all-digital process available online can go a long way to simplify such inquiries, contributing to the safety of all the players involved. The following report describes the current situation and requirements, and provides a proposal based on recent operative experience in this field.