Lights, Camera, Stormwater: Creating an In-House CCTV Inspection Program That Works

Abstract Summary: This joint presentation with the City of Fort Worth outlines the city's approach to developing an in-house stormwater CCTV inspection program from the ground up. The presentation will provide utilities with a comprehensive roadmap for developing an in-house stormwater system inspection program. Abstract Body: In 2022, the City of Fort Worth launched its in-house stormwater CCTV inspection program with the purchase of a single CCTV inspection truck. Since then, the team has inspected approximately 25 miles of stormwater pipes and is on track to complete 15 miles of NASSCO PACP inspections annually using just one truck. The ultimate objective is to build a comprehensive database to effectively identify, prioritize, and manage over 1,000 miles of stormwater infrastructure assets. The journey begins with taking stock of your existing assets and systems. Key questions include: Does your city already have a CCTV inspection program? Are your operators NASSCO PACP certified? How is inspection data stored and analyzed? Do you use GIS, and how accurate is your data? Properly assessing your current situation is crucial in understanding how to move forward. In Fort Worth's case, while the city had a well-developed GIS system, challenges emerged during the transition to NASSCO PACP's access point-to-access point inspections, leading to adjustments in data collection processes and the development of a defect route layer. Choosing the right equipment for your program is another pivotal decision. While there are many options, the fundamentals remain the same: a remote-controlled camera, a monitor, and software for inspection coding. Fort Worth opted for a CUES truck and IT Pipes software, with a focus on large-diameter stormwater pipes. Selecting equipment with large-diameter wheels and adequate lighting was essential for these larger pipes, while a smaller rover was necessary for inspecting 18-inch or smaller pipes. Training plays a critical yet often overlooked role in the success of any inspection program. Fort Worth emphasizes NASSCO PACP certification for all operators, ensuring uniformity and high-quality data collection. Regular feedback from designated reviewers helps maintain data integrity and supports informed decision-making for capital improvements. Setting measurable and realistic goals has been key to the success of Fort Worth's program. The city initially set an annual target of 10 miles of inspections, which was broken down into daily goals that were both manageable and achievable by the operational and supervisory staff. Additionally, freeing CCTV staff from unrelated tasks, such as inlet cleaning and reactive inspections, significantly increased efficiency. Lastly, establishing clear cleaning standards was another important lesson learned. Determining when in-house cleaning is sufficient and when specialized contractors are needed for more intensive cleaning helps optimize resources and inspection productivity. By reassessing current practices, investing in training, clearly defining roles, and setting achievable goals, Fort Worth has built a more effective stormwater asset management system, positioning itself for continued success in managing its stormwater infrastructure.