An interview with Josh Flud (formally with City of Lubbock), Deerwood Construction, General Manager
Ketha Molina: Josh, I understand that last year you attended a state conference on damage prevention where a pretty bold question was raised: Is damage prevention a public safety matter or a public relations matter? What was your initial response?
Josh Flud: Honestly, I didn’t hesitate—I said, “Of course it’s a public safety matter.” Anyone who has experienced or responded to a damaged utility incident knows how dangerous it can be. While gas line strikes usually come to mind first, the risks go far beyond that.
Ketha: That’s a good point. What are some of the less obvious line strikes that pose safety concerns?
Josh: Let’s start with electric lines. Striking an electric line—especially when you’re using a wet steel drill stem—can lead to severe injury or death. It’s not just about the immediate danger to human life; you’re also talking about damage to transformers, service interruptions, and significant costs to restore power. There’s a cascading effect—businesses lose perishable goods, repair crews are deployed, and residents are left without power.
Ketha: And what about telecommunications? That’s something many may overlook in terms of safety.
Josh: Absolutely. While most of us have cell phones, older adults still depend on landlines, and many critical systems—including 911—run through fiber. Damaging a fiber line can knock out emergency communications for hours or even days. Businesses rely on fiber for everything from credit card transactions to supply chain systems. When you damage those lines, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a serious disruption.
Ketha: Now let’s talk about gas line strikes, which you mentioned earlier. What should people understand about the dangers there?
Josh: When a gas line is struck, the environment can become explosive—literally. New polyethylene lines are particularly prone to static charge. In confined situations, like with directional boring, gas can migrate through old clay wastewater pipes—pipes that were never designed to be airtight. That gas can travel right into buildings. That’s why we remove manhole lids on both sides of a strike and actively monitor nearby structures. Gas can travel several blocks, and that puts entire neighborhoods at risk. The fear and financial impact on residents and business owners during evacuations is immeasurable.
Ketha: It sounds like the local fire and police departments are also heavily involved in gas line responses.
Josh: They are, and they should be. Any hazardous release calls for a coordinated emergency response. That includes fire, police, and utility crews. It’s resource-intensive and expensive, diverting critical services from other emergencies.
Ketha: What about water and wastewater systems—how do they fit into this?
Josh: Damaged water lines can mean loss of water access for homes and businesses, which is not only inconvenient but also a health hazard. And when treated water containing chlorine flows into lakes or rivers, it can harm ecosystems and lead to environmental fines from Texas Parks & Wildlife and the TCEQ. Wastewater damage also triggers state investigations, costly cleanup, and potential contamination.
Ketha: So, what’s your takeaway from all this? Where should the responsibility for damage prevention begin?
Josh: Damage prevention is definitely a public safety matter—and it’s also a financial one. That’s why cities and municipalities should lead the way. Too often, we wait for the state to take action, but local governments are directly accountable to taxpayers. They have regulatory authority and can enforce best practices in Right-of-Way construction.
Ketha: Can you share an example of how that local leadership looks in practice?
Josh: Sure. In March 2022, the City of Lubbock passed an Infrastructure Ordinance focusing on reducing utility damage. We didn’t try to micromanage contractors’ methods—we wrote the ordinance around enforcing results and adherence to industry best practices. That includes white-lining excavation areas, potholing with hydro-vac, attaching locate tickets to permits, and enforcing the designated “safe zone.”
Ketha: That’s a thoughtful approach. But how did you address the challenge of enforcing these standards in the field?
Josh: Staffing was our biggest hurdle. We couldn’t add new positions, so we reorganized. A few years earlier, our utility locators had already been moved under Engineering Inspection Services. We reclassified those staff and one junior inspector into a Right-of-Way Inspector/Locator team. That way, the person who performs the locate also stays with the contractor and enforces the ordinance throughout the project. It’s been very effective.
Ketha: That’s smart—integrating roles to stretch resources. And who oversees this new team?
Josh: The Right-of-Way Construction Coordinator. That position already managed construction permits, so it also made perfect sense to have them supervise the inspection team. Finalizing the Right-of-Way Ordinance was the last piece. Now, we’ve got a system that supports safety, accountability, and consistent oversight.
Ketha: Josh, it’s clear you’re passionate about this work, and it shows in how thoroughly Lubbock has approached damage prevention. Do you have any final thoughts?
Josh: Damage prevention isn’t just about checking a box or following regulations—it’s about protecting people, protecting infrastructure, and being good stewards of public resources. When cities step up,