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Stakeholder engagement to strengthen underground infrastructure resilience

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos E. Restrepo

    (Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University)

  • Rae Zimmerman

    (Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University)

  • Debra F. Laefer

    (Tandon School of Engineering, New York University)

  • Alan Leidner

    (NYC Geospatial Information Systems and Mapping Organization (GISMO))

  • Wendy Dorf

    (NYC Geospatial Information Systems and Mapping Organization (GISMO))

  • Peter Gmelch

    (Tandon School of Engineering, New York University)

  • Kim Hertz

    (Tandon School of Engineering, New York University)

Abstract

Unlike aboveground utility systems, for which very detailed and accurate information exists, there is generally a dearth of good-quality data about underground utility infrastructures that provide vital services. To identify key strategies to improve the resilience of these underground systems, this paper presents mechanisms for successful engagement and collaboration among stakeholders and shared cross-sector system vulnerability concerns (including data availability) based on the innovative use of focus groups. Outputs from two virtual focus groups were used to obtain information from New York City area utilities and other stakeholders affected by underground infrastructure. There was strong agreement among participants that (1) a trusted agency in New York City government should manage a detailed map of underground infrastructure that would allow stakeholders to securely access appropriate information about underground systems on a need-to-know basis; (2) environmental risk factors, such as infrastructure age and condition, as well as location should be included; and (3) improved mechanisms for collaboration and sharing information are needed, especially during non-emergency situations. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for a regularly updated central database of relevant contacts at key organizations, since institutions often have a high employee turnover rate, which creates knowledge loss. The focus group script developed as part of this research was designed to be transferable to other cities to assess data needs and potential obstacles to stakeholder collaboration in the areas of underground infrastructure mapping and modeling.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos E. Restrepo & Rae Zimmerman & Debra F. Laefer & Alan Leidner & Wendy Dorf & Peter Gmelch & Kim Hertz, 2025. "Stakeholder engagement to strengthen underground infrastructure resilience," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:45:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10669-025-10003-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-025-10003-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf & Burton St. John & Pragati Rawat & Michelle Covi & Janet Gail Nicula & Carol Considine, 2019. "The Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow (ASERT) framework: an effective, field-tested approach for engaging stakeholders," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 9(4), pages 409-418, December.
    2. Restrepo, Carlos E. & Simonoff, Jeffrey S. & Zimmerman, Rae, 2009. "Causes, cost consequences, and risk implications of accidents in US hazardous liquid pipeline infrastructure," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 2(1), pages 38-50.
    3. Gianluca Pescaroli & David Alexander, 2016. "Critical infrastructure, panarchies and the vulnerability paths of cascading disasters," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 82(1), pages 175-192, May.
    4. Roege, Paul E. & Collier, Zachary A. & Mancillas, James & McDonagh, John A. & Linkov, Igor, 2014. "Metrics for energy resilience," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 249-256.
    5. R. Cantelmi & G. Di Gravio & R. Patriarca, 2021. "Reviewing qualitative research approaches in the context of critical infrastructure resilience," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 41(3), pages 341-376, September.
    6. Rae Zimmerman & Carlos E. Restrepo, 2006. "The next step: quantifying infrastructure interdependencies to improve security," International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(2/3), pages 215-230.
    7. Jeffrey S. Simonoff & Carlos E. Restrepo & Rae Zimmerman, 2007. "Risk‐Management and Risk‐Analysis‐Based Decision Tools for Attacks on Electric Power," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(3), pages 547-570, June.
    8. William H. Desvousges & V. Kerry Smith, 1988. "Focus Groups and Risk Communication: The “Science” of Listening to Data," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 8(4), pages 479-484, December.
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