One of the ways that the UCA works in conjunction with the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is through the UCA working groups (WGs). The UCA working groups were formed in 2020 with the intention of strengthening the UCA’s member-nation representation to the ITA. UCA working groups aim to promote understanding of the techniques of underground works (planning, design, construction, operation, use and maintenance) through the exchange of specific knowledge and information, and to influence decision-makers by providing information on the benefits of underground works and on the needs for further research. “In short, working groups are a vital progression engine for the industry and a cutting-edge technical forum,” said UCA Past Chair Michael Rispin. As past chair, one of Rispin’s responsibilities to the UCA Executive Committee is to steward the relationship of the UCA working groups with the ITA. Rispin, UCA Vice Chair responsible for Working Groups recently spoke with T&UC about the role of the WGs and the opportunities they provide to UCA members. T&UC: What is the role of the UCA working groups? Rispin: The objectives of the UCA WGs are exactly the same as the ITA WGs, with both an international and domestic flavor. UCA WGs may choose, at the discretion of each of their leaders and team members, to work on the same topics as the international group, or to explore other items that address a distinct domestic issue or topic, or feasibly both.Furthermore, as each ITA WG permits only one voting member from each member nation (although as many from one country may participate in the ITA WGs as they wish), our UCA WG leaders are also our U.S. voting members at the international level. When these leaders/voting members present themselves at the international level, by virtue of having a team behind them, it strengthens their voice such that they are not solely individuals, but represent the work and views of a collective U.S. team. T&UC: What is the value of the working groups to UCA members? Rispin: The value can be great. I say “can” because, like most volunteer organizations, the output is directly reflective of the work and effort that goes in. The WGs tick a number of boxes in the UCA’s strategic goals of industry education, stakeholder awareness and association/industry growth. Individuals participating in WGs can learn from their peers, engage in scientific exchange and further the practices of the industry; help outside stakeholders understand the benefits of the work that we do; and develop their networks at the domestic and international levels. Collectively, our association’s members benefit from the WGs as all of them can access the products (such as guideline documents, position papers, technical sessions, T&UC articles, webinars) and benefit from the knowledge developments of each WG. T&UC: What is the UCA doing to align with ITA WGs? Rispin: We are currently congruently aligned with the ITA WGs, with the exception that our WG on immersed tube tunnels is currently dormant, given that there is very little of that work currently going on in the United States. Our UCA WG leaders are empowered as the voting members on the ITA WGs, and can leverage the resources they have domestically to support their positions internationally. Our intent is to remain aligned in structure with the ITA but the future remains to be seen. At this time, the ITA is exploring WG realignment/reorganization, and we have recently provided very detailed and candid feedback collectively, as a member-nation organization, on that process. We will continue to monitor developments and give feedback where opportunity presents itself. T&UC: How can a UCA member get involved with a UCA WG? Rispin: There are a variety of ways. As UCA Past Chair, one of my responsibilities is to steward and support the UCA WGs, so you can approach me directly with your interest. You can also reach out to any of the WG leaders directly, depending upon your area of interest. We are currently looking for three new leaders for (1) WG: Health and Safety, (2) WG: Underground and Environment and (3) WG: Design and Construction of Shafts. You may also go to the volunteer page of the UCA website and submit your interest. You will then get promptly directed to the right place. Your participation will be welcome, and you will develop positive experiences as a result.
