NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards in Alberta: What You Need to Know
For Alberta municipalities and utility managers, understanding NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards isn’t just a bureaucratic checkbox—it’s foundational to reliable asset management, budget forecasting, and sustainable sewer infrastructure performance.
But what exactly is NASSCO? In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at what these standards are, the differences between them, and how a certified partner like Sanatec brings industry-leading capability and credibility to sewer CCTV inspection and coding.
What Are NASSCO Serwer Inspections Standards—& Why Do They Matter?
The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) is a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to advancing the science of underground infrastructure assessment, maintenance, and rehabilitation. It has developed a suite of standardized inspection and coding systems to bring consistency, accuracy, and comparability to sewer inspection data across North America.
For municipalities, these standards eliminate ambiguity in reporting, empower data-driven decision-making, and serve as the framework many jurisdictions use for condition assessment and capital planning.
At their core, NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards use:
- Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) to capture high-resolution interior views of sewers, laterals, and access structures
- Standardized defect codes and grading schemes to classify the condition of assets in a way that engineers and maintenance teams can universally understand and act on
3 Core Certifications & What They Mean: PACP, LACP, MACP
Each NASSCO certification focuses on a distinct element of the sewer network. Sanatec’s certified professionals are trained and tested to meet or exceed these rigorous standards—ensuring inspection quality Alberta municipalities can count on.
1. PACP – Pipeline Assessment Certification Program
PACP is the flagship NASSCO standard for gravity sewer mains—the primary pipes carrying wastewater through a network. It defines how defects are coded across structural, operation & maintenance, and miscellaneous categories.
Where it’s used:
Municipal sewer mains of all sizes and materials.
Why it’s critical:
PACP provides standardized condition codes and severity ratings (typically on a 1–5 scale) that allow municipalities to measure deterioration consistently over time, compare networks, and prioritize rehabilitation. This continuity is key for asset management, budgeting, and long-term planning.
Typical outputs:
- Coded defect logs
- Severity ratings
- GIS-ready inspection data
- Condition trend analysis
2. LACP – Lateral Assessment Certification Program
LACP extends PACP principles to lateral connections—the smaller pipes that connect individual properties to mainlines. These laterals are often significant contributors to inflow/infiltration problems and service disruptions.
Where it’s used:
Service laterals running from homes, businesses, or other buildings to the main sewer line.
Why it’s critical:
Although smaller in diameter, laterals can be expensive trouble spots. Standardized coding through LACP means you can reliably identify issues like root intrusion, offsets, or broken joints—all in a way that aligns with mainline condition reports.
Typical outputs:
- Lateral condition codes
- Access point observations
- Standardized grading tied into broader network data
3. MACP – Manhole Assessment Certification Program
MACP is all about access points—manholes, structures, and junctions. While often overlooked, these components are integral to sewer performance and safety.
Where it’s used:
Municipal manholes, junction chambers, and other vertical access structures.
Why it’s critical:
Manholes connect segments of the system and are common points for infiltration, corrosion, or structural wear. MACP’s detailed protocols guide inspectors to document defects at multiple levels—from covers and frames to benches and channels—with options for Level 1 (rapid) or Level 2 (detailed) inspection depth.
Typical outputs:
- Detailed structural and O&M observations
- Integrated manhole condition datasets
- Linked PACP/MACP work packages
Standardized Coding: The Backbone of Better Decision-Making
One of the biggest advantages of the NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards is the structured coding process itself. Beyond a simple pass/fail or visual note, NASSCO codes turn raw CCTV footage into actionable data. Typical workflow includes:
- High-Quality CCTV Capture — collecting views of the full circumference at controlled camera speeds
- Defect Coding — translating visual signs into standardized codes and severity grades
- QA / Validation — confirming all data meets NASSCO protocols
- Final Reporting — delivering reports that integrate seamlessly with asset management systems like GIS
Why NASSCO Certification Matters for Alberta Municipalities
For municipalities in Alberta, adopting NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards means your infrastructure data is:
- Consistent — every inspector uses the same lens and language
- Comparable — today’s data aligns with yesterday’s and tomorrow’s
- Actionable — coded defects translate directly into risk-based decision frameworks
Whether you’re planning proactive rehabilitation, budgeting for replacements, or responding to service issues, NASSCO standards provide the foundation for sound decisions that protect public health, extend service life, and optimize spending.
Sanatec Environmental: Your Certified Authority in Sewer Inspection Standards
At Sanatec, we don’t just offer sewer inspection—we deliver it to the highest industry benchmark. Our team holds NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards certifications in PACP, LACP, and MACP, meaning your inspections aren’t just thorough—they’re standardized, defensible, and ready to feed into your municipal asset management ecosystem.
We combine local expertise with advanced CCTV technology, so municipalities across Alberta can rely on inspection data they trust—and act on. Whether it’s pipes, laterals, or manholes, Sanatec brings clarity to underground infrastructure with the accuracy municipal engineers require.
Contact Sanatec Environmental today to learn how our certified NASSCO Sewer Inspection Standards services can elevate your municipal infrastructure planning and maintenance strategies.
