Subsurface utility engineering helps locate potential hazards for construction projects
By Eric Widholm
O
ur world is just as busy underground as above
ground these days. However, most people fail to
appreciate the concealed grid of water and sewer
pipes, cables, power lines, and hairline fiber optics until
service stops. Then panic usually sets in until the problem
is resolved.
Developers and contractors should never underestimate
what’s underground. Striking utilities during construction
usually means:
• Interruption of service or data loss
• Work delays or stoppage
• Lost revenue
8│ TRENDS
• Potential for injuries and lawsuits
• Bad publicity
It’s a blunder no company wants on their record.
As a precaution, more federal and state agencies are
pushing builders to hire subsurface utility engineering
(SUE) firms before construction. SUE blends utility
designating and locating, surveying and mapping, and
data management to catalog all utilities on a project
site. The data provides a meticulous underground look
for developers and contractors to plan their work wisely.
Ayres Associates, through its acquisition of The Ash Group
in Tampa, Florida, has been providing SUE for more than
20 years.