Providing in-depth and reliable utility information, SurvWest’s expertise in subsurface utility engineering (SUE) helps reduce many of the risks associated with complex infrastructure projects. Supporting our client’s needs during the project planning and design phases, our SUE services team helps to identify and reduce vulnerabilities associated with underground utilities by using the ASCE 38 Engineering Standards and following Colorado Senate Bill SB 18-167. Our state-of-the-art technology [DG1] and associating utility information with specified Quality Levels (QL), our combined experience and commitment to the SUE industry improves project safety, streamlines construction, and helps mitigate many of the delays and cost over-runs associated with engineering design, right-of-way impacts and utility coordination.
Based upon Colorado Senate Bill SB 18-167 SUE Compliance and ASCE 38 Engineering Standard Utility Investigations, our SUE services include:
QL-D is research-based on existing utility records and verbal recollections. It is the most basic level of information for utility locations.
QL-C is surveying visible utility facilities (e.g., manholes, valve boxes, etc.) and correlating this information with existing QL-D utility records.
QL-B, under the direction of a licensed professional engineer, QL-B uses geophysical techniques and methodologies to determine the existence and horizontal position of underground utilities within the project limits. Called designating, QL-B uses QL-D and QL-C information during the investigation.
QL-A, also known as locating, is the highest level of accuracy available. QL-A is a non-destructive, minimally invasive excavation process that uses QL-D, QL-C, and QL-B information to determine the exact horizontal and vertical position of underground utilities. It determines the type, size, condition, material, and other characteristics associated with the buried utility.
For more information about SUE services and how we can assist you, contact us today.
Benefits of SUE
01
Makes for safer projects
02
Aids engineering design practices involving underground infrastructure
03
Exposes potentially hazardous utilities
04
May find previously unknown utilities
05
Reduces utility-related delays
06
Prevents unnecessary utility relocations
07
Helps eliminate utility outages / service interruptions
08
Reduces costly schedule delays / shut downs
09
Avoids negative media exposure associated with damaged utilities
SUE Team Members
Travis Looney
SUE Division Manager
Scott Throm
Project Manager
James Mason Hayes
SUE Project Manager II
Morris Layton
SUE Project Manager II
