Protect Your Project: Avoiding Underground Utilities during Horizontal Directional Drilling

October 17th, 2024

Prior to beginning any horizontal directional drilling project, a dig ticket should be submitted either online at www.georgia811.com or by dialing 811. This information will outline your desired project to any public utility companies that are located on the project site. Public utility owners will then come to the project site and mark underground utility lines present with spray paint and/or flags.

After public utility companies have marked their lines, a thorough site survey needs to be performed by an expert private utility locator, such as one from Underground Systems, in conjunction with the property owner or project manager. Together, they will walk the project site and discuss the desired bore path. During the survey, the locator and property owner/project manager should identify any existing public and private underground utilities along the desired bore path.

While public utility owners mark their own lines, via notification through the Georgia 811 Call Before You Dig service, property owners are responsible for identifying private utility lines that connect their property to the public utility network, or meter. Proper identification of these lines ensures safety, prevents disruptions, and avoids costly repairs.

Public Utilities: owned by municipalities, companies or organizations. Examples of public utilities include, but are not limited to:

·         Electrical lines

·         Telecommunications

·         Water lines

·         Sewer lines

·         Gas lines

Private Utilities: privately owned lines or service lines that run from the meter of a public utility to the facility i.e. home, business, etc. that are maintained by the property owner. Examples of common private utilities include, but are not limited to:

·         Auxiliary water lines

·         Water supply lines owned by builders, HOA’s, or communities

·         Drain lines

·         Storage tank lines

·         Auxiliary electrical lines

·         Auxiliary gas lines

·         Propane lines

·         Irrigation systems

·         Septic lines

·         Property lighting

·         Auxiliary power lines

·         Auxiliary communication lines/fiber optic cables

·         Electric fences

Don’t let unexpected utility encounters derail your project. Partnering with Underground Systems for expert locating services ensures a safer, smoother, and more compliant project. Give Underground Systems a call at 770-945-1137 to schedule your locating service. 

 



Please call Underground Systems at 770-945-1137 to receive a complete pricing estimate for your project.