Page 14 - BCCGA Best Practices Version 3.0

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PLANNING & DESIGNING
Planning and design are the first step in ground disturbance. Safe practices in
planning and design can ensure safer practice throughout the project. Tools
used in this stage include utility corridors, SUE, etc.
1-1 PLANNING UTILITY CORRIDORS
PRACTICE STATEMENT: Planners and designers should evaluate all applicable
factors when determining the placement of underground utilities. Ideally
speaking, existing utility corridors should be used to the fullest extent. In the
case of entirely new installations, the planning and designing phase should take
into consideration the creation of a common utility corridor for the current as
well as the future placement of all utilities.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Pre-planning for utility placement within current or
proposed utility corridors is vital to the overall safe operation of that corridor.
Planners and designers should research, examine, and evaluate the size and
location of the area to be utilized, and determine the type and running line
location of the utilities that must utilize the corridor.
In the case of existing corridors, planners and designers should assess the
information developed in the context of the proposed installation to determine
the safest, most efficient, and most effective configuration. With regards to
entirely new installations in proposed corridors, it will be necessary to assess
the information developed in the context of a common corridor configuration
that accommodates all of the utilities involved. Planners and designers should
also consider issues such as safety, setbacks, future operations and
maintenance, preservation of boundaries, clearances, and future expansion.
Other options to consider for maximizing the effectiveness of the available area
are to use specific planning practices, such as joint trenching and the
development of Utilidors. Similarly, adopting standardized line locations could
promote the safest, most efficient, and most effective installations.
Best Practices Version 3.0