SUE is a form of engineering that entails managing risks associated with utility mapping. The inability to obtain reliable underground utility information continues to be an ongoing problem. Ecotech’s vacuum excavation services play a supporting role in the overall SUE process. The most effective way to map utilities with 100% accuracy is Level A locating to see the underground utilities visually.
Our custom engineered wood pellets can be mixed within our truck or in a pit to absorb the water used in hydro excavation. The pellets are made from virgin wood, so there are no contaminants, and they can hold up to 70% moisture content. Material can be hauled offsite quickly or used for top cover because of the organic value of the wood.
Per The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Subsurface Utility Engineering or SUE for short is a form of engineering that entails managing risks associated with utility mapping. Starting with a work plan outlining the scope of work, schedules, risk, as well as the desired method SUE is used in utility relocation coordination and design, assessments, estimates, implementation and more.
“Vacuum excavation techniques are employed to expose and record the precise horizontal and vertical position of the assets. This information is then typically presented in CAD format or a GIS-compatible map. A conflict matrix is also created to evaluate and compare collected utility information with project plans, identify conflicts and propose solutions. The concept of SUE is gaining popularity worldwide as a framework to mitigate costs associated with project redesign and construction delays and to avoid risk and liability that can result from damaged underground utilities.”
Read our interview with Bill Steinhart of Rettew Associates on their partnership with Ecotech involving Subsurface Utility Engineering here.
Sources – https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/history.cfm
https://www.rettew.com/services/subsurface-utility-engineering/
____
Looking for the right Hydro Excavation partner for your next project? Look no further, we’re here to help.
We can assist 24/7 if something goes wrong! Dig smart, call Ecotech.
Serving Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Chelsea has joined Lori Mendez in our Business Development department, where she has already been busy getting to know our current clients, ensuring their projects are running smoothly, as well as cultivating new relationships through networking and events.
Chelsea’s extensive experience in customer service as well as HR and payroll pair perfectly with her new position at Ecotech.
At Ecotech, we utilize a custom engineered wood product that is mixed in the truck to absorb the water used for excavation. This process changes the slurry into a much dryer material allowing us to dump in a smaller containment area. Dryer materials can also be loaded into a dump truck or open container and hauled off-site for disposal.
Our policy is to reach for the highest level of safety while complying with government health and safety law and regulations. Every member of the Ecotech team receives extensive training through our comprehensive Employee Training Program. Training is primarily provided in-house with some outside OQ and Site-Specific Trainings. Read more
