Page 6 - Texas811 Magazine 2021 Issue 1

Resolving the Unknown
Fby Glenn Fox, Horrocks Engineers or Subsurface Utility
Engineering (SUE) providers, identifying utility & pipeline owners on large-scale projects
can be challenging. Although SUE providers can work with Texas811 to gather owner information, there is not
a specific tool designed for this task. While the current survey/design ticket locate request can often assist engineers with getting underground facility locations, it does not directly address the needs of SUE firms.
recognizes the gap in the survey/design ticket system. Even now, Texas811
is working to develop a specialized “design” ticket that will meet the needs of SUE providers, but until that ticket is released, it is imperative that SUE providers, Texas811 and regulatory agencies work together to supplement the current process. Per Tina Sanders, Texas811, “Working closely with SUE firms like Horrocks is one of many ways Texas811 can help cultivate communication, damage prevention and public safety.”
The SUE project detailed in this article illustrates how Horrocks Engineers established relationships with Texas811 and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), successfully working together
to identify facility operators within the scope of the project as well as how our staff overcame challenges of working in a harsh geographical environment.
Coordinating Utility Identification
Beginning in September 2020, Horrocks started performing Quality Level B, C, and D services for a 17-mile corridor project in the southwest part of the state. In addition to remote locations and unfriendly terrain, the projects’ complexity included collaboration
with more than 15 utility and pipeline operators and multiple oil/gas well owners. Working with numerous public and private entities, many private landowners and a variety of utility owners increases the complexity of any project, making communication and teamwork paramount for successful project delivery. This project required collaboration between Horrocks’ internal departments, several
other firms on the team providing professional services, Texas811 and
the Railroad Commission of Texas to accurately determine facility ownership.
Nontypical utility structures
Recent presentations by Texas811 damage prevention managers to industry associations, including at
the quarterly meeting of the Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI), have demonstrated that Texas811
Electrical equipment platform at water intake structure
With so many utility and pipeline owners, the help of these agencies was key in acquiring records in a timely manner.
With member pre-approval, Texas811 provided our firm with contact information for franchise utility owners, and the RRC directed us to information about well owners, which is not easily found. This allowed staff to start requesting utility record research and determining oil/gas well ownership, some of the most important tasks of the project.
Overcoming a Harsh Environment, Undocumented Utilities, and Poor Record Drawings
This project not only presented coordination and communication challenges, it also encompassed some rugged terrain. The project corridor had many areas that were heavily overgrown and included blind, steep drop-offs.
The crews encountered a variety of wildlife, including snakes, deer, hogs and mountain lions, as well as the hunters themselves. We used a variety of SUE equipment and technologies to overcome project challenges and
4 • Texas811
2021, Issue 1
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