When planning a new building, subdivision, or duplex, encountering utility conflicts such as sewer mains, water mains, or stormwater mains is not uncommon. Addressing these clashes effectively is crucial for the smooth progression of your development. This guide explores how to identify the need for utility deviations, the necessary applications, engineering planning, compliance requirements, and the critical role of engaging a hydraulic professional early in the process.
Why Utility Deviations Are Necessary:
It is not uncommon that a proposed development is built within close proximity to a utility main that will require relocation in order to allow the approval and construction of a development. Utility deviations typically involve relocating existing sewer mains, water mains, or stormwater mains to accommodate new construction. This can be in form of deviating a utility around your development, adjusting the height of a utility pipe or structure such as a maintenance hole or complete removal of the utility. Proper planning, regulatory adherence, and coordination with relevant authorities are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the infrastructure. It is crucial that utility diversions are identified as early as possible in a development project as the consequences of not doing so can be quite detrimental to the project feasibility, constructability and viability.
How to Identify Utility Relocation Needs:
1. Reviewing Existing or Obtain New Utility Information
Dial Before You Dig Plans: Obtain Dial Before You Dig plans to identify underground utilities near or on your development site .
Council Mapping: Review council mapping resources to understand the layout of existing utilities on your development site.
Utility Detection & Location: Utility location plans provide the exact location of existing utilities, helping you determine potential clashes with your proposed development. If none is available it would be recommended to engage utility location professionals that use advanced technology to locate and map underground utilities accurately.
Survey Reports: Conduct detailed surveys with qualified surveyors to obtain accurate data on utility locations and conditions.
Work-as-Constructed Drawings: Obtain work-as-constructed drawings from previous developments to get detailed records of existing utilities. Ensure to cross-verify these records with current survey data to ensure accuracy.
2. Review proposed development design
Using the information obtained from existing utility investigation, compare the proposed development design location and alignment to the location of the existing utilities. Identify and highlight all existing utilities that either clash or is in close proximity to the development. Review the local planning authority or water authority guidelines for compliance requirements of building near or over existing utilities. If your development meets the requirements of the authority guidelines then you may not require a utility diversion, however it is highly recommended that a qualified professional is consulted to confirm compliance. If you identify your development does not meet compliance requirements to building near utilities you may be required to relocate, adjust or deviate the existing utility.
3. Engaging Qualified Engineers
If you or your engaged qualified professional has identified the need to deviate an existing utility, you will then need to consult and engage a qualified professional civil engineer or hydraulic engineer to further review your development proposal, existing utility information. The engineer will then need to provide you with advice and feasible deviation options that can be used to determine the practicality of the deviation and cost implications. From this point the nominated method of deviation will then need to be developed into comprehensive engineering designs for utility deviation, including realignment of pipeline or structures, protective measures and any authority applications, approvals and permits.
Additional Considerations for Utility Deviations:
Establishing Easements and Access
New Easements: With any newly constructed utility it may be required to establish new easements for legal access and maintenance rights for relocated utilities. Ensure to check with your local planning authority of easement requirements.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure easements comply with all local regulations and standards such as Positive Covenants.
Access and permission to enter: In order to deviate an existing utility it may be required to access neighboring properties in order to deviate the pipe or structure. Ensure you obtain all the required permissions to neighboring properties and agreements to access their property to complete your required works. It should be noted some authorities and agencies can assist with the negotiation with neighboring properties for access.
Coordination with Utility Providers
Utility Providers: Coordinate with utility providers to obtain necessary approvals and ensure proposed deviations meet their requirements. It should be noted that every local planning authority and water agency will have different approval and applications process so it is essential to talk to your local authorities to ascertain the exact requirements you need to comply with and what permits and certifications you may require.
Approval Process: Ensure that you take into consideration time and costs involved in the submission of detailed engineering designs, feasibility studies, and compliance documentation to utility providers.
Engineering Planning and Design
Constructability: Ensure the proposed designs are coordinated with your builder and contractors so it is feasible to deviate the existing utilities in line with your development construction.
Quality Assurance: Implement quality assurance measures to verify compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
The Importance of Engaging a Hydraulic Professional
Expertise and Experience
Hydraulic professionals bring specialized knowledge and experience in managing utility deviations. They understand local regulations, engineering standards, and best practices for utility relocation.
Regulatory Compliance
Hydraulic professionals ensure that all designs and plans meet local council and water authority requirements. They navigate the complex approval processes and ensure timely compliance.
Cost Efficiency
Early involvement of hydraulic professionals helps prevent costly mistakes and redesigns. Their expertise in feasibility assessments and design optimization can lead to cost savings during construction.
Mitigating Risks
Hydraulic professionals identify potential risks associated with utility deviations, such as impacts on existing infrastructure or environmental concerns. Their proactive approach minimizes project risks and ensures smooth execution.
Seamless Project Management
By overseeing the entire process from initial planning to final inspection, hydraulic professionals streamline project management. They coordinate with utility providers, contractors, and regulatory bodies to maintain project timelines and quality standards.
Identifying the need for utility deviations in development projects requires careful planning, regulatory adherence, and hydraulic expertise. Engaging a hydraulic consultant early ensures compliance, avoids costly mistakes, and facilitates successful project outcomes.
For expert assistance with identifying and managing utility deviations in your development project, contact United Hydraulic Consultants today. Our team provides comprehensive support and guidance throughout the planning and execution of utility deviations. Reach out to us at 0432 539 469 or admin@unitedhydraulic.com.au for a consultation or free quote.
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