Utility Clearing Services
Most environmental investigations occur either at active or inactive commercial and industrial sites where numerous underground utilities may be present. When completing intrusive site work, including soil sampling, monitoring well installation, soil excavation, or trenching activities, there is always a risk that subsurface utilities could be damaged. When utilities are damaged, there could possibly be loss of services to the site or surrounding buildings, critical infrastructure damage, equipment damage, or personal injury, including loss of life to the equipment operator and by-standers.
MEA utilizes a Tellus TUT-5500 and a Vermeer HR 573 SDT air/vacuum excavator to complete borehole clearing at locations targeted for site investigations. Utilizing this equipment allows for a “safe dig or soft dig” approach to verify the absence of sensitive utilities in the upper portion of the proposed borehole.
Advantages of Air/Vacuum Utility Clearing
Using only compressed air and vacuum to safely expose utilities
Excavated material can be put back in the cleared borehole
Equipment can be operated in cold climates
No containment is necessary during clearing operations
Equipment Specifications
Tellus TUT-5500
Air/Vacuum Truck
Vacuum: 1,200 cfm
Max Vacuum: 20” Hg
Hose Diameter: 4”
Compressor: 175 cfm @ 200 psi
Tools: Air lance knife and other pneumatic tools
Vermeer HR 573 SDT
Air/Vacuum Excavator
Vacuum: 1,000 cfm
Max Vacuum: 16” Hg
Hose Diameter: 4”
Compressor: Equipped for air-assisted operations
Additional Services
In addition to performing utility locating services, this equipment may also be utilized for:
Carbon changes on remediation systems
Removal of sediment buildup in stormwater catch-basin and culvert pipes
Vacuuming liquids and slurries from small excavations and drums
Short-term pilot testing
