Page 3 - AL811 2022 issue 4

from the desk of
Annette Bowman
As more utilities, which were historically overhead, are being placed underground the potential of conflict between facilities
is continuing to increase. In addition, “speedier” processes of installation such as directional boring, adds to the complexity.
Too often this leads to cross bores between the facilities. A cross bore happens when an existing underground utility or
underground structure is intersected by a second utility resulting in direct contact between the utilities. These cross bores often
compromise the integrity of the utility itself or the underground structure.
In Alabama alone, there have been nearly 155 thousand excavation requests that note that horizontal drilling will be conducted at the site. Nationally the CGA DIRT report indicates there were over 10K damages resulting from boring equipment.
Alabama 811 was once called to testify
in a court case where a water main and sewer line installation resulted in a
cross bore. Sewage contaminated the water system in a new subdivision which resulted in residents with health issues. There are potentially major issues
that can be the result of these types of incidents.
This edition of the Alabama 811
magazine focuses on cross bores, how they happen and the best ways to conduct work safely to prevent these from happening in future installations.
Annette Bowman Executive Director Alabama 811
2022, Issue 4
Alabama 811 • 1