Person in high-visibility clothing beside a utility trench, with solar panels and wind turbines in the background.

Explosive ordnance surveys for water and wastewater pipelines

For water and wastewater pipelines, we consider utility trenches, chambers, pumping stations and crossings separately by area and depth. FONTANA-EOD plans suitable surveys according to structure geometry, depth, existing utilities and dewatering. Send network and structure plans, cross-sections, depths and construction phases so that services and documentation can be defined before each ground intervention.

Divide the route into sections

Identify utilities, chambers and installations.

Record depths

Assess the trench, excavation and bore path.

Hand over results

Document investigated and unresolved areas.

Assess the pipeline project in its overall context

Have your water or sewer project assessed Select suitable investigation services

Before pipe trenches, chambers and pumping stations

Clarify survey requirements before utility trenching and chamber construction

Before water and sewer construction, existing hazard indications and planned ground interventions are used to clarify which explosive ordnance surveys are required. Utility trenches, property connections, chambers, pumping stations, stormwater basins and crossings are considered. Location, depth, excavation dimensions, shoring, dewatering and the actual civil engineering working volume are decisive.

Submit utility and structure documents Have deep chambers and borehole locations assessed

Project references

Selected project examples

New drinking water pipeline Stolzenfels–Königsbach; Rhine cycle route expansion ( Koblenz ) Rhineland-Palatinate

The scope of work for “New drinking water pipeline Stolzenfels–Königsbach; Rhine cycle route expansion ( Koblenz ) Rhineland-Palatinate” included explosive ordnance surveys (before/during pipeline construction) – reported completed.

Service period: –

Service areas:Surface surveys: GPR, TDEM and magnetometry

View project details · Project location: Koblenz

Divide the network project by construction geometry

Plan utility trenches, chambers and installations separately

Water and wastewater projects range from shallow property connections to deep sewer excavations. Chambers, pumping stations, stormwater installations and crossings change the area, depth and technical survey feasibility.

The explosive ordnance assessment follows the construction-ready utility and structure plans. Earlier existing routes or general road assessments are not indiscriminately extended to new, deeper or laterally displaced ground interventions.

Construction sections and network handovers are maintained in a shared location and status structure so that civil engineering, operations and later extensions use the same status of work.

The explosive ordnance assessment therefore follows more than the utility alignment alone. The standard trench, chamber, pumping station, launch and reception excavations, basin, slope and temporary work area are recorded separately according to their actual geometry and construction phase.

Survey trolley on an undeveloped construction site, with soil piles and a row of trees in the background.

Drinking water pipeline and pipe trench

The volume of ground affected includes the utility route, trench, slopes or shoring, bedding, lateral assembly areas and connection points.

Nominal diameter, cover and construction method affect depth and working width.

The assessment geometry relates to the actual pipe trench and current design revision.

Assess the water pipeline trench

Person beside a survey instrument on a construction site; a wheeled excavator with drilling equipment stands behind them.

Sewer and deep utility trench

Gravity sewers may require deep trenches, wide shoring systems and extensive dewatering.

Excavation base depth, chamber spacing, gradient and working space change along the section.

Deep zones and zones subject to technical limitations are incorporated separately into the methodology.

Assess deep sewer sections

Chambers, pumping stations and stormwater basins

Chamber structures, wet wells, retention and overflow structures have larger footprints and complex foundations.

Piles, shoring, excavation bases, utility connections and ancillary areas are recorded separately.

The documentation follows the specific structural geometry, not just the sewer alignment.

Assess the chamber or installation structure

Property connections and network infill

Short connection trenches often run between existing utilities, foundations, basements and traffic areas.

An earlier survey of the main route does not automatically cover connections that deviate laterally.

Location, depth and accessibility are assessed for each connection or infill corridor.

Assess property connections and network infill

Thrust boring, HDD and watercourse crossings

Trenchless construction methods involve deep bore paths, launch and reception pits, intermediate structures and possible positional corridors.

Watercourses, roads and railway lines entail additional operator and construction phase requirements.

The entire volume of ground affected is described in three dimensions. Suitable methods are selected for its survey.

Assess the crossing and drilling corridor

Two people discussing plans at a table beside a vehicle on a construction site.

Rehabilitation, replacement construction and emergency work

Renewal of existing utilities, sewer replacement, diversion and urgent repairs involve ground altered by repeated construction.

Time pressure does not change the technical need to clarify suspected hazards, the volume of ground affected and responsibilities.

Existing reports are checked against the new depth, location and construction method before reuse.

Check existing documentation for the new ground intervention

Network planning, procurement and civil engineering

Prepare surveys for network planning, procurement and civil engineering

Water and wastewater projects develop from network concepts and route corridors to specific pipe trenches, chambers and structures. The explosive ordnance assessment is updated as the design becomes more detailed.

Municipal clients, network operations, designers and site management need clear section, depth and documentation boundaries so that construction and operational decisions are not conflated.

Dewatering, shoring, existing utilities and changing excavation base depths can alter accessibility during construction. Areas inaccessible in advance are marked on the plan. Suitable supplementary methods and later survey access are assessed for them.

Network and route option planning

Historical baseline data are related to possible routes, structure locations and sensitive crossings.

The early assessment supports option selection, prioritisation and procurement of further documents.

The early assessment clarifies further survey requirements. Any necessary technical survey relates to the utility alignment selected later.

Assess utility route options using historical evidence

Detailed design and coordination

The utility alignment, trench cross-section, chambers, pumping stations, property connections and crossings are described as specific assessment areas.

Existing asset plans and setting out must use the same location references.

Design changes are checked against the existing work status.

Coordinate the construction route with specialists

Ground and groundwater investigation

Boreholes, probing and groundwater monitoring points involve ground intervention before the main construction work.

Coordinates, target depth, equipment access and utility clearance are linked to explosive ordnance assessment requirements.

Changes to point lists are documented with the design revision and date.

Assess investigation points in advance

Procurement and excavation design

Areas, depths, shoring, dewatering, methods, hold points and required documents are clearly specified in the tender.

Generic items without structure or section references make costing and acceptance more difficult.

Supplementary services receive clear trigger criteria.

Define service specifications and investigation records

Excavation around existing utilities

Existing utilities, chambers, made ground and structures can limit surveys in advance.

For remaining areas, the technical suitability of explosive ordnance detection during construction is assessed. Each working layer is technically surveyed and assessed before controlled removal in layers with supplementary visual inspection follows. These steps are repeated until the agreed excavation base is reached.

The status applies only to the volume of ground actually supervised.

Prepare investigation work during construction

Anomaly or find situation

Survey anomalies and exposed objects are documented with location, depth and construction conditions.

If an unexpected suspicious object is found, work stops immediately and the competent authorities are notified without delay.

Resumption of work follows the instructions of the competent authorities.

Document anomalies and responsibilities

Suspected hazards, depth and structural geometry

Record surveyed and outstanding areas for each construction section

The historical situation, technical survey feasibility and actual civil engineering cross-section are assessed separately. Suitable surveys are then selected for each section.

A shallow water pipeline section may require different methods from a deep sewer, pumping station or trenchless crossing.

An assessment of a shallow drinking water trench cannot be extended to a deep chamber or guided pipe jacking works. Project documents and survey documentation must clearly distinguish these volumes of ground.

Section with historical indications

Aerial photographs, maps, archives and existing project documents are related to the utility alignment and structure areas.

Suspected hazard areas and data gaps are shown by section.

The result defines priorities for technical investigation.

Clarify suspected hazards along the pipeline

Accessible utility trench

An area-wide geophysical investigation may be useful on sufficiently clear areas.

Methods and survey grids depend on the target object, depth, ground conditions and surface.

Interference zones remain visible on the site plan. Suitable supplementary methods and survey access are assessed for them.

Select area-based methods for the trench

Existing sewer and utility corridor

Sewers, pipes, cables, chambers, reinforcement and vehicles can obscure survey data.

Known installations identified in existing asset plans and site investigations are incorporated into the assessment.

Areas where data cannot be evaluated adequately are shown on the plan. Suitable supplementary methods and survey access are assessed for them.

Assess existing installations and interference areas

Deep chamber or pumping station geometry

Excavations, piles, shoring alignments and deep excavation bases may extend beyond the near-surface area covered by surveys.

Point, linear and volume geometries are described with target depth and construction method.

The documentation remains limited to this geometry.

Investigate deep structural areas

Excavation that cannot be fully assessed in advance

Shoring, existing utilities, made ground or lack of access can limit surveys in advance.

For the remaining volume of ground, the technical suitability of explosive ordnance surveying during construction is assessed. Each layer is technically surveyed and evaluated before controlled removal with supplementary visual inspection. These steps are repeated down to the agreed excavation base.

Depths not supervised remain outside the assessment.

Coordinate excavation sequence and inspection steps

Documented utility section

The plan, survey data, point status, findings, limitations and outstanding measures are brought together for each section and structure.

Partial handovers describe the area, depth and design revision.

Later extensions can be linked specifically to this status.

Define section status and handover

Project records from the route to installation construction

Documents demonstrating the status of work on water and wastewater projects

The documentation links the network plan, construction section, utility and structure geometry, fieldwork and next project decision.

It must remain understandable for both the ongoing construction site and later network operations, rehabilitation and extensions.

For network operators and site management, utility chainage, chamber identifiers, target and actual depths, construction sections and work status are maintained in a shared structure. This keeps emergency redesign and additional connections traceable.

In combined, stormwater and foul sewer systems, immediately neighbouring sewer lengths may have different invert depths, cross-sections and construction methods. Work status is therefore recorded not just by street or construction section but also by sewer length, chamber and special structure. A design change can thus be checked to identify the volume at depth already covered and the volume requiring reassessment.

For later maintenance and network operations, it is also documented whether an area received only historical assessment, was technically surveyed, was supervised during excavation or was fully addressed as a structure. These status categories are recorded separately so that a later repair or new connection does not inadvertently rely on a broader assessment than the original service actually provides.

Utility and structure plan

The drinking water pipeline, sewer, chambers, pumping station, stormwater installation, crossings and ancillary areas are recorded with clear geometry.

Design revisions and alignment changes remain traceable.

Operational status and assessment status are not confused.

Basis for historical assessment

Aerial photographs, maps, known finds, existing correspondence and historical records are documented with their source and scope.

Data gaps remain visible.

The historical assessment relates to the current ground intervention.

Survey, drilling and excavation records

Methods, grid, point coordinates, assessment depths, ground conditions, water, surface, existing utilities and interference sources are recorded by section.

Areas actually reached remain distinguishable from target values.

Departures are explained.

Register of anomalies and findings

Survey anomalies, technical sources of interference, exposures and actual finds receive stable identifiers.

Location, depth, assessment and follow-up measure remain linked.

Changes are updated.

Limitations and unresolved zones

Inaccessible areas, utility bundles, shoring, structures and depths not reached are mapped.

A next technical step is defined for each zone.

The final assessment is not extended beyond these boundaries.

Partial handover and final report

Reports, site plans, status lists, findings and outstanding measures are brought together for each construction section and the overall project.

The handover identifies the area and volume at depth actually addressed.

Later network works can specifically check this status.

Define the documentation structure for the project Send project records for assessment

Data that can be updated for network expansion and operations

Keep network plans and survey results at the same revision

The project records contain historical evidence, utility and structure plans, survey data, deep intervention points, findings and partial handovers.

Consistent identifiers and design revisions allow later rehabilitation or extensions to be checked against the original scope of work.

Network and section register

Utility alignments, chambers, pumping stations, stormwater installations, crossings and ancillary areas receive clear geometries.

This structure links planning, fieldwork and network operations.

Design and existing asset register

The design revisions, existing asset plans and survey data used, together with their currency, are documented.

Departures between the plan and site locations remain identifiable.

Survey and point register

Survey lines, grids, borehole locations, ground investigation points and verification areas receive stable identifiers.

Raw data, evaluations and project decisions remain attributable.

Findings and action list

Each anomaly and outstanding zone is assigned a work status, result and follow-up measure.

Site management and network operations can thereby identify outstanding prerequisites for each section.

Construction phase and handover notes

Areas are handed over with the design revision, depth, method and limitations.

Commissioning and technical conclusions remain separate in their functions.

Overall network project records

Section reports, maps, registers and conclusions are brought together in an updatable project file. Following actual exposure or clearance work, the corresponding findings and clearance records are included.

Later connections and rehabilitation can add specifically to the existing status.

Coordinate the network dossier and data handover Submit utility and documentation requirements

From network planning to documented handover

Schedule surveys and handover of results within the civil engineering sequence

The work follows the design revision, structural geometry and civil engineering phase. Required results are coordinated with procurement and ground intervention dates.

Linear utility sections, deep chambers and trenchless crossings are addressed separately and then linked in shared project records.

For long network sections, sewer lengths, chambers and special installations are arranged in a reliable construction sequence. Each handover status includes the utility alignment, chamber identifier, depth addressed, inaccessible zones and the technical follow-up measure required for the next construction stage.

Define project scope and priorities

The utility type, route, chambers, installations, crossings, construction sections and required decision are described.

Early planning areas and areas ready for construction receive different levels of assessment detail.

Organise documents and existing asset information

Site plans, historical evidence, existing utilities, ground investigation data and point lists are related to a consistent coordinate system.

Missing or conflicting baseline information is recorded for each section.

Assess suspected hazards spatially

Historical suspected hazard areas are overlaid with the utility trench, chambers and installation areas.

This identifies technical assessment areas and data gaps.

Plan methods and construction stages

Area-based surveys, deep intervention points, later access and work during construction are selected according to the construction method.

Shoring and dewatering are incorporated into the sequence. Necessary surveys and protective measures are planned before ground intervention during dismantling, exposure of utilities or creation of a working platform.

Carry out field services

Surveys, depth-specific assessments or supplementary investigations are carried out with section and structure identifiers.

Interference zones and departures are updated immediately within the project geometry.

Assess data and findings

Readings and field observations are assessed for plausibility against the basis for suspicion, existing utilities and planned depth.

Unresolved points receive a specific further measure.

Hand over the construction section

The report, plan, status register and limitations are provided for civil engineering, site management and network operations.

The next work step relates to the documented scope of work.

Update changes and extensions

New chambers, changed alignments, additional connections or deeper interventions are checked against the existing assessment.

Necessary supplementary work is documented as a new work step.

Trench, chamber and deep structure

State the depths of trenches, chambers and installations

The utility alignment alone does not fully describe the ground intervention relevant to explosive ordnance. The trench base, working width, shoring, chamber excavations, crossings and installation areas determine the assessment geometry.

Shallow areas, deep areas and areas accessible only during construction are recorded separately so that each method is used only within its actual scope.

Derive assessment areas from utility cross-sections and structures

Water pipelines and sewers differ in depth, gradient, nominal diameter, bedding and construction method. Slopes, shoring, dewatering and adjacent utilities change the accessible area and subsequent excavation geometry.

Chambers, pumping stations, stormwater basins and crossings are treated as separate structures. Piles, sheet piles, deep excavation bases and bore paths need separate point, linear or volume references.

For rehabilitation around existing infrastructure, we check whether existing reports cover the same volume of ground and depth. Earlier utility installation alone is insufficient evidence for new or deeper interventions.

For gravity sewers, invert depths along each sewer length are recorded in the longitudinal section; chambers and special structures extend the working volume laterally. The technical assessment must therefore represent the longitudinal section and site plan together. For pipe jacking, the launch and reception shafts and the deep drilling or jacking corridor are each considered separately.

Repairs and renewals during continued operation often require temporary utility routes, bypasses or additional work pits. These temporary areas are incorporated into explosive ordnance planning where earthworks, anchors, pump sumps or equipment positions involving ground intervention are planned.

Utility alignment and section

Chainage, construction section, utility type and design revision form the shared spatial reference.

Transitions between sections are documented continuously.

Water and sewer trench

Excavation depth, trench width, slopes or shoring, bedding and working spaces determine the area-based assessment geometry.

Gradients and depth changes are recorded in the longitudinal section.

Chamber and installation structure

Plan dimensions, excavation base depth, foundations, wet well, shoring and utility connections are described as a separate construction area.

Deep individual ground interventions receive separate coordinates.

Thrust boring and HDD

The launch and reception pits, bore path, duct, reaming and possible positional deviations form a three-dimensional working volume.

A near-surface survey is sufficient only where it actually covers the required volume at depth.

Existing utilities and interference

Old sewers, pipes, cables, chambers, reinforcement and vehicles can obscure survey data.

Known installations are documented spatially and considered when selecting methods.

Dewatering and construction conditions

Wells, filters, drains, pump sumps and shoring involve additional ground interventions and change accessibility.

Assessment planning follows the actual construction and dewatering phase.

Assess water and sewer geometry Coordinate section status and data handover

Select an investigation

Match methods to existing utilities and excavation depth

Two people with a tablet beside a marked construction area; plans lie in the foreground.

Record technical installations in the existing network

Water and wastewater routes often follow existing roads, altered made ground or municipal infrastructure corridors with dense utilities. Metal installations, sewers, chambers, foundations and previous excavations can limit individual survey methods.

Select surveys according to technical installations

Distinguish the utility trench from a deep structure

Deep sewer trenches and chamber structures differ considerably from near-surface water connections or open utility sections. Each geometry needs its own assessment even though it belongs to the same network project.

Determine suitable methods for trenches and structures

Methods by utility and structure area

Which specialist service addresses which volume of ground within the network project

The methods detect different physical properties and cover different volumes at depth. Their combination follows suspected hazards, existing utilities, structures and actual accessibility.

Historical aerial photograph analysis

Assesses possible suspected hazard areas along utility routes and installation areas.

It does not establish which objects are present in the ground today.

Magnetometry

Detects ferromagnetic anomalies in accessible areas and open route sections.

Sewers, utilities, reinforcement and vehicles can limit survey feasibility.

TDEM

Measures electromagnetic responses from conductive objects and can provide supplementary information in suitable areas.

Ground conditions, target object, moisture and technical infrastructure determine the scope of assessment.

Ground-penetrating radar / GPR

Can show layers, utility structures and distinct reflection zones beneath suitable surfaces.

A reflection does not automatically identify explosive ordnance; the depth of usable data and evaluation depend on site conditions.

Deep-ground and downhole surveys

Assesses chambers, pumping stations, shoring locations, piles, bore paths and deep ground investigation points.

The documentation applies to the recorded point or corridor geometry.

Excavation supervision

Where explosive ordnance detection during construction is technically suitable, each working layer is surveyed and evaluated using technical methods. Controlled removal in layers and supplementary visual inspection then follow; these steps are repeated down to the agreed excavation base.

Excavation layers, stopping points, authority to give instructions, communication procedures and documentation are defined in the work instruction before work begins. Merely watching the excavator at work is insufficient.

Responsibility by section and structure

Check network plans against survey results before civil engineering work

Water and wastewater projects combine linear trenches with deep structures and changing construction conditions. Designers, the specialist contractor and site management therefore coordinate survey areas, access and dates.

Each section receives a status clearly describing geometry, depth, method, construction phase and outstanding areas.

Hand over results for utility trenches and structures separately

FONTANA-EOD relates suspected hazards and surveys to the pipeline, sewer, chamber, pumping station or crossing. A general road or property assessment is not extended to different depths.

Methods are selected according to the survey objective and site conditions. Water, ground conditions, existing utilities, shoring and technical installations inform the suitability assessment.

Changes to alignment, depth, structure or construction phase are checked against the existing work status. Additional volumes of ground receive a documented supplementary assessment.

Anomalies, remaining areas and construction interruptions are communicated with stable identifiers and clear responsibilities.

The handover records which areas and depths have been surveyed and which tasks remain outstanding before the next civil engineering or installation construction step.

In water and wastewater construction, departures from existing asset plans often become fully apparent only after surfaces are opened or existing utilities exposed. If this changes the trench alignment, chamber position or shoring geometry, the new volume of ground is checked against existing documentation before work continues.

Have your water or sewer project assessed Coordinate network records and section documentation

State the area and depth

The trench, chamber, pumping station and crossing are described in full before method selection.

Critically review existing asset data

Utility and sewer plans are assessed for location, currency and relevance to the work.

Address deep intervention points separately

Piles, shoring, chambers and bore paths receive their own assessment geometries.

Update construction stages

Dismantling, shoring, dewatering and changed accessibility are incorporated into the project records.

Define reporting procedures

Hold points, reporting procedures and local responsibilities are defined before fieldwork.

Hand over results to operations and site management

The report and plans remain usable for site management, network operations and later extensions.

Prepare the next construction section

Provide a traceable handover of crossings and open construction sections

Consider launch pits, reception pits and the drilling corridor together

Trenchless methods, inverted siphons, thrust boring and HDD crossings involve launch and reception pits and deep corridors. A near-surface assessment along the alignment covers these volumes only where survey reach and geometry demonstrably match.

Plan depth-specific assessment for pits and the drilling corridor

Record volumes addressed and next steps for each section

Using this information, FONTANA-EOD describes the areas and depths to be surveyed and the documentation needed for each construction section. The final documentation shows the areas and depths addressed, areas remaining outstanding and the next technical step before ground intervention.

Identify the scope of the evidence

Responsibilities and information procedures

Who coordinates network planning, construction and communication about finds

Water and wastewater projects bring together network operators, local authorities, designers, site management, civil engineering contractors, specialist contractors and locally responsible authorities. Roles and information channels are defined for each construction section.

Project sponsors

Water and wastewater utilities and local authorities

Define the network works, construction sections, priorities, programme and documentation required.

They provide existing network and project data and commission the necessary specialist services.

Design

Utility, sewer and structural design

Translates the project into the alignment, trench, chambers, installations, crossings, ground investigation points and construction phases.

Design changes are communicated with the revision and spatial effects.

Project coordination

Construction sequence, traffic and network operations

Coordinates explosive ordnance assessment with access, dewatering, shoring, utility changeovers, concurrent trades and partial handovers.

Outstanding areas and hold points remain visible in the project status.

Construction execution

Sewer, pipeline and civil engineering contractors

Constructs trenches, chambers, pumping stations, crossings and ancillary areas according to the agreed design revision.

Departures from the utility alignment, excavation base depth, chamber location or construction method are compared with the existing status of work before work continues.

Specialist contractor

FONTANA-EOD

Assesses suspected hazards and method suitability, carries out the commissioned survey and documents the result, limitations and further measures.

The assessment remains limited to the agreed volume of ground and design revision.

Competent authorities

Explosive ordnance services and local authorities

In Germany, the ordnance disposal services of the federal states and the locally competent authorities carry out hazard-response and find-management duties. Their involvement is established for the project location; outside Germany, local responsibilities apply.

The local public order authority and, where applicable, building control are involved according to their project responsibilities. Conditions and contacts are assigned to the actual sewer lengths, chambers and installations; reporting procedures are defined before work begins.

Qualifications, occupational safety and excavation organisation

Technical foundations that work together in water and sewer construction

The activity, project location, excavation depth, operational status and possible finds determine the organisational framework. The specification, risk assessment and responsibilities relate to the sewer length, chamber or installation area.

Technical rules for trenches, shoring, dewatering and network operations supplement explosive ordnance planning; tasks remain distinguishable through clear area, depth and documentation boundaries.

Explosives law, risk assessment and coordinated civil engineering sections

In Germany, § 7 SprengG concerns the commercial authorisation for activities requiring authorisation; § 20 SprengG concerns the certificate of competence of responsible persons. Under § 1b SprengG, searching for found munitions also counts as handling them. The requirements applicable to the project depend on the activity actually commissioned and the allocation of responsibilities.

The risk assessment links deep trenches, shoring, dewatering, existing utilities, heavy equipment, working spaces, escape routes and communication with the explosive ordnance approach.

DGUV Information 201-027 supports risk assessment and protective measures for explosive ordnance clearance work. The Baufachliche Richtlinien Kampfmittelräumung contain requirements for historical and technical investigation, clearance concepts, procurement and documentation within their defined federal remit. Their application to the specific water and wastewater project is clarified separately.

If an unexpected suspicious object is encountered, stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or continue to expose the object. Leave the danger area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting procedure. The responsible authorities determine the next steps. Then inform site management and those responsible for the network.

Network operational authorisation, construction acceptance and authority decisions on finds serve different purposes and are recorded separately in the project records.

Drinking water hygiene, wastewater operations, dewatering and explosive ordnance risk assessment fulfil different tasks. The project organisation links these requirements without deriving a broader assessment of areas or depths not surveyed from operational authorisation.

The First Ordinance to the Explosives Act (1. SprengV) includes requirements concerning specialist competence and state-recognised training courses. For water and wastewater networks, the required qualification is matched to the specific survey or clearance commission.

DGUV Rule 113-003 concerns the dismantling or destruction of explosives or corresponding objects and also includes the disposal of found munitions. It applies according to this field of activity; it does not replace a risk assessment specific to the planned ground intervention.

Licensing and competence

The company, responsible individuals and specific task must be compatible.

Risk assessment

The trench, shoring, water, utilities, equipment, personnel and reporting procedures are assessed by section.

Investigation and clearance concept

Suspected hazards, the clearance objective, method, quality and basis for acceptance are described before civil engineering work.

Documentation

The utility section, depth, findings, limitations and further measures remain traceable.

Before awarding the contract

The construction section, utility or structure geometry, qualifications, data format and required documentation are clearly described.

Supplementary services receive a technical trigger and a verifiable billing basis.

Before ground disturbance

Access, utility clearance, setting out, shoring, dewatering, work areas and contacts are checked against the current design revision.

Changes are incorporated into the task before mobilisation.

Find during water or sewer construction

Stop work immediately, do not touch, move or further expose the object, leave the immediate area and keep others away without putting yourself at risk. In Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, the local emergency reporting procedure applies.

The responsible authorities determine the next steps when a find is encountered. Site management and those responsible for the network receive location references and the instructions applicable to the section.

Coordinate occupational safety and documentation Clarify the procedure for a find

From the utility to network records

Documents used in practice for water and wastewater projects

The project documents link the utility alignment, longitudinal section, chambers, pumping stations, deep intervention points and construction progress. Plans and status lists refer to the same construction revision and volume of ground affected.

Historical assessment, technical assessment, excavation supervision and investigation of findings remain technically separate and are brought together traceably for the specific network section.

Utility network and structure status

The network overview assigns sewer lengths, chambers, pumping stations, basins and pipe jacking areas to their respective area and depth status.

Assess the water and sewer network within the utility project

Two monitors displaying aerial photographs and maps; further aerial photograph printouts lie on the desk.

Historical assessment of the water and sewer route

Suspected hazard areas are related to the utility alignment, chamber locations and installation areas; unclear areas receive a specific follow-up assessment.

Review historical indications along the network route

Depth-specific assessment for chambers and installations

For deep sewer lengths, chambers and pipe jacking corridors, the documentation records the assessment volume, depth reached, technical conditions and outstanding areas.

Survey chambers and installations at the relevant depths

Person with a tablet at the edge of a cordoned-off excavation, with an excavator behind.

Supervised sewer and utility trench

Only the trench layers, chamber excavations and accessible bases actually supervised form part of the construction-phase assessment.

Supervise sewer and utility trench excavation

Findings records for the network section

Field observations, technical sources of interference, explosive ordnance findings and further work requirements are assigned separately through sewer length, chamber or installation identifiers.

Assign findings to the network section traceably

Final report for water and wastewater construction

The project records summarise network geometry, specialist services carried out, assessment limits and necessary follow-up steps for each construction section.

Document section reports and handover

Four people in orange high-visibility vests in front of two excavators on a construction site.

Person with a yellow survey cart on a footpath in front of a hedge.

Relevant further information

Specialist services for utility trenches, chambers and installations

Historical hazard assessment, depth-specific assessment, work during construction, communication about findings and project records are clearly assigned to the affected utility, chamber or installation section.

The next technical step follows from the network type, gradient, chamber depth, construction method, surrounding installations and the date by which a reliable decision is needed.

Montage showing building construction, a railway, a utility trench, energy facilities, industry and road construction.

Sectors and applications

Plan ordnance assessments for transport, utility, energy and other infrastructure projects according to their ground interventions.

Have the project surroundings assessed by specialists