industry insights

Miami-Dade County, together with South Florida residential and commercial development firm, Terra, recently broke ground on a $1 billion mixed-use Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) in west Miami Dade.

According to a press release issued by the county, Upland Park is being built adjacent to the Dolphin Park and Ride Metrobus Station.

“Through public-private partnerships, we are accelerating smart solutions by adding new transit-oriented communities along major transit corridors,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These developments provide public transportation connections to employment centers, schools, arts and culture, and healthcare, making it easier for residents to access essential services and opportunities. Upland Park is a prime example of how we are continuing to build a better community for all and a future-ready Miami-Dade County. Located alongside the 836 Expressway, which features a dedicated bus lane, this development will provide residents with seamless and efficient transit options, further integrating smart mobility solutions into our growing region.”

Also known as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transit-Oriented Communities typically include a mixed-use of housing, office, retail space, and/or amenities integrated into a walkable neighborhood and are located within half a mile of public transportation.

TOCs improve access to housing and employment for people of all ages and income levels. These thoughtfully designed areas strengthen connectivity for both residents and businesses, promoting safer, more convenient access to jobs, schools, commercial centers, and neighborhoods.

Benefits of Transit-Oriented Community developments include:

• Reduce the number of household drivers
• Lower congestion, air pollution and greenhouse emissions
• Create walkable communities that accommodate healthier lifestyles
• Increase transit ridership and fare revenue
• Expand mobility choices that reduce dependence on the automobile
• Reduce transportation costs

Designed by PPK Architects in partnership with master planner Arquitectonica and urban planning firm Plusurbia Design, Miami-Dade’s Upland Park TOC is a 47-acre development envisioned as a fully integrated, multimodal transit hub featuring residential, retail, and commercial spaces. This new lifestyle model is being realized through transit-supportive land use strategies, expanded mobility options, and generous open spaces that foster a balanced live, work, and play environment.

The Dolphin Park and Ride transit hub offers direct access to Miami-Dade’s East-West Corridor, currently served by the Metrobus 836 Express Route, which links Downtown Miami with the City of Doral and other key urban centers in western Miami-Dade.

“As our community continues to grow, we must prioritize smart, sustainable development that enhances connectivity and quality of life,” said Juan Carlos Bermudez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 12. “Upland Park is a significant step forward in ensuring that residents of West Dade, have greater access to transit, jobs, and essential services. This project, in partnership with Terra, is a model for how we can integrate housing, transportation, and economic opportunities to create a more vibrant and accessible Miami-Dade County.”

Once completed, Upland Park will become the largest TOC in Miami-Dade County to date, generating over one billion dollars in revenue for Miami-Dade County from a 90-year development and land lease agreement. The multi-phased development will include more than 2,000 mid-rise and garden style multifamily apartments, approximately 282,000 square feet of retail, and about 414,000 square feet of commercial space. Phase One, which is now under construction, encompasses a total of 578 multifamily apartments slated for delivery in 2026.

“I am happy to see that we are moving forward with this transit-supportive development directly next to a fast-growing community that’s surrounded by a major commercial and employment hub in west Dade,” said Josiel Ferrer-Diaz, the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) Interim Director. “By leveraging partnerships with the private sector, we are continuing to enhance Miami-Dade County’s goals to strengthen our economy, connectivity, the environment, and greater engagement.”

“We are grateful to Miami-Dade County for their support and partnership, which highlights what can be achieved through effective public and private collaboration,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “As a prime example of the growing demand for mixed-use transit-connected communities, Upland Park will not only create jobs and generate new tax revenues, but it will also help drive economic growth and mobility solutions in the County for decades to come.”

GPRS supports mixed use developments of all shapes and sizes, including TOCs, through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management tools. We Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Post-tensioned (PT) concrete construction is widely used in commercial, residential, and industrial building projects for its efficiency and strength.  

By applying tension to steel tendons within the concrete after it has cured, post-tensioning allows for thinner slabs, longer spans, and reduced cracking. But these benefits come with a unique set of challenges—especially when it comes to cutting or coring near structural elements like columns.

Any modification to a PT concrete slab near a column must be approached with the utmost caution. Cutting in these areas without proper preparation can compromise the structural integrity of the building, sever vital reinforcement cables, or even cause catastrophic failure.  

This is where the expertise of a professional concrete scanning company like GPRS becomes indispensable. Using advanced ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners and other complementary technologies, our Project Managers can identify and mark safe zones, ensuring that cutting work is both precise and secure.

Understanding Post-Tensioned Construction Near Columns

Post-tensioned slabs contain steel tendons that are tensioned after the concrete has hardened.  

Concrete is weak in tension and strong in compression. A slab has tension points at the bottom of the slab between the beams and column lines and has tension at the top of the slab at the beams and/or column lines.

Steel is very strong in tension. Combining steel reinforcing with concrete takes advantage of the strengths of both materials. But their strengths can be taken advantage of in an even greater way by actively putting the steel into tension by using post tension cables.  

Tensioning the cables also puts the concrete into compression, which is its strongest state.

By draping the cables over the column lines, the tension in the concrete is counteracted in the appropriate places. When the cables are tensioned, they will be trying to lift up when they are at the bottom of the slab, which will provide support where the slab is trying to sag downward. The cables will also be pushing down when they are high in the slab and counteracting the tension at the top of the slab due to the columns and/or beams.

The post tension tendons run through ducts in the slab and are stressed to extremely high levels—often between 33,000 and 43,000 pounds of force per tendon (lbf/tendon or lbs/tendon).  

Post tension cables are typically encased in a grout sheath, which is a cementitious material that fills the space around the steel strands. This material acts as a physical barrier protecting the steel strands from water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide – and therefore, preventing corrosion.

The use of PT cable allows for thinner slabs and eliminates the need for support beams and therefore allows for more vertical space. It also frees up designers to create more uniquely shaped concrete slabs, ramps, curves, and more.

But cutting or nicking even one PT cable can release its stored energy in a sudden and dangerous burst. In some cases, severed cables have shot out of the concrete, causing injuries or property damage.

Columns, being primary load-bearing elements, are focal points for tendon congestion. More tendons typically converge near columns than in other areas of the slab, making the risk of accidentally cutting one significantly higher. Columns are also often surrounded by stirrups, rebar, and embedded utilities, creating a dense web of potential hazards that cannot be detected with the naked eye.

The Dangers of Improper Cutting

Cutting or coring without hiring a professional concrete imaging company like GPRS to clear locations near a column in a PT slab can have serious consequences. Here are some of the most critical risks:

• Severing Post-Tension Tendons: This can result in sudden cable recoil, injuries, expensive repairs, and structural compromise.
• Damaging Rebar: Rebar is essential for slab integrity. Damaging it may weaken the area around the column, which is already under heavy load.
• Cutting Through Embedded Utilities: Electrical conduit, plumbing, and HVAC lines are often embedded in slabs. Accidental damage can cause delays, fires, or flooding.
• Structural Instability: A column is a load path. Damaging structural elements near it can lead to settlement, cracks, or even partial collapse in severe cases.
• Code Violations and Liability: Building codes typically require scanning in PT slabs before any cutting or coring. Skipping this step can result in fines, legal liability, and insurance claims.

The Role of Professional Concrete Scanning

This is where professional concrete scanning companies like GPRS step in. We utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other complimentary technologies to clear safe cutting and coring locations not only around columns, but wherever you need to work along a concrete slab.

GPR scanners emit radio waves into a slab, then detect the interaction between those waves and any embedded objects like post tension cable, rebar, or conduit. Those interactions are then displayed in a readout as a series of hyperbolas, which vary in size and shape depending on what type of obstruction was located.  

GPRS Project Managers are specially trained to interpret this data to tell you what was located and provide the approximate depth of those objects.

GPR is fast, safe, and accurate. Unlike concrete X-ray, which require access to both sides of the slab and poses radiation hazards, GPR can be used from one side and poses no health risks. It’s highly effective even in congested areas near columns and can identify the approximate depth and orientation of structural elements.

The Process: What to Expect When GPRS Scans Your PT Slab

When you hire GPRS to scan a PT slab near a column, we’ll follow our standard process for precision concrete scanning:

1. Initial Assessment: A site visit to understand the scope of the work and identify areas of concern.
2. Surface Preparation: Cleaning the surface for optimal GPR signal penetration.
3. Scanning: Using handheld GPR units, our Project Manager will scan the target area. We perform long scans across the slab to identify the bottom of the slab, reinforcing pattern, PT cable pattern, and type of slab. If space is limited, we’ll move to open areas to perform long scans to understand these patterns before moving back to the project area. For slab-on-grade projects, we’ll also check our work with a passive sweep of an electromagnetic (EM) locator looking for any conduits in the area.
4. Marking the Slab: Safe cutting and coring zones are clearly marked with green boxes on the surface using paint or chalk. Tendons, rebar, and utilities are color-coded for easy identification.
5. Reporting: GPRS Project Managers leave you with detailed scan reports, complete with images and notes, which can be archived for future reference or shared with engineers and contractors. And all this data is uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), our interactive infrastructure mapping platform that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.
6. On-Site Consultation: Our Project Manager will walk through the findings with your team, answering questions and making recommendations. If your initial cutting or coring locations are determined to be unsafe, we’ll suggest alternative locations that are clear of buried obstructions.

Why Experience Matters

While GPR technology is powerful, its effectiveness depends heavily on the skill of the technician using it. Reading and interpreting the images produced by GPR requires training and hands-on experience. PT tendons and rebar, for example, can produce similar signatures – and a misread can lead to unsafe cuts.

That’s why it’s essential to hire a specially trained, experienced concrete scanning company like GPRS, which adheres to the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM).

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Scanning Company Like GPRS

• Enhanced Safety: Prevent accidents, injuries, and unplanned structural issues.
• Reduced Liability: Documented scans demonstrate due diligence, which can be critical in legal or insurance claims.
• Cost Savings: Avoid expensive repairs and downtime by getting it right the first time.
• Improved Project Scheduling: Fast, efficient scanning allows you to stay on track without unnecessary delays.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your work area is safe means fewer surprises and smoother execution.

Don’t Cut Corners Near Columns

Post-tensioned concrete offers a host of structural advantages—but it demands respect, especially near load-bearing elements like columns.

Cutting or coring in these high-risk areas without first having proper scanning completed can have disastrous consequences. A single severed tendon can jeopardize not only the structure, but also the safety of everyone on site.

GPRS Concrete Scanning Services ensure that you’re making informed decisions, protecting your team, and delivering high-quality work that stands the test of time.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GPR used to identify tendons vs. rebar in a post-tensioned slab?

In post-tensioned structures, we typically find one mat of support rebar near the base of the slab. This mat is generally consistently spaced and remains at a constant elevation. Post-tension cables are generally found above this support mat and “draped” throughout the rest of the structure. The elevation of the cable is usually high near the beams and column lines and drapes lower through the span between beams and column lines. Knowledge of these structural differences allows us to accurately differentiate between components. Our Project Managers will leave you feeling confident in our findings and in your ability to drill or cut without issue.

Can GPR determine the difference between rebar and electrical conduit?

Ground penetrating radar can accurately differentiate between rebar and electrical conduit in most cases. We have an extremely high success rate in identifying electrical lines in supported slabs or slabs-on-grade before saw cutting or core drilling.

Additionally, GPRS can use EM locators to determine the location of conduits in the concrete. If we can transmit a signal onto the metal conduit, we can locate it with pinpoint accuracy. We can also find the conduit passively if a live electrical current runs through it.

The combined use of GPR and EM locating allows us to provide one of the most comprehensive and accurate conduits locating services available.

The City of New York updated Local Law 97 (LL 97) in December of 2024. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:

• Low-income landlords get a break with the new Affordable Housing Reinvestment Fund to provide electrical retrofits for affordable housing. The purchasing offsets it generates give building owners the ability to comply with the law and reduce emissions in affordable housing in the city.
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• Facilities Managers may be pleased to see amended greenhouse gas calculations for campus systems, and alternative compliance processes for some cogeneration systems already in place.
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• Historical preservationists, architects, and engineers may applaud the revisions that include adjustments on emissions limits for buildings with legal, physical, or financial constraints – “providing much needed detail” on the methodology on why and how adjustments may be granted.
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• The final pillar of the December 2024 update sets fees for submissions on emissions reports and other applications so owners are clear on the up front reporting and application costs.

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GPRS helps stakeholders and contractors come into compliance with ESG goals and Local Law 97 with a wide variety of products and services – from 2-6mm accurate 3D laser scans and deliverables of the most complex historical spaces to the immediately actionable subsurface utility map data you need before breaking ground, to 99.8% accurate concrete scanning and imaging before you cut, core, or drill, GPRS can help you meet LL97’s requirements faster, easier, and more safely. Learn more about GPRS, here.

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Where Does Rule Update Three Fall in the Scope of LL97?

This is the third major rule addition to LL97 since it was enacted in 2019. The previous rule additions took place in December 2022 and December 2023. The 2022 goals were to establish greenhouse gas emissions for structures over 25,000 s.f., require annual emissions reporting to the New York Department of Buildings, and laid out penalties for excess emissions.

2023’s rule additions sought to loosen some of the 2022 standards by allowing for referred compliance, defining “good faith efforts” to comply, and allowed building owners to apply for an extension on their emission limits till 2026.

How it Began – Enacting LL97

New York City's Local Law 97 (LL97), enacted in 2019 as part of the Climate Mobilization Act, mandates significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large buildings. Targeting structures exceeding 25,000 square feet, LL97 aims for a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2050, relative to 2005 levels.

Applicability and Compliance Thresholds

LL97 applies to:

• Buildings over 25,000 gross square feet

• Multiple buildings on a single tax lot collectively exceeding 50,000 square feet

• Condominium complexes governed by the same board, with combined areas surpassing 50,000 square feet

• Exemptions include industrial facilities, certain residential properties, and specific nonprofit organizations

Emission Limits and Compliance Periods

The law establishes emission intensity limits (measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per square foot) based on building occupancy classifications. The initial compliance period spans 2024 to 2029, with stricter limits commencing in 2030. For example, residential buildings (Group R-2) have a limit of 6.75 kgCO₂e/sq ft for 2024–2029, tightening to 4.07 kgCO₂e/sq ft for 2030–2034.

What is LL97's Impact on Construction Projects?

For architects and engineers, LL97 necessitates integrating energy efficiency and low-carbon strategies into both new constructions and renovations:

• Design Considerations: Incorporate high-performance building envelopes, advanced HVAC systems, and energy-efficient lighting to minimize energy consumption.

• Electrification: Transition from fossil fuel-based systems to electric alternatives, such as heat pumps, to align with the city's decarbonization goals.

• On-Site Renewable Energy: Implement solar photovoltaic systems or other renewable technologies to offset building emissions.

These measures not only ensure compliance but also enhance building performance and occupant comfort.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Buildings exceeding emission limits face financial penalties calculated at $268 per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent over the threshold. Failure to submit required reports incurs fines of $0.50 per square foot per month, and falsifying reports can result in penalties up to $500,000.

Flexibility Measures and Extensions

Recognizing the challenges in meeting these requirements, the city offers flexibility mechanisms:

• Good Faith Efforts: Building owners demonstrating earnest attempts to comply may receive extensions. This involves submitting a decarbonization plan by May 1, 2025, detailing strategies to meet emission limits by 2026 and outlining long-term plans for 2030 compliance.

• Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Owners can purchase RECs to offset emissions, though reliance solely on RECs without implementing on-site reductions is discouraged.

Recommendations for Architects and Engineers

To navigate LL97 effectively:

• Early Integration: Embed energy modeling and sustainability assessments at the project's inception to identify cost-effective compliance strategies.
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• Collaborative Approach: Engage multidisciplinary teams, including sustainability consultants and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers, to develop holistic solutions.
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• Stay Informed: Regularly update knowledge on evolving regulations, technological advancements, and best practices in sustainable design.

By proactively addressing LL97's mandates, professionals can lead in creating resilient, efficient, and compliant urban environments.

Additional Resources for Building Owners Include:

Urban Green Council

NYC Accelerator

NYC Department of Buildings' Guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions‍

Understanding and implementing LL97 is pivotal for the future of sustainable construction in New York City. Architects and engineers play a crucial role in this transition, ensuring that the built environment contributes positively to the city's climate objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESG and how does it impact greenhouse gas emissions? 

ESG in facilities and construction refers to the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into planning, design, construction, and operational practices. It emphasizes sustainable resource use, carbon reduction, worker safety, community impact, ethical procurement, and regulatory compliance. ESG frameworks guide decision-making to minimize environmental harm, promote social responsibility, and ensure transparent governance. In this sector, ESG is essential for risk management, long-term asset value, and alignment with investor and regulatory expectations. Learn more about ESG, here. ‍

How do GPRS' services support net zero and greenhouse gas reduction construction?

GPRS works closely with facilities managers, architects, engineers, and general contractors to support their sustainable building goals. Our suite of above and below-ground infrastructure data capture tools provide project managers, designers, builders, and stakeholders the peace of mind they need to work more efficiently, streamlining communication and collaboration by providing secure, shareable interactive utility maps, structural data, and existing conditions records via SiteMap® (patent pending), our GIS and project management software platform. Every GPRS customer receives complimentary SiteMap® Personal access, and we offer a variety of digital management solutions for virtually every industry. To learn more about GPRS and SiteMap®, click here.

In the fall of 2021, The Wall Street Journal wrote a piece on Form Energy, a renewables technology company who claimed they’d made a “breakthrough in long-duration batteries” that were poised to go head to head with lithium-ion (LIB) storage for renewable energy grid projects. Their investors, including a who’s-who of technology innovators like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, are banking on Form’s ability to build, “the kind of battery you need to fully retire thermal assets like coal and natural gas power plants.” That’s how Form’s CEO, former Tesla Powerball developer, Mateo Jaramillo describes their new Iron Air batteries.

Four years later, we’re about to find out if Form’s Iron Air technology lives up to the hype because their West Virginal production facility is producing their “grid-scale” storage solution in anticipation of their first U.S. battery storage system. Their investors now include GE Verona, MIT’s Engine Ventures, and Energy Impact Partners, according to reporting in Engineering News-Record.  The initial installation will be in a converted paper & pulp mill in Lincoln, Maine. At 8,500MW, it is expected to be “the largest battery project by energy storage capacity in the world,” according to a Form spokesperson.

Minnesota’s Great River Energy is constructing a 1.5MW Form Energy system project that is expected to go online at the end of 2025, and three more Form storage systems, two 10MW projects for Excel Energy and a 15MW facility for Georgia Power are projected for 2025 and 2026 online dates.

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GPRS’ work supports green power and renewable energy projects throughout the United States. Learn more about our work in the wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrothermal energy sectors, here.  

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What is an Iron Air Battery?

Before delving into how Iron Air battery technology works, it’s worthwhile to remember, first, how LIB technology works, since it is the current king of the renewable energy hill.

A Refresher on Lithium-Ion Battery Technology

Lithium-ion batteries store and release energy by shuttling lithium ions between two electrodes – anode and cathode – through an electrolyte. Their high energy density, efficiency, and perceived long cycle life make them the most popular option for storing energy. This is the same technology that is used in EVs, cell phones, and a plethora of chargeable electronic devices.

LIB technology has proven scalable, and at the grid scale, has been a successful storage solution for intermittent renewable energy, making it the storage system of choice for renewables like solar and wind energy.

However, that high energy density does come with risk, especially at scale. Thermal runaway is the term used to describe the chain-reaction-like combustion that occurs on the rare occasion that a lithium-ion array catches fire. Thermal runaway is considered so dangerous, due to both its toxicity and extreme temperatures, that the International Association of Fire Chiefs “strongly advises” that no firefighter enter an LIB facility fire location.

Iron Air Battery Technology Explained

At its simplest, Iron Air technology operates on a concept Form Energy calls “reversible rusting.”

The cycle is deceptively simple:

• When the Iron Air battery is discharging its energy, the battery “breathes in” oxygen and converts its iron metal (stored inside the battery in pellets the size of musket balls) to rust

• When the battery is charging, the electrical current applied while it’s storing up energy converts the iron rust back into iron as the battery “exhales” oxygen

"When a building rusts or a bridge rusts, it is very slowly discharging [energy]," Jaramillo explained. Form's batteries can reverse the rusting process with the addition of electric current, turning rust back to iron and releasing oxygen. When the energy is needed, the battery takes in oxygen, rusting the iron and releasing some energy.

"What we have done is build a device that takes that reaction and harnesses it and lets us manufacture that battery and deploy it in very large volumes," Jaramillo told Newsweek in late 2024.

While critics may decry Iron Air’s size – about the size of a standard washer/dryer set in the U.S., containing stacks of about 30, meter-tall cells while lithium-ion technology can be much smaller – no one is trying to put Iron Air into cars or smartphones. These are giant batteries, designed to store and discharge large quantities of energy at grid scale.

Plus, Iron Air batteries are reportedly significantly less expensive to produce and operate. With an average cost of just $6 per KW, this emerging technology offers a significant increase in storage duration, and the base conductive material, iron, is “abundant, nontoxic, and nonflammable,” unlike the chain-reaction thermal runaway combustion of an LIB.

For those in the renewable energy industry, Iron Air battery storage systems could prove to be the missing link in the expansion and modernization of the U.S. power grid. Whether they live up to being a tool that helps move power generation and transmission away from fossil fuels remains to be seen.  

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers in the power, renewables, and oil and gas industries.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GPRS able to support projects on a national scale?

The short answer is YES! GPRS has a nationwide army of highly trained, SIM-certified Project managers that spans the entire U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and even Puerto Rico. We are regularly called on to provide support for large projects in the energy sector, retail, environmental, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and a wide variety of industries associated with architecture, engineering, and construction.  

Learn more about GPRS’ nationwide footprint, here.

How does GPRS deliver its data on large regional, or national projects?

Whether your job is a single utility locate or a thousand miles of lines, GPRS takes great care to deliver the same standardized, high level of service and deliverables to every customer. That’s why we developed SiteMap® (patent pending), our industry-leading, interactive software platform. Every GPRS customer receives complimentary SiteMap® Personal access, and we have the capability to build customized SiteMap® solutions that cover the scope of a single construction site, all the way up to a national facilities portfolio. To learn more about what SiteMap® can do for your project, click here.

One of the largest retirement communities in America contacted GPRS to help them locate a leaking water line.

What they got was accurate existing conditions documentation for their entire campus.

GPRS Project Manager Chris Pomraning responded to an emergency request for a utility locate at Cross Keys Village – The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. The village’s longtime facility director had recently retired, taking with him all his institutional knowledge of the campus’s buried infrastructure – including the location of a water line which the new facility director suspected of having a leak.

Cross Keys Village is one of the largest stand-alone non-profit retirement communities in the country, and the largest in Pennsylvania. The 334-acre community features cottages, Bridgewater homes, and apartments of various sizes. New Bridgewater homes and a new Day Services and Memory Support Resource Center will open in 2025.

Large campuses require a lot of buried infrastructure, and the countless improvement projects conducted over the decades on large campuses often lead to a tangled network of both active and abandoned buried utilities. This was the case at Cross Keys Village, which had no existing, accurate utility maps to guide their operations & maintenance projects.

“…They were really kind of trying to figure out where this water line was on their campus,” explained GPRS Market Segment Leader for Facilities, Rhett Teller. “[The new facility director] was like, ‘the guy who just retired took a lot of institutional knowledge with him, and now I’m here holding the bag and the keys and I don’t really know where everything is.’ Listening to his problem and trying to craft a customized solution for him was kind of our single objective walking into the initial meeting.”

Pomraning was able to locate the leaking water line with an electromagnetic (EM) locator and ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanner.

EM locators detect electromagnetic signals radiating from metallic pipes and cables. These signals can be created by the locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe, or from current flow in a live electrical cable. They can also result from a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields (detected by the EM locator functioning in Power Mode) and communications transmissions (Radio Mode).

Signals are created by the current flowing from the transmitter which travels along the conductor (line/cable/pipe) and back to the transmitter. The current typically uses a ground to complete the current. A ground stake is used to complete the circuit through the ground.

GPR scanners emit radio waves into the ground or a surface such as a concrete slab, then detect the interactions between those waves and any buried objects such as utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs), rebar, or post tension cable. These interactions appear on a readout as a series of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape depending on the material composition of the located obstruction.

GPRS Project Managers are specially trained to interpret the data provided by GPR scanning to determine the location of buried objects and provide you with an estimated depth for these items. You can learn more about this training here.

Pomraning connected to the copper water line from inside a nearby building and traced it outside using the EM locator. When he lost the signal due to the copper line transitioning to a plastic pipe, he switched to the GPR scanner to continue marking out the buried utility.

Pomraning discovered that a coax cable line had been inadvertently installed through the water line, which had compromised the latter’s integrity and led to the leak.

“We figured out the position of the leak because it was where a cable TV installer crossed the line,” he said.

Pomraning didn’t just mark out the location of the water and cable lines on-site using spray paint and flags to assist with the repair of the leak. He also uploaded the data into SiteMap® (patent pending), GPRS’ interactive utility mapping solution designed to provide accurate existing conditions documentation to protect assets and people.

Securely accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® is a single source of truth for all the critical infrastructure data a facility or campus needs to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better. It takes all the accurate, field-verified data collected on-site by GPRS’  team of SIM-certified Project Managers and puts it in the palm of your hands, whether you’re in your office in that facility or campus or working remotely from halfway across the world.

And with multiple levels of access available, we can tailor SiteMap® to meet your needs and circumstances – whether you manage one facility or oversee multiple campuses across the country.

Every GPRS customer receives complimentary SiteMap® access when they hire us to conduct a subsurface investigation. When Pomraning showed the facility director at Cross Keys his data inside SiteMap®, the facility director immediately saw the benefit of having his entire campus’s buried infrastructure mapped in the platform.

Teller, along with GPRS Business Development Manager Isaiah Runkle and Area Manager Sam Hart, worked with the facility director to create a customized SiteMap^® Pro solution for Cross Keys. Through this agreement, GPRS Project Managers are actively mapping the entire campus and responding to emergency utility locating, video pipe inspection, and leak detection needs that arise during regular O&M.

“We’ve been really using every service…” Hart said. “It’s been a really good relationship.”

“Really, [the facility director] was trying to solve his issue with the water line,” Teller added. “From that, we started talking about all the other things that we could help them solve, and creating an as-built was one of those.”

From leaking water lines to accurate as-builts, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your facility projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What informational output do I receive when I hire GPRS to perform a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.

Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Click here to learn more.

A contractor needed to bore new power lines to supply some cities in a Northeastern U.S. state.

But first, they needed to find the optimal route. Because a utility strike in a major roadway can lead to traffic delays, service outages, costly repairs, and safety risks.

GPRS Project Managers Michael Layon and Zachary Boebel worked with a local contractor to provide comprehensive utility mapping between major power distribution hubs in multiple cities. The job required scanning 5.4 miles of roadway from city to city, working both day and night to accommodate traffic conditions.

“While scanning, I realized I was seeing double everything” – Zachary Boebel, Project Manager

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One major challenge was ensuring safety while working on active roadways. Unlike performing underground utility surveys at construction sites or existing facilities, roadway utility locates require additional layers of safety to protect the public, and our Project Managers. In roadway utility imaging, the presence of the public increases safety risks. Open manholes present a hazard, as pedestrians or vehicles may enter the work area at any moment. Safety precautions, including manhole protection and traffic control measures, are critical in these areas to mitigate the increased risks associated with active roadways.

"Someone, either a vehicle or pedestrian will end up in your work area," noted Boebel. To mitigate these risks, GPRS implemented stringent safety protocols, including the use of traffic cones, barricades, and coordination with local law enforcement to establish controlled work zones.

"We used every single tool at our disposal from ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to the electromagnetic (EM) locator," Boebel added. Multiple manholes were opened along the roadway, including electrical, storm, and sewer manholes, each of which was carefully inspected.

By identifying any type of surface features like manholes, gas meters, hydrants, and coordinating with law enforcement to implement strong traffic control measures, the GPRS team ensured that the work area remains safe, preventing potential accidents that could delay the project or lead to costly consequences.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the primary technology GPRS uses for underground utility surveys, providing detailed insights into subsurface features. It employs radio waves to detect and map subsurface features such as sanitary and storm sewer pipes, electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecom/fiber optic cables.

GPR, like any technology, has limitations, so to get a comprehensive survey of the subsurface facilities, GPRS employs complementary technologies. In such cases, electromagnetic (EM) locating plays a crucial role.

GPRS Project Managers utilize the EM locator to passively detect signals from live AC power or radio signals traveling along conductive utilities. When paired with a transmitter, it connects directly to accessible metallic pipes, risers, or tracer wires, complementing GPR’s capabilities. All GPRS Project Managers are certified in Subsurface Investigation Methodology, which allows them to deploy their technology and expertise anywhere to deliver comprehensive results with standardized mark-outs and reporting.

During the utility scanning, Boebel uncovered remnants of an old utility infrastructure. "A few years ago, a powerful tornado had flattened an entire street. And now, new houses had been built on the same property," said Boebel. "While scanning, I realized I was seeing double everything. That’s because they had left all those old utilities, alongside new ones going to these buildings." Our team had to carefully differentiate between the old and new systems, ensuring utility data was precise and up to date.

This extra level of attention helped the customer prevent the risk of encountering outdated or misplaced utilities during the power line installation process.

Boebel also went above and beyond the original curb-to-curb scope. In grassy areas beyond the curb, the contractor requested an approximately five-foot extension. However, to make sure that utilities were properly located to their sources, we extended our scans five to six feet beyond the sidewalks.

By proactively managing logistical challenges, GPRS ensured that the project remained on schedule and met the customer’s expectations. "The customer did not have to deal with the obstacles we ran into because we took care of them,” said Layon. "We made sure we had the right team on site at the right time, allowing the customer to complete their project within the expected timeframe."

All 5.4 miles of utility data was uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), which is GPRS’ proprietary software application that provides customers with their GPRS-captured data, secured and available from anywhere, 24/7. Every GPRS customer receives complimentary SiteMap^® Personal access to view, download, and share their layered utility maps, CAD drawings, or other deliverables to keep their work on time, on budget, and safe.

Whether you need to locate roadway utilities to replace a main electric line or assess subsurface conditions before construction, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^®.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What deliverables does GPRS offer with a utility locate?

GPRS provides utility locating deliverables including physical flags or markings, like paint, pin flags, and stakes. Plus, we upload our findings in layered, geolocated utility maps to SiteMap^® for secure, shareable, 24/7 access. Clients also receive complimentary KMZ and PDF files, with PDFs showing utility locations and KMZ files containing geolocated points. GPRS can also provide 2D or 3D CAD renderings for creating or updating as-built drawings for preplanning, utility avoidance, and documentation across CAD and GIS platforms.

What are the benefits of utility mapping?

Utility mapping identifies subsurface infrastructure using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating. This process mitigates risks by preventing utility strikes, service interruptions, and safety hazards in active roadways.

Approximately 400,000-500,000 utility strikes are reported in the United States per year.

Accurate utility mapping provides optimal routing, minimizes issues with outdated or misplaced utilities, and improves project safety, efficiency, and accuracy, keeping projects on time, on budget, and safe.

GPR Locates Buried Cleanouts to Help Stop Water Intrusion at Industrial Facility

A leaking floor may not immediately set off alarms – but for the team at a large industrial facility, water seeping up through the tiled floor into office spaces had quickly turned into a persistent and disruptive issue. They needed answers fast, but the root of the problem was buried – literally.

That’s when they called in GPRS.

GPRS Project Manager Adam Sorge was dispatched to the site after the facility’s internal team struggled to determine the source of the leak. Their best guess? A backed-up sanitary line, based on outdated as-built drawings and anecdotal evidence. When those drawings failed to provide clarity, and the cleanouts were nowhere to be seen – tiled over and inaccessible – the client needed more than guesswork. They needed accurate utility locating services to help them avoid tearing up floors unnecessarily or damaging critical infrastructure in the process.

From Water Intrusion to Utility Precision

The situation was clear: water was pushing up from beneath the tile in the building’s interior offices. The facility team strongly suspected the sanitary line was blocked and backing up beneath the surface, but they had no idea where the actual cleanout access points were. Over the years, renovations had covered all the cleanouts with tile, and with no accurate utility maps available, they were flying blind.

Sorge arrived on-site with one key objective: use ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a concrete antenna to locate the hidden cleanouts beneath the finished flooring. While GPR is commonly associated with locating rebar and post-tension cables, it can also be used to find embedded metallic objects – such as cleanout lids – within or beneath concrete slabs.

“We don’t always see the sanitary lines directly,” Sorge explained. “But a lot of times, the cleanout lids are metal, and that’s something we can pick up really well with GPR, especially using the concrete antenna.”

As he scanned the area, Sorge detected clear signatures of three cleanout lids in the primary hallway where the leak was suspected to be originating. They were located right alongside a glass divider separating the office corridor from other work areas– exactly where the facility team had hoped but never could have pinpointed without assistance.

“The drawings they had were about a foot off from the actual location,” Sorge said. “That might not sound like a lot, but when you're talking about breaking through finished flooring, it's the difference between hitting the mark or having to keep digging.”

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Concrete Scanning in Action
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The deliverable for this type of job wasn’t a detailed CAD drawing or 3D model – GPRS’ concrete scanning services are all about real-time, actionable field data. Sorge marked the cleanout locations directly on the tile surface, providing the client with precise reference points so they could remove flooring and access the cleanouts without unnecessary damage.

“Most of the time for interior jobs like this, the deliverable is just our surface markings and a Job Summary Report,” he said. “We take a few photos of our markings to document what was found, and that’s really all the client needs to move forward.”

No guesswork. No digging blind. Just targeted results.

Sorge successfully located three cleanouts along the main sanitary line, which enabled the team to access and clean the blocked system, ultimately resolving the water intrusion issue. While two additional cleanouts were suspected to exist down a separate hallway, they were not identified during the scan – potentially due to differences in floor construction or the use of non-metallic lids.

More Than Just Locating – It’s Preventative Planning

During the job, Sorge also introduced the client to video pipe inspection (VPI) services offered by GPRS, which could provide a closer look inside the sanitary line once cleanout access had been restored.

Sorge says this project is a perfect example of how simple locating services can have a major impact, especially in environments where older infrastructure and undocumented renovations create hidden challenges.

“It was a very straightforward job,” Sorge noted. “They needed to find these lids, and we were able to come in and do that quickly and accurately. It saved them a lot of time and probably a lot of frustration.”

Visualizing the Built World® – Even Beneath the Surface

From aboveground scanning to buried utility locating, GPRS Project Managers like Adam Sorge bring unmatched precision and experience to every job site. In this case, a potential headache was turned into a clear path forward thanks to the power of GPR.

By helping the facility team Visualize The Built World® – even beneath tile and concrete – Sorge’s work allowed maintenance crews to respond swiftly to a potentially costly leak without unnecessary demo or delay.

This story is a reminder that what lies beneath isn’t always easy to find – but with the right technology and expertise, GPRS can help uncover what you need to see to keep your project moving forward safely and efficiently.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Video Pipe Inspection (VPI)?

Video Pipe Inspection (VPI) is a non-destructive method of assessing the condition of underground pipes, sewer lines, and other subsurface infrastructure. Using specialized cameras, VPI allows technicians to visually inspect the inside of pipelines in real time, helping identify blockages, leaks, and structural issues.

‍Can GPRS help locate hidden leaks?

‍Yes, GPRS provides leak detection services using advanced technology like ground penetrating radar (GPR) and video pipe inspection (VPI). By accurately locating buried utilities and access points, we help facility teams address leaks efficiently – without unnecessary demolition.

What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method used for installing underground utilities, such as pipes, cables, or conduits, without the need for traditional open excavation. It involves the use of a directional drilling machine, to accurately drill along a horizontal bore path underground, then expand the hole to the desired diameter to allow the installation of the utility. The construction technique is commonly used to install water, sewer, gas, and telecommunication lines across obstacles like roads, rivers, or existing infrastructure. Horizontal directional drilling machines and drill rigs minimize soil disturbance and the environmental impact of utility installation projects.

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Horizontal Directional Drilling in Telecom

Horizontal directional drilling is used in the Telecom industry as a cost-effective, efficient, and minimally invasive method for ensuring reliable connectivity without disrupting underground utilities. Telecom projects that utilize horizontal directional drilling include fiber optic cable installation, 5G network expansion, rural broadband deployment, smart city infrastructure, IoT network connectivity, and data center connections.

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What are the Benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling

Horizontal directional drilling is preferred over fiber trench for its efficiency and cost effectiveness, offering a smoother installation process for pipes, cables, conduits, and other materials compared to traditional drilling methods. Horizontal directional drilling is highly accurate and requires less post-drill cleanup, enabling teams to restore the ground to its pre-drill condition quickly and with minimal effort.

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What are Best Practices for Pre and Post Directional Drilling Installations?

Following these best practices for pre and post directional drilling installations will minimize risk, maintain regulatory compliance, protect workers from hazards, and safeguard surrounding utilities, leading to safe and effective drilling with minimal environmental impact.

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Pre Drilling Best Practices

Site Assessment and Planning

• Contact GPRS to locate and map the buried utilities in your project area, utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating, ensuring they are marked and depth verified before drilling to avoid hitting underground infrastructure.
• Confirm that all overhead power lines in the drilling area have been marked.  
• Verify soil conditions through geotechnical investigations by testing the soil’s type, density, and stability to determine the right drilling methods, equipment, and fluids, ensuring a stable bore path and safe, efficient operation.
• Expose and verify all underground utilities within construction limits using hand digging or vacuum excavation, ensuring adequate clearance and preventing damage.
• Confirm sewer laterals are properly located through electromagnetic locates or physical inspection to ensure sufficient clearance from the bore path. GPRS CCTV inspections can inspect the integrity of your buried sewer lines to ensure there are no pre-existing problems, such as cross bores, and inspect them again after your project has completed to ensure no new problems were created because of the work.
• Walk intended route of the directional bore, reviewing the site, and confirming that all utilities have been properly identified and located.
• Plan bore paths to minimize environmental disruption and avoid existing utilities.
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Pre-Operational Equipment Inspection

• Verify drilling fluid, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, coolant, and fuel levels. Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts to prevent overheating and mechanical failure.
• Conduct a visual inspection of the drilling rig to identify leaks, worn components, and potential hazards, checking hoses, belts, fittings, and electrical connections for damage to prevent costly breakdowns.
• Replace or repair critical components, such as drill pipe connections, hydraulic seals, or tracking sensors to prevent unexpected failures that could delay the project or compromise borehole integrity.
• Confirm that safety guards, emergency shut offs, and alarms are functional to prevent workplace injury.

Permits and Regulatory Compliance

• Obtaining local, state, and federal permits for drilling activities, including environmental and excavation permits.
• Perform all operations in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and local regulatory agency guidelines. These guidelines address safe excavation practices, ensuring proper excavation depths, protective systems (like trench shoring or shielding), and measures to prevent accidents, protect the environment, and ensure public safety during the drilling process.
• Ensure compliance with environmental guidelines to minimize soil disturbance, protect water sources, and prevent contamination. This includes following EPA regulations related to waste disposal and fluid containment.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the task being performed and as required per OSHA regulations.
• Ensure that all utilities are accurately marked and verified to prevent damage to existing infrastructure during drilling, in compliance with local utility regulations.
• Follow specific regulations for the protection of high-consequence utilities (such as gas, water, or electrical lines), including maintaining safe clearance distances and providing verification through hand digging or excavation. Maintain a minimum five-foot clearance from natural gas distribution lines and high consequence utilities, and a ten-foot clearance from transmission gas or hazardous liquid pipelines.
• Provide required as-built drawings, inspection reports, and other documentation to regulatory agencies to confirm compliance and track the installation process.

Equipment Selection and Calibration

• Use the appropriate drilling rig, drill bits, and drilling fluids for the soil conditions.
• Calibrate locating and tracking systems for accurate bore path control.

Directional Drilling Installation

• Maintain clear communications with local authorities, utility companies, and property owners.
• Set up equipment maintaining the minimum requirement of clearance between the equipment and facilities.
• Appoint a spotter if there are overhead power lines, underground utilities, or tight working conditions.
• Cap or cover exposed pipe ends with waterproof, secure materials to prevent debris, moisture, and contamination.
• Inspect excavation walls for stability, especially in loose or wet soil conditions.
• Establish a contingency plan for unforeseen obstructions or environmental challenges.

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Post Drilling Best Practices

Site Protection and Access Control

• Secure all open excavations with fencing, barricades, or signage to prevent unauthorized entry and reduce the risk of falls or accidents.

Bore Path Verification

• Use tracking technology to confirm that the installed bore path aligns with design specifications.
• Pressure test pipelines or fiber optic cables to confirm they can handle expected pressure and prevent leaks or failures, confirming the infrastructure is secure before use.

Stability and Site Restoration

• Properly backfill and seal the entry and exit points to prevent ground settling and water intrusion.
• Backfill the gap between the drilled hole and the installed pipe with suitable material, such as grout or drilling mud, to maintain stability, prevent shifting, and avoid future ground settlement.
• Monitor for any ground settlement or surface heaving. Conduct periodic inspections to detect potential shifts, leaks, or structural failures.
• Restore disturbed areas to pre-installation conditions, including landscaping and roadway repairs.

As-Built Documentation

• Update records with accurate as-builts that include the final position and depth of the bore path, along with GPS coordinates and any deviations from the original plan. This report may also include any changes or issues encountered during the drilling process.
• Submit reports to regulatory authorities for compliance, including permit applications, utility locate reports, environmental impact assessments, drilling fluid management plan, progress reports, site restoration reports, field inspection and testing reports, and safety compliance reports.

By following these best practices, directional drilling projects can be executed efficiently, minimizing risks and ensuring long-term performance.

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GPRS Services Ensure Successful Horizontal Directional Drilling Projects

Utility locating and sewer inspection services play a critical role in pre and post installation investigations for horizontal directional drilling projects.

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GPRS Utility Locating Services

GPRS Project Managers utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locators to identify, mark, and map existing utilities, including gas, water, electricity, telecommunications lines, and sewer laterals before a directional drilling project begins.

By identifying and verifying the location and depth of buried infrastructure, GPRS minimizes the risk of accidental damage, costly repairs, safety hazards, and project delays.

GPRS has achieved and maintained a better than 99.8% accuracy rating on utility locates due to our commitment to the Subsurface Investigation Methodology, or SIM.

Through the SIM program, GPRS Project Managers complete 320 hours of field training and 80 hours of classroom training, where they encounter real-world scanning scenarios in a safe and structured environment that allows them to create consultative solutions to unique problems.

This training ensures that GPRS Project Managers can accurately interpret the readings provided by GPR, EM locators, and other infrastructure visualization technologies.

Read the Article: Updated utility maps accurately captured existing underground utilities to allow for the safe installation of new power distribution lines in a community.

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Utility Locating Services Prior to Telecom Installations

Prior to telecom installations, utility locating services can be used to complete a telecom site survey, site assessment, subsurface mapping, bore path planning, permitting, and soil analysis to receive accurate subsurface infrastructure information, plan for a successful telecom installation, and mitigate risks.

Before telecom installation in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU), utility locating is essential to identify existing underground utilities, preventing damage to water, gas, and electrical lines during fiber trenching or conduit placement.

Also, before constructing a telecom tower compound, utility locating is critical to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant installation of foundations, fiber backhaul, and power infrastructure.

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GPRS Sewer Inspection Services

For sewer lines, GPRS also offers CCTV inspection services, assessing sewer laterals before and after drilling. These inspections identify potential issues like blockages or damage and ensure that no harm is done to the existing infrastructure during the drilling process.

While there are CCTV pipe inspection companies throughout the U.S., there is only one company with Project Managers that are certified in both Subsurface Investigative Methodology (SIM) and National Association of Sewer Services Companies (NASSCO) specifications, and located in every major market throughout the United States.

GPRS’ nationwide team of Video Pipe Inspection Project Managers are equipped with the industry’s best training, technology, and methodology to give our customers the most accurate and comprehensive cross bore inspection services in the country.

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Municipalities Mandate Pre and Post Verification of Proper Installation

Many municipalities now mandate pre and post project verification of proper installation with video pipe inspection (VPI) to prevent and detect cross bores, which occur when new utility lines unintentionally intersect existing underground infrastructure.

Pre-Project Verification of Proper Installation with Video Pipe Inspection

• Ensures that no existing cross bores are present before starting directional drilling.
• Identifies potential conflicts with gas lines, water mains, sewer lines, and other utilities.
• Helps in adjusting bore paths to avoid hazardous intersections.

Post-Project Verification of Proper Installation with Video Pipe Inspection

• Confirms that the new telecom or utility installation did not result in any cross bores.
• Utilizes CCTV sewer inspections, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and other technologies to verify proper placement.
• Provides documentation to municipalities and utility providers for regulatory compliance.

Key Benefits of Municipal VPI Requirements

• Public Safety: Prevents dangerous gas or utility line strikes that could lead to explosions, service disruptions, or contamination.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures contractors meet local safety codes and avoid potential legal issues.
• Reduced Liability: Protects telecom providers and contractors from costly damage claims due to unintentional cross bores.
• Infrastructure Protection: Safeguards existing underground utilities, reducing the risk of costly repairs and downtime.

As more municipalities recognize the risks associated with cross bores, VPI is becoming a standard requirement in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects, especially in urban and high-density utility areas.

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Read the Case Study: Cross Bore Inspection After Fiber Installation

Read the Article: The City of Fremont, California requires that all contractors performing directional drilling work within its boundaries obtain a video (CCTV) pipe inspection of any sewer lines near the job site both before and after their work is completed.

Read the Article: A sinkhole left one Texas community with a massive repair bill after it caused significant damage to the municipality’s main sewer line.

Every one of our sewer inspection services is backed by our 99.8+% utility locating accuracy on over 500,000 projects completed. So you can be confident that your sewer lines will be accurately mapped and marked to give you the best above and below ground imagery of your existing lines.

Contact us today for GPRS utility locating and sewer inspection services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is utility locating?

Utility locating is the detection of underground utilities and other subsurface findings using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and other tools. Utilities and other findings can be located and marked out in a safe, non-destructive manner. Electric, steam, telecommunications, water pipes, gas & oil pipes, sewer pipes & storm sewer lines, and many other primary and secondary utility services can be located.

What equipment is used for utility locating?

Ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators are the primary tools used by utility locators such as GPRS to locate and map underground utilities. Professional utility locating technicians use a variety of tools, including electromagnetic (EM) locators, to locate and map underground utilities.

How much does utility locating cost?

The cost of a private utility locate varies depending on the size and specifics of the site being scanned, as well as other factors. Utility locates are not cheap, but as mentioned above they are a vital service and significantly less expensive than the cost – both financial and otherwise – of striking a utility line.

What is a cross bore?

A cross bore as stated by the Cross Bore Safety Association is “an intersection of an existing underground structure by a second utility resulting in direct contact between the transactions of the utilities that compromise the integrity of either utility or underground structure”. The presence of an undetected cross bore in a sewer line can result in backups in the line, compromise the structural integrity of the sewer pipes, cause contamination, and damage the overall sewer system.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently re-issued a $900 million solicitation intended to support the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).

The DOE announced the move in a recent press release, which noted that U.S. electricity demand is forecasted to continue rising due to ballooning consumer needs, the ongoing boom in data center construction driven by increased artificial intelligence (AI) use, and the industrial sector’s need for constant power.  

SMRs have the potential to deliver dependable power to energy-intensive industries, with the added advantage of flexible deployment due to their compact size and modular construction. Light-water small modular reactors could tap into the existing service and supply network that supports the nation’s current fleet of light-water reactors—helping to accelerate the near-term rollout of new nuclear technologies.

“America’s nuclear energy renaissance starts now,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “Abundant and affordable energy is key to our nation’s economic prosperity and security. This solicitation is a call to action for early movers seeking to put more energy on the grid through the deployment of advanced light-water small modular reactors.”

According to the press release, the DOE is offering funding to de-risk the deployment of Generation III+ light-water small modular reactors (Gen III+ SMR) through two tiers:

• Tier 1: First Mover Team Support will provide up to $800M to support up to two first mover teams of utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users/off-takers committed to deploying a first plant while facilitating a multi-reactor, Gen III+ SMR orderbook and the opportunity to work with the National Nuclear Security Administration to incorporate safeguards and security by design into the projects.  
• Tier 2: Fast Follower Deployment Support will provide approximately $100M to spur additional Gen III+ SMR deployments by addressing key gaps that have hindered the domestic nuclear industry in areas such as design, licensing, supply chain, and site preparation.  

The selection of awardees will be solely based on technical merit.  

Applications are due on April 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Previous applicants who applied to the 2024 solicitation must resubmit their proposals following the new guidance to receive consideration. New applications are also welcome.  

For more information, visit the Gen III+ SMR webpage here.  

The State of Nuclear Power in America

The United States has long been a global leader in nuclear energy, operating the largest fleet of nuclear reactors worldwide. As of April 2024, the U.S. boasts 94 commercially operating nuclear reactors across 28 states, collectively generating approximately 19% of its electricity. These reactors have been instrumental in providing a stable, low-carbon energy source, contributing significantly to the country's energy mix.

Aging Infrastructure and Modernization Efforts

Many of the U.S. nuclear reactors have been in operation for several decades, with an average age of about 42 years. While these facilities have demonstrated remarkable longevity, concerns about aging infrastructure have prompted discussions on extending the operational life of existing reactors and investing in modernization. The recent addition of Unit 3 at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia, which began commercial operation on July 31, 2023, marks a significant milestone as the first new reactor to come online since 2016. But admittedly, that project was not without its hiccups.

Legislative and Policy Developments

In recent years, the U.S. government has enacted several policies to bolster the nuclear energy sector. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduced production tax credits for existing nuclear plants and allocated funds for advanced nuclear technologies. Furthering this momentum, the ADVANCE Act of 2024 was signed into law, aiming to streamline the licensing process for advanced reactors, reduce regulatory costs, and promote international collaboration in nuclear technology.

Emergence of Advanced Nuclear Technologies

The focus on advanced nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors, has intensified. SMRs offer the potential for enhanced safety, reduced construction times, and scalability. Companies like NuScale Power have received regulatory approval for their SMR designs, signaling a shift towards more flexible nuclear solutions. Additionally, startups such as Oklo are developing microreactors tailored for specific applications, including powering data centers.

Integration with the Tech Industry

The burgeoning energy demands of the technology sector, especially from data centers supporting artificial intelligence and cloud computing, have led to strategic partnerships between tech giants and nuclear energy providers. For instance, Amazon Web Services has entered into agreements to source nuclear power for its data centers, reflecting a trend where reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy is increasingly sought after by the tech industry.

Public Perception, Challenges, & Outlook

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that a majority of U.S. adults remain supportive of expanding nuclear power in the country.  

“Americans remain more likely to favor expanding solar power (78%) and wind power (72%) than nuclear power,” the survey reads. “Yet while support for solar and wind power has declined by double digits since 2020… the share who favor nuclear power has grown by 13 percentage points over that span.”

Despite the advancements, the nuclear industry faces challenges, including high capital costs, competition from other energy sources, and concerns over waste management.  

These hurdles haven’t stopped the DOE from setting ambitious targets to triple the nation’s nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to add 35 gigawatts of new capacity by 2035 and sustain a pace of 15 gigawatts per year by 2040.

Whether it’s a nuclear power plant, a solar carport, or a windfarm, GPRS supports clean energy projects through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services. From precision concrete scanning and utility locating to 3D laser scanning and progress documentation, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPRS locate PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

What is as-built 3D documentation?

As-built 3D documentation is an accurate set of drawings for a project. They reflect all changes made during the construction process and show the exact dimensions, geometry, and location of all elements of the work.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are a critical step in understanding the subsurface conditions of a property during environmental due diligence and site investigations.

These assessments often involve intrusive investigation methods such as soil borings, which help identify potential contamination beneath the surface. But the process of drilling into the ground carries inherent risks—especially when it comes to encountering underground utilities.

Professional utility locating services accurately identify and mark subsurface infrastructure, significantly reducing the risk to personnel, equipment, and the integrity of your project.

The Role of Soil Boring in Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase II ESA is typically conducted when a Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) or historical evidence of contamination. The goal of the Phase II is to determine whether contaminants are present in soil, groundwater, or soil vapor at levels that exceed regulatory standards. To do this, environmental professionals must collect subsurface samples via drilling, typically using hollow-stem augers or direct-push technology.

Soil boring locations are carefully chosen based on site history, known or suspected sources of contamination, and geologic conditions. But even with detailed planning, the act of drilling introduces significant safety and operational risks. One of the most overlooked but potentially catastrophic risks is the accidental contact with underground utilities.

The Hidden Danger Beneath the Surface

Subsurface utilities—ranging from gas lines and electrical conduits to water mains and telecommunications cables—are essential for daily operations but can pose severe hazards during site investigations. Striking a utility line can result in:

• Serious injury or fatality (especially in the case of live electrical or high-pressure gas lines)
• Costly damage to infrastructure and equipment
• Environmental spills if sewage or fuel lines are ruptured
• Delays in project timelines due to emergency responses and repairs
• Legal liability and regulatory penalties

Even well-documented sites may not have up-to-date utility records. Renovations, undocumented installations, or degradation of materials can alter the subsurface environment significantly. Relying solely on historical maps or utility company records is not enough.

What Is Utility Locating?

Utility locating is the process of identifying and mapping the location of underground utilities before any excavation or drilling activity. It involves a combination of non-invasive technologies, including:

• ‍Electromagnetic (EM) Locating – Used for locating conductive materials like electrical and communication lines.
• ‍Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – Effective for identifying both metallic and non-metallic utilities (e.g., plastic water lines).

Locating services can identify known and unknown utilities, provide depth estimates, and mark utility paths with precision, often using industry-standard color coding.

How Utility Locating Enhances Phase II Soil Boring Safety and Accuracy

Incorporating utility locating into the planning phase of a Phase II ESA dramatically increases the safety and reliability of soil boring activities.

Prevents Utility Strikes

The most immediate and obvious benefit is avoiding unintentional utility strikes. By knowing exactly where underground utilities are, drill operators can plan borehole locations that steer clear of hazards. This proactive step prevents injuries, service interruptions, and the associated costs.

Protects Personnel and Equipment

Even a minor utility strike can pose a significant risk to the safety of drilling crews and nearby personnel. For example, hitting a buried electrical line could cause electrocution or fire, while damaging a pressurized water or gas main could create explosive conditions. Avoiding these scenarios keeps people and equipment safe on-site.

Ensures Regulatory Compliance

Many states have laws requiring the use of utility locating services before breaking ground. Failing to comply can result in fines or more severe penalties, particularly if an incident occurs. Incorporating utility locating demonstrates due diligence and adherence to safety protocols, which is essential for legal and insurance purposes.

Improves Sampling Accuracy

Beyond safety, knowing the exact layout of utilities helps ensure that soil borings are placed in the most geologically and environmentally relevant areas. It prevents the need to shift boring locations at the last minute due to unexpected findings underground, which could compromise data quality or delay the investigation.

Reduces Project Delays

Every unexpected encounter underground can halt operations while emergency services or utility companies are called in. By locating utilities in advance, environmental professionals can keep drilling operations on schedule and within budget, contributing to overall project efficiency.

Supports Better Risk Management

Whether working for a private developer, municipality, or industrial client, risk management is a top priority. Utility locating gives stakeholders confidence that the site is being investigated safely and responsibly. It also provides documentation that can protect consulting firms and clients in the event of future disputes.

Best Practices for Integrating Utility Locating into Phase II ESAs

To maximize the benefits of utility locating, environmental consultants should follow these best practices:

• Start early: Schedule utility locating services well before fieldwork begins. This ensures time to adjust boring locations if necessary.
• Use qualified professionals: Work with certified utility locators who use the latest equipment and adhere to the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM).
• Cross-reference with public utility data: While not foolproof, records from utility companies and existing as-builts can serve as a starting point.
• Document thoroughly: Maintain clear records of all markings, maps, and findings from the utility locating phase. Use photographs and GPS data when available.
• Communicate with drill crews: Ensure that all field personnel understand utility locations and potential hazards. Consider a safety briefing before drilling begins.
• Re-evaluate after site changes: If boring locations shift or the scope of work expands, conduct additional locating as needed.

GPRS Offers Industry-Leading Utility Locating Services

GPRS offers nationwide, precision utility locating services to help ensure the success of your environmental projects.

Utilizing state-of-the-art subsurface investigation technology such as GPR scanning and EM locating, our SIM-certified Project Managers provide you with complete and accurate data bout the built world beneath your project site, so you can excavate without the risk of costly and potentially dangerous subsurface damage.

All this data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (Patent Pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

From soil boring clearances to skyscrapers, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a preliminary, non-intrusive investigation to identify potential environmental risks or recognized environmental conditions (RECs) through records reviews, site inspections, and interviews. If RECs are identified, a Phase II ESA is conducted as a more detailed, intrusive investigation involving soil, groundwater, or air sampling to confirm and characterize contamination. While Phase I focuses on identifying potential risks, Phase II provides concrete data to guide remediation or determine the extent of contamination.

Why do I need to hire a professional utility locating company to locate and mark out all buried utilities prior to beginning an ESA?

Locating buried utilities is essential prior to a Phase I or Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to ensure the safety of field personnel and prevent damage to underground infrastructure during site activities. It minimizes the risk of striking utilities, which could result in costly repairs, project delays, or hazardous situations like gas leaks or electrical incidents. Additionally, accurate utility mapping helps guide subsurface investigations, ensuring that drilling or sampling locations are appropriately cleared and positioned for reliable environmental data collection.

Oversight of U.S. pipeline infrastructure in the oil and gas sector is experiencing significant regulatory and policy shifts that could indicate a loosening of federal regulations. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of pipeline development and operation, most recently solidifying their guidance on operational improvements and cyber security measures. A whirlwind of legal decisions, federal energy policy changes, and administrative actions have industry watchers trying to fathom the current extent of pipeline oversight.

Judicial Scrutiny and Environmental Considerations

In mid-2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued notable decisions impacting FERC's pipeline approvals. On July 30, 2024, the court vacated FERC's authorization of Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company's Regional Energy Access Expansion Project, a 36.1-mile natural gas pipeline traversing multiple states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The court determined that FERC had inadequately assessed the project's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This ruling underscores the judiciary's insistence on rigorous environmental evaluations in pipeline approvals.

Similarly, in Healthy Gulf, et al. v. FERC, the court remanded FERC's approval of Commonwealth LNG LLC’s facilities in Louisiana, citing insufficient analysis of GHG emissions and nitrogen dioxide impacts. These decisions highlight the escalating importance of comprehensive environmental assessments in the regulatory process.

Administrative Actions Indicate Major U.S. Energy Policy Shifts

The new administration's recent declaration of a national energy emergency has introduced measures aimed at bolstering fossil fuel production. Key actions include halting the Green New Deal, ending the federal mandate on electric vehicles, lifting the moratorium on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, and withdrawing from the 2012 Paris climate agreement. These initiatives are said to be designed to leverage America's substantial oil and gas resources to reduce energy costs and enhance exports.

As part of this policy shift, the administration established the National Energy Dominance Council to expedite domestic oil and gas production by reducing regulatory obstacles and promoting offshore drilling. This move aligns with efforts to reposition the U.S. as a leading energy exporter and stimulate economic growth.

FERC's Evolving Regulatory Framework

FERC has been proactive in refining its regulatory framework to enhance pipeline efficiency and reliability. In February 2025, FERC finalized Version 4.0 standards aimed at improving gas pipeline operations and strengthening cybersecurity measures. These standards, effective from February 7, 2025, require compliance filings by February 3, 2025, with full adherence expected by August 1, 2025.

Furthermore, FERC has updated its oil pipeline index methodology, allowing pipelines to adjust rates using an index system that establishes ceiling levels. The revised methodology, effective from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026, is based on the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods minus 0.21%.

Industry Challenges and Legal Disputes

The industry continues to face challenges related to pipeline operations and regulatory compliance. For instance, ExxonMobil recently contested Colonial Pipeline's proposed changes to fuel shipping terms, arguing that such modifications could disrupt the gasoline supply chain and increase costs. Colonial Pipeline, a crucial conduit for transporting fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the East Coast, asserts that these changes will enhance efficiency and capacity. FERC's decision on this dispute will have significant implications for pipeline operations and fuel distribution.

A Brave New World for Oil & Gas Pipeline Growth?

U.S. pipeline infrastructure oversight and growth through Q1 2025 demonstrates the dynamic interplay of judicial scrutiny, administrative initiatives, and regulatory adjustments. FERC's role remains central in navigating these changes, ensuring that pipeline operations align with evolving environmental standards and policy directions. As the industry adapts to these developments, stakeholders must remain vigilant and responsive to the shifting regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® to support upstream, midstream, and downstream Oil & Gas operations on a national scale. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPRS support midstream pipeline updates & expansions?

GPRS plays a crucial role in midstream pipeline updates and expansions by offering precise subsurface utility locating and as-built infrastructure mapping services. Utilizing advanced technologies such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), 3D laser scanning, and drone photogrammetry.

GPRS provides accurate data on existing underground utilities and structures. This information is vital for project planning, design, and execution, ensuring that new pipelines are integrated seamlessly with existing infrastructure while minimizing risks of utility strikes and project delays. For instance, during the expansion of a storage facility, GPRS's detailed mapping allowed engineers to identify and avoid existing utilities, facilitating a smooth and safe expansion process. By delivering up-to-date maps and models, via SiteMap®, GPRS aids midstream companies in making informed decisions, optimizing operations, and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Does GPRS provide support to upstream Oil & Gas industry operations?

Yes, GPRS supports upstream Oil and Gas industry operations by offering services that enhance exploration, drilling, and production activities.

In upstream operations, access to accurate as-built and utility infrastructure data is critical. GPRS provides detailed information about the location, condition, and specifications of both above and below-ground infrastructure and equipment. This data, securely and digitally delivered via SiteMap®, assists in construction planning, maintenance, and repair, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime due to equipment degradation or failure. For example, during the development of new drilling sites, GPRS's subsurface infrastructure surveys help identify existing utilities and potential hazards, ensuring safe and efficient drilling operations. By integrating this data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other data management systems, GPRS creates comprehensive views of a company's assets and operations, facilitating better decision-making and operational efficiency in upstream activities.

How can GPRS support downstream operations and Oil & Gas retailers?

GPRS supports downstream operations and oil and gas retailers by enhancing the safety and efficiency of refining, distribution, and retail processes. In downstream operations, accurate as-built data is essential for managing assets such as refineries, petrochemical plants, and distribution networks.

GPRS provides 99.8% accurate detailed subsurface utility locating and mapping services, which are crucial for maintenance, facility modifications, and upgrades. For instance, in petroleum refinery operations, GPRS's void identification protocols help detect potential subsurface voids that could compromise structural integrity, thereby preventing potential hazards and ensuring continuous operations. Additionally, for oil and gas retailers, GPRS' services assist in the safe installation and maintenance of underground storage tanks and fuel lines at retail outlets, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. By providing precise data on subsurface conditions, GPRS enables downstream companies to optimize their operations, reduce risks, and maintain the integrity of their infrastructure.

GPRS’ 3D laser scanning services and expertise provided unbiased data evidence for a criminal trial in Colorado.

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GPRS Project Manager Stanley Jones was tasked with a 3D laser scanning job of a property in Colorado. What may have seemed like a run of the mill 3D laser job quickly turned into something Jones had never worked on before.

The client that hired Jones for the job specializes in 3D renderings and interactive visuals for court cases across the country. Jones’ job was to scan the site lines, the “line” extending from an observer’s eye to a viewed area or object, of those involved in a crime scene in using the RTC360 laser scanner and creating a 3D point cloud of their perspectives. The highly accurate data that is gathered in a 3D point cloud helps paint a picture of the events of that day to those who didn’t experience it themselves.

The trial involved a man allegedly firing gunshots towards police at his rural home in Pine, Colorado. The defendant claimed it was in self-defense as he alleged the police didn’t make him aware that they were law enforcement. The complexity of this case meant that Jones’ scans would provide the lawyers, judge, and jury with a visual from the point of view of all parties involved. The data that Jones collected served as an important element of impartial truth of what happened that day.

After three years of executing 3D laser scans in all kinds of conditions, Jones says this is the most unique job he has been on yet. Not only had he never scanned site lines before, but the prosecutor and defense attorney were both on site that day.

“So, they had us get very specific areas scanned in to so that they could generate the actual site lines of both parties involved,” the Project Manager explained. “So yeah, [it was] super unique.”

All angles listed by the police and the defendant needed to be captured. Some angles captured included the police’s point of view as they walked up the driveway of the property and the alleged shooter’s point of view overlooking an upstairs balcony. The area was also heavily obstructed by tress, which presented an issue to investigators and was another reason these scans were so important and valuable.

“They had us go through the police report,” Jones continued. “So, then, we ended up taking scans… extra scans like from the exact points where the parties were supposedly standing.”

Despite it being an unusual job compared to Jones’ usual field work, he said that the process was still relatively the same as a standard 3D laser job.

“It's fairly standard for the most part,” Jones explained. “You know, it's basically just capture the whole area. So that was pretty run-of-the-mill… just set up the camera in enough areas to get a full 3D recreation of just the area in general.”

Once the scans had been completed, they were sent to the GPRS Mapping & Modeling team to render the 3D models. The models were completed and sent over prior to the trial. Along with being delivered in a timely manner, Jones had stated that he was told that the deliverables exceeded the client’s expectations.

The two-week trial began and ended in February of 2024 and resulted in the accused being acquitted of all charges.

The inherently unbiased nature of 3D LiDAR data can also help you with your next project by showing you what you need to see.

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What is a point cloud and why is it important?

Point cloud data is transforming the way architecture, engineering, and construction projects are planned and managed. Once the highly accurate digital measurements of the site or assets are recorded using 3D laser scanners, a 3D point cloud is produced and can be processed into other deliverables.  A point cloud is where all GPRS Project Managers begin in the world of reality capture, as-builts and scan-to-BIM. The 2-4 millimeter accurate dataset gathered during the scan can be processed by the GPRS Mapping & Modeling team and transformed 3D BIM models, 3D meshes, 2D CAD drawings, and WalkThru 3D virtual tours.

The information that a point cloud delivers is invaluable. Whether it’s a scan of a skyscraper or a crime scene, the collection of coordinates visualizes everything a client would need to see so they can pull every ounce of information from the scan as possible.

From the courthouse to a field house, to a warehouse, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® and delivers data that wouldn’t fail a polygraph test. Can you handle the truth? If so, what can we help you visualize?

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Planning a renovation project for a historical building presents unique challenges that demand meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the structure’s original design and materials.

Each architectural style is shaped by the technologies, materials, and cultural influences of its time, with distinctive elements such as decorative moldings, hand-carved details, vaulted ceilings, and innovative structural techniques that highlight exceptional craftsmanship and design.

Accurately documenting existing conditions is critical to preserving architectural integrity while ensuring modern upgrades meet safety and code requirements. 3D laser scanning is an essential tool in this process, delivering precise spatial data of complex details, structural conditions, and intricate ornamental features.

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What are the Challenges in 3D Laser Scanning a Historic Building?

Complex Architecture

Historical buildings often feature elaborate architectural details and decorative elements such as ornate moldings, domes, columns, arches, elaborate ceilings, and more that add significant cultural and historical value. 3D laser scanning can be challenging due to the complexity and size of these features.

Capturing fine architectural details requires the use of high-resolution scanning equipment and advanced scanning techniques to ensure the highest level of accuracy. 3D laser scanners can be configured with a higher point cloud density, which allows them to capture intricate features, textures, and fine details with exceptional precision. To cover every aspect of a feature, scanning is often completed from multiple angles, ensuring that no detail is missed. For tight spaces or hard-to-reach locations, handheld or portable scanners offer flexibility and better access.

For larger or more expansive structures, long-range 3D laser scanning captures data from a greater distance, effectively covering large areas such as ceilings, façades, and architectural elements. This combination captures data from both short and long distances, ensuring that all architectural details, no matter their size or complexity, are accurately documented and preserved.

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Structural Issues

Historic buildings can face various structural issues, which can lead to uneven floors, leaning or bowing walls, and even collapse.

• Settling foundations
• Bowed walls
• Damaged masonry
• Weak beams
• Subsidence
• Damaged roofs
• Inadequate supports
• Water damage

They can also contain delicate materials, such as aging wood, deteriorating stone, or fragile plasterwork, that can be easily damaged by excessive movement or handling. These locations might not have the necessary structural integrity to support heavier 3D laser scanners, making their use in these environments potentially hazardous.

Using 3D laser scanners with long-range capabilities allows the technician to scan compromised areas from a safe distance. This can capture data from a larger area, avoiding the need to enter unsafe zones while still ensuring comprehensive data collection. Also, 3D laser scanners can be carefully positioned to minimize contact with fragile surfaces, while still capturing comprehensive structural and architectural details. Additionally, uneven or unstable structures may introduce alignment issues, requiring advanced techniques to ensure accurate data collection.

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Accessibility Challenges

Many historic buildings have tight spaces, complex layouts, and restricted access to key areas, making it difficult to position scanning equipment. Historic buildings often contain narrow corridors, steep staircases, vaulted ceilings, and areas that may be concealed or hard to reach, such as attics, basements, or hidden passageways. These areas may be particularly problematic for traditional 3D laser scanning setups, as they can be too small or inaccessible for standard equipment. The irregular geometry of historic buildings further complicates scanning, as their walls, floors, and ceilings may be uneven or inconsistent.

3D laser scanning equipment can navigate tight spaces and irregular geometries, and can capture comprehensive data in hard-to-reach areas. Handheld or portable 3D laser scanners are often used to reach tight spaces and navigate complex layouts. These systems allow for more flexibility, as they can be maneuvered around obstacles and in confined areas, capturing high-resolution data without the need for large, bulky equipment.

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Fine Artwork & Artifacts

Fine artwork, artifacts, and decorative elements are valuable, irreplaceable, and often heavily insured, which creates a challenge during the 3D laser scanning process. 3D laser scanning addresses this issue by providing a non-invasive way to capture precise measurements without physically touching delicate artwork. The scanner documents intricate details from a safe distance, preventing any disturbance or damage to fragile artwork, artifacts, and decorative elements.

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Poor Lighting

Poor lighting can reduce the accuracy of 3D laser scans, especially in dark areas like historic buildings or basements. Without enough light, the laser may not reflect properly, causing shadowing or incomplete point clouds, which can cause gaps or distortion in the final 3D model.

To overcome poor lighting, experts use external lighting or scanners designed for low-light conditions with sensitive sensors. The scanning team adjusts equipment positions and takes multiple scans from different angles to cover shadowed areas. Post-processing software is then used to clean and correct the data, ensuring accurate point clouds.

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Time Constraints

Historical buildings are often open to the public or located in high-traffic areas, which can disrupt the 3D scanning process, making it difficult to capture accurate data without interfering with visitors or ongoing work. The presence of crowds, noise, and the movement of people makes it difficult to capture accurate data without interference.

To address this, scanning is typically done after hours or in carefully planned phases, minimizing disruptions and ensuring that the scanning process does not interfere with public access or restoration efforts. Portable scanning equipment may also be used to minimize setup time and reduce the impact on the site, enabling efficient and precise data collection with minimal disruption. For example, the Leica RTC360 is a high-precision 3D laser scanner weighing 12 pounds and capturing 2 million data points per second for the rapid and efficient scanning of complex environments.

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Regulatory and Legal Issues

3D laser scanning protected heritage sites may involve complex regulatory requirements and permissions, which can delay the scanning process and add extra layers of coordination and compliance.

To overcome this, experts work closely with local authorities and conservation bodies to ensure all necessary approvals are obtained and regulations are followed, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant scanning process.

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What Are Common Renovation Projects for Historical Buildings?

Renovating a historical building requires careful planning to preserve its cultural and architectural value while updating it for modern use.

Common renovation projects for historical buildings include:

• Structural Reinforcement: Strengthening the foundation, walls, and roof to ensure the building’s stability, especially if it has suffered from wear, water damage, or natural disasters.
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• Restoration of Decorative Features: Repairing or replicating intricate architectural details like carvings, moldings, or stained glass to restore the building’s original beauty.
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• Modernizing Utilities: Updating plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to meet modern safety standards.
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• Energy Efficiency Improvements: Installing energy-efficient windows, insulation, and heating/cooling systems to reduce energy consumption without compromising the building’s historic appearance.
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• Preserving and Repairing Façades: Cleaning, restoring, and repairing the building’s exterior, including masonry, woodwork, or metal features, to preserve its original look and prevent further deterioration.
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• Interior Renovation: Redesigning interior spaces for modern use while retaining key historical elements like original floors, ceilings, and walls. This may include adding contemporary lighting, or reconfiguring spaces for new functions.
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• Accessibility Upgrades: Installing ramps, elevators, or other accessibility features to meet modern standards, making the building more accessible.
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• Fire Protection and Safety Compliance: Installing modern fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and safety features to bring the building up to code.
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• Adaptive Reuse: Repurposing the building for a new function, such as converting a former office building into mixed-use housing.

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Preserving History with Precision: How GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Supports Historic Building Restoration

GPRS is a leading provider of 3D laser scanning services, helping clients to complete architecture, engineering and construction projects with accurate as built documentation.

GPRS delivers critical data that helps preserve historical buildings, guides accurate restoration, and supports efficient, cost-effective renovation processes while maintaining the building's historical integrity.

• Precise Documentation: 3D laser scanning captures the exact dimensions and geometry of a building, creating a digital, high-resolution point cloud. This delivers a precise record of the building’s current state, including intricate architectural details such as moldings, carvings, and decorative elements, ensuring that no aspect is overlooked during renovation.
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• Accurate Measurements for Restoration: The data collected by the scanner allows for precise measurements of the structure, helping architects and engineers to design and implement restoration plans with exact specifications. This minimizes errors and ensures that restoration work aligns with the original design.
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• Preservation of Architectural Features: 3D scanning allows for the detailed capture of delicate and intricate architectural features that need to be preserved, such as ornamental moldings, stained glass, or carvings. The scan data can be used to replicate these features if necessary, ensuring they are accurately restored or replaced without damaging the original elements.
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• Virtual Design and Construction: With the data from 3D laser scanning, a detailed digital model of the building can be created. This model can be used for virtual design and construction, allowing planners to test different renovation approaches and assess the impact on the building before any physical work is done. This helps avoid mistakes and minimizes disruption to the structure.
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• Structural Analysis: 3D scans can identify areas of the building that may require structural reinforcement, such as weakened walls or foundations. The data helps engineers to analyze the structural integrity of the building and plan for necessary interventions without compromising the building’s historic character.
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• Integrating Modern Systems: 3D laser scanning facilitates the integration of modern systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) into historical buildings by providing accurate data on available space, dimensions, and the positioning of existing equipment and structures. This ensures that renovations are both functional and respectful of the building’s original design.
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• Reducing Time and Cost: Traditional measurement methods can be time-consuming and prone to human error. 3D laser scanning speeds up the documentation and planning phase, reducing labor costs and time while ensuring that renovation work is based on precise data.
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• Accessing Hard-to-Reach Areas: 3D laser scanning can access and accurately capture details in hard-to-reach areas, such as high ceilings, narrow passageways, or hidden corners, where manual measurements would be challenging or unsafe.
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Why Choose GPRS 3D Laser Scanning? The GPRS Difference.

Every GPRS Project Manager completes an extensive training program to ensure their competence in laser scanning equipment and field knowledge to provide the best possible results for every project.

We use industry-leading Leica survey-grade laser scanners to capture comprehensive point cloud data. The data captured is complete, clean, accurate, and well filtered with low range noise. Point clouds deliver powerful and dynamic information for a project. By representing spatial data as a collection of x, y, and z coordinates, point clouds deliver large datasets that can be mined for information.

The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team transforms point clouds into 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D meshes, TruViews, and virtual tours of the highest quality standards.

Partnering with GPRS delivers you accurate point cloud data, drawings, and models to expedite project planning and reduce change orders, delays, and costs.

What can we help you visualize?

When it comes to real estate transactions, land development, and environmental risk management, thorough due diligence is essential.  

One key aspect of environmental due diligence is the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). This investigation helps stakeholders—such as property buyers, lenders, developers, and regulatory agencies—determine whether a property is contaminated and what potential environmental liabilities may exist.

Phase II ESAs are conducted after a Phase I ESA indicates the potential for contamination. Unlike Phase I, which is a non-intrusive review of historical records, site inspections, and interviews, a Phase II ESA involves actual sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of hazardous substances.  

What is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase II ESA is a detailed environmental investigation designed to determine whether hazardous substances or petroleum products exist at a site in concentrations that could pose a risk to human health or the environment. The assessment typically involves soil, groundwater, and sometimes air sampling, with laboratory analysis providing definitive data regarding contamination.

Key Components of a Phase II ESA:

• ‍Soil Sampling: Soil borings are collected from different depths to assess potential contamination levels.
• ‍Groundwater Sampling: Monitoring wells are installed to check for contaminants in the groundwater.
• Surface Water and Sediment Testing: If applicable, surface water bodies near the site may also be tested.
• Soil Vapor Intrusion Assessment: In some cases, an assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil vapor is conducted to evaluate indoor air quality risks.
• ‍Laboratory Analysis: Samples are sent to certified laboratories for chemical analysis to detect substances such as heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and other hazardous substances.

The results from these tests help determine whether contamination is present at levels exceeding regulatory thresholds and if remediation or further action is necessary.

When is a Phase II ESA Needed?

A Phase II ESA is typically recommended or required when a Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). RECs indicate the potential presence of hazardous substances due to past or current site activities. Several scenarios commonly trigger the need for a Phase II ESA:

• Real Estate Transactions: Buyers, sellers, and lenders often require a Phase II ESA to understand potential environmental liabilities before a property sale. Lenders may require this assessment to protect their financial interests.
• Regulatory Compliance: Government agencies may mandate a Phase II ESA if a site is suspected of contamination based on historical use (e.g., former gas stations, dry cleaners, or industrial sites).
• Brownfield Redevelopment: Properties that are being repurposed for residential, commercial, or industrial use may need a Phase II ESA to assess contamination risks and qualify for cleanup grants or incentives.
• Lender and Investor Requirements: Financial institutions and investors may require a Phase II ESA to evaluate the environmental risks associated with a property before approving funding.
• Property Development and Land Use Changes: When redeveloping a site for a different use (e.g., converting industrial land into residential housing), regulatory authorities may require environmental testing to ensure compliance with zoning and safety standards.

How a Phase II ESA is Conducted

The process of conducting a Phase II ESA follows industry standards such as those established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1903-19. The steps generally include:

1. Scope Definition: Environmental consultants review the Phase I ESA findings and determine the necessary scope of investigation, including the number and type of samples required.
2. Field Investigation: Geologists, environmental scientists, and engineers collect soil, groundwater, and air samples using specialized equipment.
3. Laboratory Testing: Samples are analyzed for contaminants based on site history and suspected pollutants.
4. Data Interpretation: The results are compared to regulatory standards to assess risk levels.
5. Reporting and Recommendations: A detailed report is prepared outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations for remediation (if necessary).

Implications of Phase II ESA Findings

The results of a Phase II ESA can have significant implications for property owners, buyers, developers, and lenders. If contamination is found, it may lead to:

• Additional site investigations (Phase III ESA) to delineate the extent of contamination
• Regulatory involvement, including reporting to environmental agencies
• Remediation efforts, such as soil excavation, groundwater treatment, or vapor mitigation systems
• Potential impacts on property value and financing options

How GPRS Supports the Environmental Sector

As a trusted leader in damage prevention within the environmental sector, GPRS provides dependable results from the initial investigation through delineation, remediation, and project completion.  

With a nationwide network of Project Managers, we are prepared to mobilize quickly for projects across the United States. Utilizing state-of-the-art ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners, electromagnetic (EM) locators, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes, acoustic leak detection and leak noise correlators, and more, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your environmental projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a preliminary, non-intrusive investigation to identify potential environmental risks or recognized environmental conditions (RECs) through records reviews, site inspections, and interviews. If RECs are identified, a Phase II ESA is conducted as a more detailed, intrusive investigation involving soil, groundwater, or air sampling to confirm and characterize contamination. While Phase I focuses on identifying potential risks, Phase II provides concrete data to guide remediation or determine the extent of contamination.

Why do I need to hire a professional utility locating company to locate and mark out all buried utilities prior to beginning an ESA?

Locating buried utilities is essential prior to a Phase I or Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to ensure the safety of field personnel and prevent damage to underground infrastructure during site activities. It minimizes the risk of striking utilities, which could result in costly repairs, project delays, or hazardous situations like gas leaks or electrical incidents. Additionally, accurate utility mapping helps guide subsurface investigations, ensuring that drilling or sampling locations are appropriately cleared and positioned for reliable environmental data collection.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) play a critical role in various industries, particularly in storing petroleum products and hazardous substances.  

But when these tanks deteriorate, leak, or are improperly managed, they pose significant environmental and health risks.  

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) are a primary concern for property owners, developers, and environmental regulators due to their potential to contaminate soil and groundwater.

What are Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)?

USTs are tanks and associated piping buried underground to store petroleum or other hazardous substances. They are commonly found at gas stations, industrial facilities, commercial properties, and government installations. USTs must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent leaks and ensure environmental safety.

Key Components of UST Systems:

• Tanks: The primary storage vessel, typically made from steel, fiberglass, or composite materials.
• Piping Systems: Transport fuel from the tank to dispensing units.
• Leak Detection Systems: Monitors and alarms that detect fuel leakage.
• Cathodic Protection: A method used to prevent corrosion in metal tanks.
• Overfill Protection: Systems that prevent spills during fuel transfer.

While modern USTs are built to high safety standards, older tanks—especially those installed before stringent regulations—are susceptible to corrosion, structural failure, and leaks.

What are Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)?

LUSTs occur when underground tanks develop cracks, rust, or fail due to mechanical or structural issues. These leaks can release hazardous substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater, leading to significant environmental contamination.

Causes of LUSTs

• Corrosion: Older steel tanks are prone to rust, leading to leaks.
• Structural Failure: Pressure changes and environmental stressors can cause tank deterioration.
• Improper Installation: Poor installation techniques may contribute to early failure.
• Accidental Damage: Construction and excavation activities can rupture tanks or piping.
• Neglected Maintenance: Lack of routine inspection and repair increases the risk of leaks.

Environmental and Health Risks of LUSTs

Leaking USTs pose severe environmental and public health risks, including:

• Soil Contamination: Hazardous substances seep into the ground, affecting plant life and ecosystems.
• Groundwater Pollution: Contaminants such as benzene, toluene, and MTBE can enter underground water supplies, making them unsafe for consumption.
• Air Quality Issues: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fuel leaks can evaporate and pose inhalation hazards.
• Fire and Explosion Hazards: Underground fuel leaks can create flammable vapor pockets.
• Legal and Financial Liabilities: Property owners may face regulatory penalties, lawsuits, and costly cleanup operations.

Regulatory Framework for USTs and LUSTs

In the United States, USTs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The regulations establish leak prevention, detection, and corrective action requirements.

Key regulatory requirements include:

• Tank Registration and Monitoring: All USTs must be registered, and owners must implement leak detection systems.
• Operator Training and Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance are mandatory.
• Corrective Action for Contaminated Sites: Cleanup efforts must follow EPA and state guidelines to remediate environmental damage.
• Closure and Removal Requirements: If an UST is no longer in use, it must be properly decommissioned or removed.

Detection and Remediation of LUST Sites

When a LUST is suspected, environmental consultants conduct site assessments to determine the extent of contamination. The remediation process typically involves:

1. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): Identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) based on historical and visual site inspections.
2. Phase II ESA: Includes soil, groundwater, and air sampling to confirm contamination.
3. Site Remediation: Depending on contamination severity, cleanup methods may include:
   1. Soil Excavation and Disposal: Removing contaminated soil.
   2. Groundwater Treatment: Pumping and treating contaminated water.
   3. Vapor Intrusion Mitigation: Installing vapor barriers to prevent indoor air contamination.
   4. Bioremediation: Using natural bacteria to break down contaminants.

How GPRS Expedites LUST Detection and Remediation

GPRS’ nationwide team of SIM-certified Project Managers utilize industry-leading technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating to assist with the detection and remediation of LUST sites.

Our precision utility locating and NASSCO-certified Video Pipe Inspection services ensure that all proposed locations for soil borings, groundwater monitoring wells, and soil vapor pins are clear of underground obstructions before drilling. GPS mapping of these utility findings and sample locations is included with every project.

If contamination of soil, groundwater, or soil gas is detected above cleanup thresholds, further investigation may be required to confirm there are no exposure pathways or to address remediation needs. With detailed maps from the initial investigation, GPRS can efficiently locate prior sample sites, conduct utility restakes, and assess whether nearby utilities could serve as contamination migration pathways.

GPRS is the trusted leader in damage prevention for the environmental sector. Our project managers provide support from the initial investigation through delineation and remediation to project completion. With a nationwide network of Project Managers, we are ready to mobilize to projects anywhere in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct utility locating?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use.  

GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.  

Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct a sewer pipe inspection?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our Video Pipe Inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. GPRS Project Managers not only inspect the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes – they can also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.

A massive settlement in a workplace accident case in Hawaii led to renewed calls for increased safety in construction – and highlighted the potential financial consequences of failing to keep workers safe.

Local news station KHON2 reported on the $6.6 million settlement won by a construction worker left paralyzed from a workplace accident. The worker – identified only as Mr. Chen – fell 12 feet from the roof of a construction site in Honolulu, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

As part of the settlement, the contractor Mr. Chen was working for was not named.  

The Chen family reportedly spent four years working to get compensation for Mr. Chen’s injury which the family’s attorney, Jeremy O’Steen, says could have been prevented with better safety training.

The attorney and the family are also urging all work sites to review their safety policies and for workers to know their rights.

“If you don’t already have formal policies and protocols in place for safety in the workplace, then you need to take the time and effort to make sure that you can put the right policies and protocols in place to prevent workplace injuries like this,” O’Steen told KHON2. “If you already have workplace policies and protocols, just as a start, find one thing tomorrow that you can change or modify about your policies to make the workplace safer. Beyond that, it’s all about enforcement. If you don’t have the appropriate enforcement or supervision those policies are as good as not having them at all.”

Mr. Chen’s 29-year-old daughter, Kara, told the news station that her father’s accident has impacted the entire family, emotionally, physically, and financially. Chen said she, her mother, and brother can only work part time because they each take turns caring for her father, who is unable to walk on his own.

“My dad is currently recovering okay, but every day he has a lot of pain on his body. So he’s not very emotionally very stable,” said Chen through an interpreter. “So we take turns to stay at home taking care of him. We have to cook for him and take care of him. For my mom, my dad, if he needs to use the bathroom at night or take a shower, he will need someone to assist him.”

O’Steen’s law firm, Miyashita and O’Steen, is donating $50,000 to the non-profit organization, Hawaii Workers Center. The center was established four years ago to be a resource for workers, especially where English is a second language.

The construction industry has long been one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S. – and falls such as the one that paralyzed Mr. Chen are perennially among the most lethal hazards in the sector.

There were 1,075 construction-related fatalities in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Slips, trips & falls accounted for 421 fatalities, or 39.2% of all deaths in the industry, with most fatal falls occurring from heights between 6 and 30 feet. Portable ladders and stairs were the leading sources of 109 slips, trips & falls deaths.

At GPRS, our entire team is committed to your safety and the safety of your job site so that you and your team can go home at the end of the day. Safety is always on our radar, which is why we are proud sponsors of Construction Safety Week.

From May 5-9, 2025, our team members will visit job sites across the country to share best practices for a variety of workplace-related safety topics, including fall protection, confined spaces, heat stroke, and mental health. The focus of these safety meetings is on how each individual can make their space a safe space to work.

Together, we can reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on your job site.

Click here to schedule your Construction Safety Week presentation today.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical tool used to evaluate potential environmental contamination on a given property.

These assessments play a vital role in real estate transactions, financing, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that buyers, lenders, and developers are informed about environmental risks associated with a site. Understanding the purpose, process, and implications of a Phase I ESA can help stakeholders make informed decisions and mitigate potential liabilities.

What Is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase I ESA is a systematic study conducted to assess whether a property has any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that may pose a risk of contamination.

These assessments are performed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527-21, which provides guidelines for evaluating historical and current property uses, regulatory compliance, and potential environmental hazards.

A Phase I ESA does not involve physical sampling or testing of soil, water, or air. Instead, it is a research-based assessment that relies on records review, site inspections, and interviews to determine if further investigation (such as a Phase II ESA) is necessary.

Purpose and Importance of a Phase I ESA

The primary purpose of a Phase I ESA is due diligence – identifying potential environmental risks before a property transaction takes place. Key reasons for conducting a Phase I ESA include:

• Liability Protection: Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), property owners can be held responsible for contamination, even if they did not cause it. A Phase I ESA provides liability protections under the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) rule when conducted properly.
• Risk Management: By identifying potential environmental hazards early, buyers and investors can make informed decisions, negotiate property prices, or require remediation before completing a purchase.
• Lender Requirements: Many banks and financial institutions require a Phase I ESA before approving loans for commercial real estate transactions. Lenders seek to minimize their exposure to environmental liabilities that could impact property value.
• Regulatory Compliance: Developers and business owners must ensure that a property complies with environmental regulations before beginning operations or development projects.

The Phase I ESA Process

The Phase I ESA process follows a structured approach that includes the following key components:

1. Records Review

A thorough examination of historical and regulatory records is conducted to determine past uses of the property and surrounding areas. This step involves reviewing:

• Aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, and historical city directories
• State and federal environmental databases for recorded spills, leaks, or hazardous waste management activities
• Previous environmental reports and permits associated with the site
• Land use records, zoning maps, and local building permits

2. Site Inspection

A visual inspection of the property is performed to identify any potential environmental concerns. This includes:

• Observing current land use and operations
• Identifying storage tanks, chemical storage areas, and evidence of contamination (e.g., stained soil, unusual odors, or disturbed vegetation)
• Inspecting adjacent properties for potential off-site contamination sources

3. Interviews

Interviews with property owners, tenants, local government officials, and other knowledgeable parties provide additional context about past and present site conditions. These discussions help identify unrecorded environmental concerns or past incidents that may not be reflected in official records.

4. Report Preparation

Upon completing the research, site inspection, and interviews, the environmental professional compiles findings into a formal Phase I ESA report. The report typically includes:

• A summary of the property's historical and current conditions
• Identification of recognized environmental conditions (RECs), if any
• Recommendations for further investigation (such as a Phase II ESA, if necessary)
• Supporting documentation, including maps, photographs, and reference materials

Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)

A crucial outcome of a Phase I ESA is the identification of recognized environmental conditions (RECs). RECs indicate the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products due to past or current activities. RECs can be classified into:

• Historical RECs (HRECs): Contamination issues that were previously identified and remediated to meet regulatory standards, posing no current risk.
• Controlled RECs (CRECs): Past contamination that has been addressed but still requires ongoing restrictions, such as land use limitations or engineering controls.
• Environmental Concerns: Conditions that do not meet the full definition of a REC but still raise environmental questions.

What Happens If RECs Are Identified?

If a Phase I ESA identifies RECs, the next steps may involve:

• Conducting a Phase II ESA, which includes soil, groundwater, or air sampling to confirm contamination levels
• Remediation or mitigation efforts, such as soil excavation, groundwater treatment, or vapor intrusion mitigation
• Legal and financial considerations, including negotiating liability agreements, obtaining environmental insurance, or applying for regulatory closure

Who Conducts a Phase I ESA?

Phase I ESAs must be conducted by qualified environmental professionals who meet the ASTM-defined qualifications, including:

• A relevant science or engineering degree and sufficient experience in environmental site assessments
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations
• Expertise in conducting site inspections, reviewing historical records, and identifying potential contaminants

When Is a Phase I ESA Required?

While not always legally required, Phase I ESAs are commonly performed in the following scenarios:

• Commercial Real Estate Transactions: Buyers, sellers, and lenders require an ESA to assess potential environmental risks before closing a deal.
• Property Development Projects: Developers assess environmental conditions before construction to avoid costly delays or regulatory issues.
• Refinancing and Loan Applications: Banks and financial institutions require ESAs as part of their risk assessment for commercial property loans.
• Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions: Companies acquiring industrial or commercial properties conduct due diligence to identify environmental liabilities.

How GPRS Supports the Environmental Sector

As a trusted leader in damage prevention within the environmental sector, GPRS provides dependable results from the initial investigation through delineation, remediation, and project completion.

With a nationwide network of Project Managers, we are prepared to mobilize quickly for projects across the United States. Utilizing state-of-the-art ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners, electromagnetic (EM) locators, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes, acoustic leak detection and leak noise correlators, and more, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your environmental projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a preliminary, non-intrusive investigation to identify potential environmental risks or recognized environmental conditions (RECs) through records reviews, site inspections, and interviews. If RECs are identified, a Phase II ESA is conducted as a more detailed, intrusive investigation involving soil, groundwater, or air sampling to confirm and characterize contamination. While Phase I focuses on identifying potential risks, Phase II provides concrete data to guide remediation or determine the extent of contamination.

Why do I need to hire a professional utility locating company to locate and mark out all buried utilities prior to beginning an ESA?

Locating buried utilities is essential prior to a Phase I or Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to ensure the safety of field personnel and prevent damage to underground infrastructure during site activities. It minimizes the risk of striking utilities, which could result in costly repairs, project delays, or hazardous situations like gas leaks or electrical incidents. Additionally, accurate utility mapping helps guide subsurface investigations, ensuring that drilling or sampling locations are appropriately cleared and positioned for reliable environmental data collection.

Poly-use design is a little-known alternative term for what is commonly known in the U.S. and most of Europe as Mixed-Use Design. Poly-use at its root means multi-use, and the phrase has been popularized in China and throughout Asia by champions of mixed-use spaces.

The most famous of these poly-use spaces is called “Poly Pazhou.” Located in Guangzhou Province in China, the Poly Pazhou Complex, also called Poly Pazhou C2 for its dizzying 1,020 ft. tall second tower, is notable for the Skidmore, Owings & Merrill-designed Poly Skyline Plaza, which was landscaped by SWA to create a flow between the 65-story skyscraper and the gentle curvature of the nearby Pearl River.

Mixed-use design often incorporates interior and exterior features, whether it’s matching a building’s envelope to blend with existing architecture or geography, or creating urban greenspaces like walking paths or courtyard-like parks for residents’ use. In the post-Covid world, mixed-use spaces are gaining popularity and importance as property owners look to give vacant office space new life.

What is the definition of Poly-Use or Mixed-Use Design?

Mixed-use properties aim to provide a mix of residential, cultural, commercial, institutional, or entertainment spaces within a single building or development. Key features often include pedestrian-friendly environments, green spaces, restaurants, and nightclubs above, below, or alongside of residences, generally either apartments or condominiums.

Some examples of mixed-use properties in the U.S. include:

Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles, California: A 73-story skyscraper combining a hotel, offices, retail spaces, and an observatory.

181 Fremont in San Francisco, California: An 802.5-foot tower housing offices and luxury condominiums.

CityCenterDC in Washington, D.C.: A 10-acre development featuring condominiums, apartments, offices, a luxury hotel, retail spaces, and a public park.  

CODA in Atlanta, Georgia: A 21-story building that includes offices, a high-performance computing center, retail spaces, and a food hall.

Spring District in Bellevue, Washington: A 36-acre neighborhood encompassing residential units, office spaces, retail areas, and educational facilities.

Re-Imagining Urban Skyscrapers: Where Mixed-Use Design & Adaptive Reuse Meet

Perhaps nowhere in the United States is embracing the blend of mixed-use and adaptive reuse like New York City, and with good reason. According to commercial real estate industry watchers like Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., the skyscraper commercial vacancy rate remains high (between 17% and 25%, depending on location), and is still climbing in most sectors, even with rents remaining virtually unchanged since the end of 2021.

As early as Q3, 2023, Moody’s predicted the continuing increase in national skyscraper vacancy rates, calling the demand “crippled.” Further, their data shows that the larger the building, the more likely it is to remain vacant.

Within its overall trend analysis, Rosenberg & Estis projects that “The market anticipates a strong leasing pipeline and potential new construction in the latter half of 2024, along with potential conversions or repositioning of older properties.”

Conversions and repositioning are exactly what poly-use, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse are all about.

The most recent high-profile adaptive reuse building is the just-completed 25 Water Street building, now known as SOMA, designed by CentraRuddy. While not a mixed-use project as such, it is to date, the largest adaptive reuse project completed in the United States – turning the old Daily News/JP Morgan Chase building into more than 1,300 residential units and interior recreation and outdoor greenspaces. 330 units of the new residential space are allocated for the city’s Affordable Housing Program, with rents starting at $932 per month for a studio apartment.

There are a large number of projects that have either been completed or are well underway in New York that incorporate both mixed-use and adaptive reuse design:

The Flatiron Building:

This iconic building is undergoing an adaptive reuse project to convert it into a mixed-use development featuring luxury condominiums and commercial space.

The High Line Hotel:

This hotel was originally a dormitory for The General Theological Seminary.

180 Water Street:

An office building in the Financial District transformed into a mixed-use residential and retail space.

One Wall Street:

A historic office building in the Financial District converted into a luxury residential tower.

Grand Millennium:

A four-story office building in Lincoln Square converted into a mixed-use residential/hotel tower.

The High Line:

A former New York Central Railroad spur transformed into a park, greenway, and rail trail.

Brooklyn Developmental Center Mixed-Use Project:

A proposed project to redevelop an approximately 27-acre site in East New York, Brooklyn, with affordable and supportive housing, commercial space, community facilities, light manufacturing uses, and open space.

20 Massachusetts Avenue:

A repurposed seven-story office building turned mixed-use destination, including a hotel, office space, retail, and dining.

5-7 Front Street in DUMBO:

Originally an office building, now repurposed for commercial and residential use.

Important Planning Steps for Mixed-Use and Adaptive Reuse Development

For most industry-watchers, permitting, tax breaks, and design take center stage on these projects. If you’re the developer, architect, engineer, or general contractor, however, your successful execution of the job relies on the accuracy of the site data you start with. Whether that is capturing millimeter-accurate aboveground measurements of the existing and surrounding structures, coring and cutting clearances for post-tensioned concrete, or detailed, comprehensive underground utility surveys and maps, the quality of your data determines the quality of your build.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers throughout the U.S., providing a suite of infrastructure visualization, existing conditions documentation, damage prevention, and project & facility management solutions to help you plan, manage and build better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPRS find underground utilities, especially in complex and dense urban spaces?

GPRS employs advanced technologies to accurately locate and map underground utilities in intricate urban environments. Utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR), GPRS transmits high-frequency radar pulses into the ground, detecting reflections from subsurface structures, including non-metallic utilities like PVC pipes, although they may require additional complementary technologies to confirm. This non-invasive method provides real-time imaging of the subsurface, essential in congested areas where traditional methods may be ineffective. Additionally, GPRS integrates electromagnetic (EM) locators to detect signals from conductive materials, such as metal pipe, or map underground pipes using a sonde whose transmitter can be traced by the EM locator. By combining GPR and EM technologies, GPRS achieves a comprehensive and precise mapping of underground utilities, ensuring safety and efficiency in urban construction projects.

How can GPRS claim 99.8% accuracy for concrete scanning & utility locating?

GPRS' 99.8% accuracy in concrete scanning and utility locating can be attributed to a combination of advanced technology, rigorous training, and standardized methodologies. All GPRS Project Managers are certified in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), an industry-leading training program that encompasses extensive field and classroom instruction. This ensures consistent, high-quality results across all projects. The integration of state-of-the-art equipment, such as GPR and EM locators, further enhances detection capabilities. This meticulous approach allows us to deliver reliable, precise, and standardized subsurface data, minimizing risks and project delays.

What is the Green Box Guarantee?

The Green Box Guarantee is GPRS's commitment to ensuring safety and reliability during concrete cutting, coring, or drilling operations. When a GPRS Project Manager designates a "Green Box" on a concrete layout, it signifies that the marked area is free of obstructions such as rebar, post tension cables, or electrical conduits. If any obstruction is encountered within this designated area, GPRS pledges to cover the material cost of the damage. This guarantee underscores GPRS's confidence in our 99.8% accuracy rate and dedication to client safety, efficiency, cost savings, and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.