industry insights

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.

What can we help you visualize?

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.

What can we help you visualize?

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.

The Anderson Dam tunnel project recently reached a major milestone that highlights the capabilities of micro-tunnel boring.

In late 2024, Vally Water finished the final segment of a 1,736-foot tunnel adjacent to the Santa Clara County, California dam, which is the largest of the 10 Santa Clara Valley Water District reservoirs. According to an Underground Infrastructure article highlighting the completion of the tunnel, the agency is edging ever closer to its goal of enhancing water release capabilities in emergencies.

A specialized micro-tunnel boring machine (MTBM) was used to complete the final 347 feet of the tunnel. According to Underground Infrastructure, crews maneuvered this device 30 feet beneath the reservoir’s surface. Once it had completed its work, divers and construction teams carefully removed the machine from the tunnel’s endpoint using a large crane.

Micro-tunnel boring, also known as microboring, microtunneling, or micro-drilling, is an advanced construction technique used to create small-diameter tunnels or boreholes with high precision. It is widely applied in utility installations, geotechnical investigations, and trenchless construction projects.

As urban areas become increasingly congested and the demand for minimally invasive infrastructure solutions grows, microboring has emerged as a crucial method for reducing surface disruptions while ensuring the efficient installation of underground systems.

What is Micro-tunnel boring?

Micro-tunnel boring is a specialized form of boring that creates tunnels or boreholes with diameters typically ranging from a few inches to several feet. Unlike traditional boring methods, micro-tunnel boring employs remote-controlled drilling machines that operate with extreme precision. The process minimizes the need for large excavation sites, making it ideal for urban environments and sensitive ecosystems.

The technique is used in a variety of industries, including civil engineering, oil and gas, telecommunications, and water management. Depending on the project’s requirements, different types of microboring machines may be employed, such as MTBMs, directional drills, or auger boring systems.

Advantages of Micro-tunnel boring

Micro-tunnel boring offers numerous benefits over traditional excavation and tunneling methods, particularly in situations where minimizing surface disruption is essential.

Minimal Surface Disruption

One of the most significant advantages of micro-tunnel boring is its ability to install underground infrastructure with minimal impact on the surface. This makes it especially valuable in urban environments, where conventional excavation methods would cause significant disruptions to roads, sidewalks, and buildings.

Precision and Accuracy

Micro-tunnel boring systems are equipped with advanced guidance and control systems that allow for precise placement of underground utilities. This reduces the risk of accidental damage to existing infrastructure, such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical conduits.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Traditional open-cut trenching methods can cause extensive environmental disruption, including soil displacement, deforestation, and damage to water bodies. Micro-tunnel boring minimizes these impacts by requiring fewer entry and exit points, preserving the surrounding environment.

Cost Efficiency in Certain Applications

While the initial setup cost for micro-tunnel boring can be high, it often proves to be cost-effective in the long run by reducing labor costs, minimizing delays caused by traffic rerouting, and decreasing restoration expenses for roads and landscapes.

Increased Safety

By eliminating the need for deep excavation, micro-tunnel boring enhances worker safety. Trench collapses, falling debris, and exposure to hazardous underground conditions are significantly reduced, making microboring a safer alternative to traditional excavation methods.

Drawbacks of Micro-tunnel boring

Despite its numerous advantages, microboring is not without its challenges. Here are some of the primary drawbacks associated with this technique:

High Initial Cost

Micro-tunnel boring requires specialized equipment and skilled operators, which can lead to higher initial costs compared to traditional trenching methods. Small-scale projects may find it difficult to justify the expense of microboring.

Complex Planning and Setup

Successful micro-tunnel boring operations require detailed planning, including soil analysis, underground utility mapping, and equipment calibration. Any miscalculations or unforeseen subsurface conditions can cause delays and cost overruns.

Limited Diameter Capabilities

While micro-tunnel boring is excellent for small to medium-sized tunnels, it is not suitable for large-scale tunneling projects. For projects requiring tunnels larger than a few meters in diameter, traditional tunnel boring machines (TBMs) or conventional excavation techniques are more appropriate.

Challenging in Unstable Soil Conditions

Micro-tunnel boring can be difficult in unstable or highly variable soil conditions. Loose sands, high groundwater levels, and mixed soil strata can complicate the process and require additional stabilization measures, increasing costs and project timelines.

Applications of Micro-Tunnel Boring in Construction

Micro-tunnel boring is widely used across various sectors of the construction industry. Its ability to create precise underground passages with minimal surface disruption makes it ideal for a range of applications.

Utility Installations

Micro-tunnel boring is frequently used to install underground utilities such as water and sewer lines, electrical conduits, fiber optic cables, and gas pipelines. The method allows utilities to be placed beneath roads, railways, and waterways without requiring disruptive open-cut trenches.

Trenchless Sewer and Water Line Rehabilitation

Aging sewer and water lines often require rehabilitation or replacement. Micro-tunnel boring allows for the installation of new pipelines within or adjacent to existing infrastructure without causing significant surface disruption. This is particularly beneficial in densely populated urban areas where traditional excavation would be impractical.

Geotechnical Investigations

Before undertaking major construction projects, engineers must assess subsurface conditions. Micro-tunnel boring is commonly used to collect soil and rock samples for geotechnical analysis, helping construction teams design foundations, retaining walls, and other structural components based on accurate subsurface data.

Drainage and Stormwater Management

Efficient stormwater drainage systems are essential for preventing flooding and erosion. Micro-tunnel boring facilitates the installation of underground drainage pipes, culverts, and stormwater management systems in areas where open excavation would be too disruptive or costly.

Microtunneling for Transportation Infrastructure

Micro-tunnel boring is used in transportation infrastructure projects, such as the installation of underground conduits beneath highways, airports, and railways. This allows for the expansion and maintenance of critical infrastructure without causing major traffic disruptions.

Industrial Applications

In industrial settings, micro-tunnel boring is used to install pipelines for transporting chemicals, oil, and gas. The technique is especially valuable in environments where surface disruptions could interfere with ongoing operations or pose safety hazards.

The Future of Micro-Tunnel Boring

As construction technology continues to advance, micro-tunnel boring is expected to become even more precise, cost-effective, and adaptable to a wider range of conditions. Innovations such as real-time soil monitoring, automated guidance systems, and improved drilling materials will further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of micro-tunnel boring operations.

With urbanization on the rise and the increasing need for sustainable infrastructure solutions, micro-tunnel boring will play a crucial role in shaping the cities of the future. Its ability to install essential underground utilities with minimal disruption makes it an indispensable tool for modern infrastructure development.

How GPRS Helps Ensure the Safety of Your Micro-Tunnel Boring Project

Even minimal surface disruption creates a risk of damaging existing subsurface infrastructure. While MTBMs are extremely precise and come equipped with technology designed to help them avoid buried utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs) and other subsurface obstructions, the only way to truly eliminate this risk is to hire a professional utility locating company like GPRS to provide you with complete and accurate data about the built world beneath your project site.

Our specially trained Project Managers utilize the latest subsurface investigation technology, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners; electromagnetic (EM) locators, and CCTV camera-equipped sewer inspection crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes.

We visualize what you can’t see, giving you the data you need to avoid creating costly and potentially dangerous subsurface damage.

All this data is always at your fingertips thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS project & facility management application that provides you with accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

Securely accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® allows you and your team to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better by serving as a single source of truth for the data you need to get the job done right.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, 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

Does GPRS offer lateral launch services?

Yes, we offer lateral launch services as part of our standard Video Pipe Inspection service.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

GPRS locates and marks all utilities for you, using a variety of tools and markers to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs) and whatever else may be hiding below your job site.

The modernization of healthcare facilities is a complex and resource-intensive process that requires precise planning, meticulous coordination, and efficient allocation of resources.

As healthcare institutions strive to upgrade their infrastructure, digital tools such as SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, play a crucial role in streamlining budget planning and decision-making.

SiteMap^® provides comprehensive insights into existing conditions documentation, utility mapping, and facilities management, enabling stakeholders to make informed financial and operational choices.

The Role of Digital Infrastructure in Healthcare Modernization

Healthcare facilities are continuously evolving to meet the growing demands of patients, staff, and regulatory bodies.

This evolution necessitates improvements in building structures, medical equipment, and technological capabilities. However, achieving modernization within a defined budget presents significant challenges, including unforeseen expenses, inefficient resource allocation, and compliance with stringent healthcare regulations.

SiteMap^® addresses these challenges by offering accurate, field-verified infrastructure visualization capabilities that can be the bedrock of your budget planning. SiteMap^® consolidates various aspects of infrastructure management, including accurate buried utility mapping and aboveground existing conditions documentation, ensuring that financial resources are optimally utilized for modernization efforts.

Existing Conditions Documentation: Laying the Foundation for Cost Estimates

Accurate documentation of existing conditions is a fundamental step in budget planning for healthcare modernization. Understanding the current state of a facility allows decision-makers to identify necessary upgrades, anticipate potential obstacles, and allocate funds appropriately. SiteMap^® excels in this domain by providing:

• Comprehensive Digital Records: SiteMap^® captures detailed information about structural layouts, electrical and mechanical systems, and other essential components of healthcare facilities.
• 3D Mapping and Visualization: By leveraging the high-resolution imaging and point-cloud data collected by GPRS Project Managers conducting 3D laser scanning services, SiteMap® offers interactive 3D models that enhance spatial awareness and facilitate cost estimation.

With precise existing conditions documentation, healthcare administrators can make data-driven decisions that optimize their budget and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

Utility Mapping: Preventing Costly Surprises

Modernizing healthcare facilities often involves extensive renovations, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC system upgrades. One of the most significant risks associated with such projects is the uncertainty surrounding underground and in-wall utilities. Misidentifying utility placements can lead to expensive delays, safety hazards, and budget overruns.

SiteMap’s advanced utility mapping features mitigate these risks by:

• Reducing Construction Errors: By providing precise locations of existing utilities, SiteMap^® minimizes accidental damages that could result in costly repairs.
• Enhancing Compliance and Safety: Healthcare facilities must adhere to strict regulations regarding utility systems. SiteMap^® helps ensure compliance by delivering accurate, up-to-date mapping that aligns with industry standards.

By incorporating utility mapping into budget planning, healthcare institutions can avoid unexpected financial setbacks and keep their modernization projects on track.

Facilities Management: Streamlining Budget Allocation and Long-Term Planning

Effective facilities management is crucial for optimizing healthcare modernization efforts while maintaining financial sustainability. Digital tools like SiteMap^® play a pivotal role in streamlining facilities management by offering features that improve budgeting, maintenance scheduling, and resource allocation.

Optimizing Maintenance and Lifecycle Costs

A well-maintained facility experiences fewer unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs. SiteMap^® assists in budget planning for facilities management by:

• Tracking Asset Conditions: Accurate infrastructure data assists with real-time monitoring of building systems, medical equipment, and infrastructure components, allowing administrators to plan maintenance budgets more accurately.
• Reducing Downtime and Service Disruptions: Proper planning ensures that necessary maintenance occurs without disrupting critical healthcare operations.

Efficient Space and Resource Utilization

Healthcare facilities often need to reconfigure spaces to accommodate new technologies, patient flow, or regulatory changes. SiteMap^® enhances budget planning by:

• Optimizing Space Allocation: The tool helps administrators evaluate space utilization and identify opportunities for cost-effective restructuring.
• Enhancing Energy Efficiency: SiteMap’s analysis of utility usage can guide investment in energy-saving measures, reducing long-term operational costs.
• Supporting Compliance with Healthcare Regulations: Many modernization projects involve adhering to updated codes and safety standards. SiteMap® simplifies the process by maintaining digital records that facilitate compliance audits.

By integrating SiteMap^® into their planning processes, healthcare facilities can enhance cost-efficiency, improve project outcomes, and ultimately create better environments for patients and staff.

Click below to schedule your live, personal SiteMap^® demo today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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 our 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 Access as a GPRS customer.

Click here to learn more.

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap^® allows for data portability, so you can export data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user who either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user. More information can be found at SiteMap.com.

GPRS helped eliminate surprises for a longtime client looking to remodel a distribution warehouse.

GPRS Project Manager David Castro utilized our Video Pipe Inspection service to inspect and map the interior sewer system for the 100,000-square-foot facility in Northern California. GPRS then conducted 3D laser scans of the warehouse with a Matterport Pro 3 scanner, to create a detailed CAD drawing, 3D model, and virtual tour of the building for planning and design purposes.

Castro explained that this client regularly purchases and renovates facilities like this one, and they utilize GPRS’ comprehensive suite of infrastructure visualization services to show them what they can’t see and eliminate surprises, allowing them to stay on time, on budget, and safe while remodeling their properties.

“[With VPI,] we’ll get the condition of the pipes, we’ll map out the layout for them just so they have all that information for their design purposes,” Castro said. “They just want to know what they’re walking into, so they don’t walk into any unexpected expenses or problems.”

How Does VPI Work?

Video Pipe Inspections are at the core of GPRS’ industry-leading sewer locating services, which also include smoke testing and dye tracing.

During a VPI, our NASSCO-certified Project Managers inspect your sewer or stormwater system using remote-controlled crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes that are equipped with CCTV cameras and sondes: instrument probes that allow us to track their location from the surface using electromagnetic (EM) locators.

With this technology, our Project Managers can inspect and map your sewer systems at the same time, and provide you with a detailed, NASSCO-compliant WinCan report that lists all identified defects – geolocated and ranked by severity – and provides photo and video evidence of our findings.

VPIs allow GPRS clients to identify problems within their sewer systems such as cross bores, clogs, and inflow/infiltration, and then expedites repairs to these issues by providing accurate data on where the defect is located and its severity.

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What is Matterport?

The Matterport Pro 3 scanner allows our Project Managers to scan indoor and outdoor static environments and produces a full-color digital twin at a 10m range within 20mm accuracy.

With this 3D laser scanner, GPRS’ in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can create point clouds, 3D models, virtual tours, and 4K HDR photos. GPRS uses this tool to provide accurate as-built visualizations of a project site, incorporating utility locating, concrete scanning, VPI, and leak detection services for a complete solution.

What We Found at the Distribution Warehouse

Castro’s inspection of the distribution warehouse’s sewer system revealed that some debris had seemed to have been intentionally shoved into some of the building’s cleanouts, but otherwise found no other issues.

“For the most part, the sewer system was actually fairly new, and it looked to be in good condition,” he said.

But this was an exception to the rule.

“Most of the time when we do these jobs for new building owners, they always have a story of ‘Hey man, we just bought this other property on the other side of town, and maybe a month after we bought it, we had all these backup issues with the sewer,’” Castro said. “So, that’s exactly why we do this. It’s just so that they have an idea of what the existing condition looks like and if they need to be concerned about anything, if they need to plan for replacements or repairs or anything like that.”

Both the sewer inspection data, and the CAD drawing, 3D model, and WalkThru 3D virtual tour created with the Matterport data will help our client with their planned renovations to the warehouse, including the addition of new bathrooms.

“Obviously with that project, they kind of need to know where the existing mainline is running through the building and then the depth,” Castro said. “So that way, they know what elevations they need to hit and all of that. Without us being there, they would have no idea where the sewer system is, or where to tie in. Their engineers would have no idea how to draw that plan up to get it to spec.”

From sewer lines 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 size sewer pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers can inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

What deliverables does GPRS offer our sewer pipe inspection clients?

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.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is highly complex virtual model that is the exact counterpart (or twin) of a physical object. GPRS uses 3D laser scanners to collect real-time data for a building or facility and create a digital duplicate. Data can be easily visualized, measured and analyzed. Digital twins can be used to improve efficiencies, optimize workflows and detect problems before they occur.

A power generation plant in Sandwich, Massachusetts, believed they had a leaking utility line on their property.

But they didn’t know where the leak was – or what exactly was leaking.

Plant officials detected evidence of the leaking utility with a thermal imaging camera, however, this was not enough data to pinpoint the source. The problem was that the leaking line was encased in what was most likely a concrete or asbestos-lined pipe. along with an unknown number of other utilities, which had all been buried two-to-three feet below ground for over 40 years. Two steel support pillars had been constructed on top of the utilities’ location at some point in the intervening years.

The only way to access this pipe full of utilities to figure out which one was leaking was to conduct utility potholing: exploratory excavation to find a buried utility. But this would be especially dangerous in this situation, given the types of utilities at play.

“[This utility tunnel] has liquid gas, fuel oil, cooled water, a little bit of everything,” explained GPRS Project Manager Stephen Layon. “They have a suspected leak because they took a thermal gun and saw the radiant heat coming out of the tunnel, and they also wanted to know, when they’re digging down, if there are any utilities popping out of this tunnel because they’ve used it to kind of hitchhike through the site without having to dig a really huge trench.”

Layon utilized a ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanner and electromagnetic (EM) locator to investigate the site of the suspected leak.  

GPR scanners emit radio signals into the ground or a surface such as concrete, then detect the interactions between these signals and any buried or embedded objects like sewer pipes, electrical conduit, rebar, or post tension cable.

These interactions are displayed in a GPR readout as a series of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape depending on the type of material detected. GPRS Project Managers are specially trained to interpret this data to tell you what was located and provide you with an estimated depth for the object.

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

Utilizing both his GPR unit and EM locator, Layon was able to locate the buried pipe full of utilities and pinpoint the location of the leak that the on-site personnel had detected with the thermal imaging gun.

“I located the tunnel, located the utilities around it,” he said. “Fortunately, the data was great. I could see down six-to-seven feet. I did see something that looked like a void… the data quality decreased from six-to-seven feet down to about one-to-two feet [in] the same area where the thermal camera indicated there was a leak…”

While utility potholing is a good method of locating utility lines during construction or repairs, it is time consuming, expensive, and not without risk – especially when you’re dealing with utilities such as gas or electrical conduit. The data Layon provided to the power generation plant mitigated the need for potholing, ensuring they only needed to dig once to find and repair the leaking utility line.

And Layon went above and beyond the original scope of work by also locating and mapping the expansion joints along the buried utility pipe.  

In addition to marking out these findings on the ground with spray paint, Layon also logged all the data he collected into SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application. With this tool, the facility’s staff will have 24/7, secure access to the data Layon collected on site, allowing them to not only plan a repair for the leak, but also any future O&M at or around the buried utilities.

Whether you need to locate utilities for an emergency repair or are looking to understand what’s underground before you begin a new construction project, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GPRS provide their clients who request utility locates?

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.

Does ground penetrating radar detect PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

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, including electromagnetic (EM) locating.

March Madness is all about precision, strategy, and execution – just like facility management. Teams that make deep tournament runs rely on accurate scouting reports, efficient game plans, and seamless teamwork. The same principles apply when managing facilities, whether planning renovations, maintaining critical infrastructure, or optimizing space.

Without accurate data, even the best-laid plans can collapse under pressure. That’s where 3D laser scanning becomes a game-changer, providing precise as-built documentation that facility managers, general contractors, and subcontractors need to stay ahead of the competition.

Scouting the Competition: Why Accurate Data Matters

Just as coaches analyze their opponents before a big game, facility managers need reliable building documentation to make informed decisions. Relying on outdated blueprints is like running a full-court press with a team that isn’t conditioned – it leads to costly mistakes, wasted time, and operational setbacks.

Williams College, for example, initially selected Existing Conditions, a GPRS company, to scan a single building. Recognizing the value, the college expanded the project into a comprehensive campus-wide survey covering over four million square feet. The highly accurate 3D laser scan data provided a foundation for renovations, space planning, and long-term facility management strategies.
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Similarly, Suffield Academy worked with Existing Conditions and Centerbrook Architects to survey eight buildings, including athletic and performing arts facilities. The result? 3D Revit floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, exterior elevations, and roof plans – critical tools for their facility management team.

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Game Plan: The Role of 3D Laser Scanning

A successful offense starts with strong fundamentals. In facility management, 3D laser scanning provides a foundation for planning, renovations, and maintenance by capturing millions of precise data points.

• Technology Advantage: Our Leica RTC360 scanner captures and processes two million points per second with 2-4 mm accuracy.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Instead of relying on outdated floor plans, facility managers get real-time, reliable as-built documentation to avoid errors and unexpected     obstacles.

Key Strategies for Facility Management Success

1. Accuracy Wins Championships

A buzzer-beater only counts if it’s precise – just like measurements in facility management. Even small miscalculations can lead to costly errors. 3D laser scanning ensures:
- High-precision data capture
- Optimized workflows
- Minimized costly rework

2. Speed and Efficiency: Beating the Shot Clock

Just like teams must execute plays before the shot clock expires, facility managers work under tight deadlines. Traditional measuring methods take too long and introduce human error. 3D laser scanning:
- Reduces data collection time from weeks to hours
- Minimizes disruptions to building occupants
- Delivers rapid, reliable insights

3. Teamwork and Coordination: A Strong Assist Game

Great basketball teams thrive on communication and collaboration. Facility managers, architects, engineers, and contractors need to be on the same page. Accurate as-built documentation ensures:
- Unified data for all stakeholders
- Reduced miscommunication between teams
- Improved coordination for seamless project execution

4. Risk Mitigation: Avoiding Costly Turnovers

A turnover in the final seconds can cost a team the game, just like unexpected structural surprises can derail a facility project. With 3D laser scanning, facility managers can:
- Identify potential clashes between new and existing infrastructure
- Detect structural issues before construction begins
- Reduce costly change orders and scheduling delays

5. Smart Budgeting: Maximizing Cap Space

Championship teams manage their salary cap wisely – just as facility managers must control costs while ensuring efficiency. 3D laser scanning helps:
- Reduce rework and material waste
- Optimize space utilization
- Streamline maintenance and asset management

6. Future-Proofing Facilities: Planning for Next Season

Winning programs don’t just focus on the current season – they recruit and develop for the future. Facility managers must do the same by ensuring buildings are adaptable for future needs. 3D laser scanning enables:
- Digital twin creation for long-term facility planning
- Sustainability initiatives by reducing unnecessary renovations
- Lifecycle management for long-term cost savings

Building Your Facility Management Bracket: How to Get Started

Step 1: Assess Your Facility’s Needs
Identify areas where precise as-built documentation is most critical:
- Aging buildings with missing or inaccurate documentation
- Spaces undergoing renovations or expansions
- Critical infrastructure requiring accurate records

Step 2: Choose the Right Technology Partner
Not all 3D laser scanning providers have championship-caliber expertise. Work with experienced professionals who specialize in as-built documentation to ensure reliable, high-quality results.

Step 3: Implement Data-Driven Decision-Making
Once you have accurate building data, use it to your advantage:
- Plan preventive maintenance more effectively
- Share as-built models with architects and contractors for seamless execution
- Integrate data into SiteMap® for centralized access

SiteMap^®: The Playbook for Facility Management

Just as elite teams rely on detailed scouting reports and analytics, facility managers need a centralized system to manage their data.

SiteMap^®, GPRS’ proprietary project management platform, provides:
- Real-time access to building data for all stakeholders
- Improved collaboration across facility management, architecture, and engineering teams
- Efficient decision-making with centralized, cloud-based storage

Its interactive interface ensures that every project – from small facility upgrades to full-scale renovations – stays on track without the risk of miscommunication or data loss.

Final Buzzer: Elevate Your Facility Management Game

Winning in March Madness requires preparation, teamwork, and execution – the same strategies that drive successful facility management.

By leveraging 3D laser scanning, facility managers gain a competitive edge, ensuring buildings are accurately documented, efficiently managed, and ready for future challenges. Start Intelligently Visualizing The Built World® with GPRS and take your facility management game to championship levels.

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What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should a P&ID be interpreted within the AEC industry?

A P&ID must be analyzed with a detailed understanding of its standardized symbols, which represent piping, valves, instrumentation, and system components. These diagrams provide critical insights into process flow, control mechanisms, and interconnectivity. Engineering teams rely on precise interpretation to make informed design, maintenance, and operational decisions, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Can 3D laser scanning generate a complete P&ID?

While 3D laser scanning does not directly create a P&ID, it provides highly accurate as-built conditions that serve as the foundation for developing a Process Flow Diagram (PFD). Engineering expertise is then applied to integrate instrumentation and operational elements, ensuring that the final P&ID reflects the facility's true layout and functionality.

What advantages does 3D laser scanning offer for P&ID accuracy?

3D laser scanning delivers highly accurate data, eliminating the risks associated with manual measurement errors and outdated documentation. By capturing as-built conditions in a digital format, it ensures that P&IDs remain accurate, reducing discrepancies and enhancing efficiency in system design, modification, and compliance audits.

How does P&ID integration with BIM and CAD platforms improve project outcomes?

Seamless integration of P&IDs with CAD and BIM workflows allows engineering teams to work with real-world data, optimizing design accuracy, clash detection, and project coordination. This integration enhances collaboration across disciplines, minimizes rework, and accelerates decision-making processes in construction and facility management.

Why is maintaining up-to-date P&IDs essential for facility management?

Accurate and current P&IDs are critical for ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient system modifications. As facilities undergo changes, integrating 3D laser scanning enables continuous updates to P&IDs, providing a reliable reference for maintenance planning, system troubleshooting, and risk mitigation.

SiteMap^® utility mapping data assisted a GPRS Project Manager in providing emergency leak detection services and minimizing construction downtime at a post office in Oxnard, California.

GPRS Project Manager Rolando Medina responded to the building where construction was halted, and water shut off due to the leak.

“The building didn’t have any water because the only [shut-off] valve was at the backflow preventer, which was three to four feet from the meter,” he explained.

This was the second water leak to occur around this same construction project at the post office. Because the water lines only sit two to three feet below ground, they were likely cracking as heavy vehicles rolled over top.

Leaking water lines cause non-revenue water (NRW) loss, soil erosion, contamination of drinking water, and other problems that can endanger a community and cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.

To prevent this from happening in Oxnard, Medina deployed acoustic leak detection to quickly locate the leaking water line and pinpoint the leak.

Acoustic leak detection is among the oldest and most commonly employed techniques for locating leaks in buried water pipes. It operates on the principle that pressurized water escaping from a pipe generates a characteristic sound. These leak noises travel through the pipe material and the surrounding soil, where they can be identified using specialized tools.

When conducting acoustic leak detection, GPRS Project Managers use sensitive listening devices, such as ground microphones or acoustic sensors, to detect the sound of water escaping from a pipe. These devices can pick up the vibrations and noises caused by the leak, even when they are not audible to the human ear.

The detected sounds are analyzed to distinguish between typical background noise and specific frequencies associated with leaks. Factors such as the type of pipe material, soil conditions, and the size of the leak can affect the sound’s characteristics.

By moving the sensors along the pipeline and comparing the intensity and frequency of the sounds, GPRS Project Managers can estimate the leak’s location with a high degree of accuracy, eliminating the need for destructive potholing.

Medina was able to add an additional layer of accuracy thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

During the first leak investigation at the post office the Project Manager had located and mapped not only the leaking water line, but the rest of the buried infrastructure in its vicinity. This protected these other utilities from being damaged as repairs were made to fix the leak.

All GPRS clients receive complimentary SiteMap^® Personal access when they hire us to complete a utility locate. This means the accurate, field-verified data is at your fingertips 24/7, from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. And it’s there for future contractors and subcontractors to use during their work, a permanent, single source of truth to help your entire team plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

Medina was able to reference this SiteMap^® data to identify a two-inch PVC water line running through the area where water was surfacing. This allowed him to narrow his search path while investigating for the second leaking water line, reducing time on site and expediting the repair process.

“Using our SiteMap^® platform not only are we able to see where the subsurface utilities are running, but we can also keep track of leak and other pertinent information to help facilities maintain accurate information,” Medina said.

With Medina’s help the leaking water line was soon excavated and repaired, water service to the post office was restored, and construction could resume.

From pinpointing leaking water lines, to visualizing entire skyscrapers in 3D modeling software, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles of pipe can GPRS test in one day?

Our Project Managers can test up to 10 miles of pipe a day on a metallic system (cast iron/ductile) and a contact point (hydrant/valve) per minute.

Why do professional leak detection companies like GPRS often work in the early hours of the morning?

Our acoustic listening equipment is highly sensitive and amplifies leaks and other noises which mask leak signals during the day. If we work in city environments, there is often a significant amount of ambient noise. This noise includes airplanes, traffic, mowers, machinery, and most importantly, people using water. It is up to the Leak Detector to determine if night work should be utilized to minimize all other noise to focus on the leak signal.

Can GPRS determine the size of a located leak?

After analyzing thousands of previous leaks detected, we asked clients to send us pictures of the remediation. This information has helped us compare our final leak signal detected with the results of the actual leak. We determine the size of the leak by how far the leak signal travels between contact points and the pitch of the tone received. However, we do not produce formal leak estimations.

Why don’t I see any water at the location where you’ve pinpointed the leak?

Water finds the path of least resistance. Water can run through cracks in subsurface rock or make its way into storm, sanitary, and conduit piping. If the subsurface contains a high volume of sand, it will naturally flow farther down. There is no water visible on the surface in more than 99% of the leaks we locate.

GPRS was called out to a prison to provide utility mapping services – after a contractor had hit a 15,000-volt electrical line while trenching.

The contractor was trenching to install a new power duct. While existing as-built documents indicated there was an electrical line in the project area, the location of that line was off by about 20 feet, which resulted in the contractor striking the utility while excavating.

When Project Manager Jacob Hardy arrived on site, he saw with his own two eyes the damage caused by the utility strike, which actually fused the sand around the excavation into a glass-like rock called fulgurite.

“The previous contractor who had been there before, they were just going off of as-builts instead of calling a private utility locator,” Hardy said. “So now I think [the prison] is just requiring their new contractors coming in to call [us].”

Historical as-built documentation is rarely an accurate reflection of the infrastructure below your feet. It’s more of an “as-intended” look at how utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs) and other objects were supposed to be arranged. But natural obstacles, pre-existing infrastructure, and other factors often require last-minute modifications that aren’t noted in the plans.

As evidenced by what happened at the correctional facility, relying on existing as-built documentation when breaking ground can result in costly and potentially dangerous damage to underground utilities. According to research conducted for GPRS in 2021 by the consulting firm, Finch, the average cost to repair a single utility strike is approximately $56,000. That number doesn’t consider the additional consequences of damaging utilities that keep a secure facility like a prison operational.

Your first step when planning to excavate is to follow the law and call your local 811 center to obtain the approximate location of registered utilities in your project area.

But because not all utility companies are registered with 811, you should also hire a professional utility locating company like GPRS to provide you with accurate, complete utility locating information before you put a shovel or bucket in the ground.

At the prison, Hardy used an electromagnetic (EM) locator and ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanner to map the electrical line and all other buried utilities in the project area.

EM locators detect the 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 and communications transmissions.

GPR units emit radio waves into the ground or a concrete surface, then detect the interactions between those waves and any buried objects. These interactions are displayed in a readout as a series of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape depending on the type of object located. GPRS Project Managers are specially trained to interpret this data to provide accurate utility locating information, including the approximate depth of the buried object.

By utilizing both EM locating and GPR scanning, Hardy was able to locate and map the buried utilities running through the project area. And to help ensure the prison doesn’t suffer any future utility strikes related to those lines, this data was uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ proprietary project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect both assets and people.

All GPRS clients receive complimentary SiteMap^® Personal access when they hire GPRS to conduct a utility locate. This means that they have 24/7, secure access to the critical infrastructure they need to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

Whether it’s a prison’s electrical system, or a skyscraper’s post-tension cable layout, 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 do I receive when I hire GPRS to conduct a utility locate?

Our Project Managers mark and highlight our findings directly on the surface, ensuring the most precise communication when excavation is set to begin within days.  

Additionally, GPRS utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) to capture data points of our findings. This data allows us to create plans, KMZ files, satellite overlays, or CAD files, preserving results for future reference. Please note that GPRS does not offer land surveying services. If land surveying is required, we recommend consulting a licensed professional.  

Contact us to explore pricing and marking options tailored to your project needs.

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

Yes, GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. And when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal for GPR, our Project Managers are trained to use complimentary technologies like electromagnetic (EM) locating to compensate.

GPRS conducts CCTV drainage surveys to identify issues that could affect your drain system’s ability to properly function.

CCTV drainage surveys are part of our comprehensive suite of sewer and stormwater system inspection services. They’re the fastest and best way to completely assess the conditions of drains and sewers, including the main sewer line and lateral pipelines.

GPRS’ NASSCO-certified Project Managers pinpoint the exact location of blockages and other defects, then provide you with detailed WinCan reporting that lists these issues by severity and identifies them with both video and photographic evidence so you have a complete picture of the problem and can plan repairs accordingly.

How Drainage Surveys Work

GPRS Project Managers use state-of-the-art, remote-controlled crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes that are equipped with HD digital cameras and sondes: instrument probes that are detectable from the surface using electromagnetic (EM) locators and allow for mapping of buried sewer systems while they are being inspected for defects.

The Project Manager will run their crawler or scope through the drain system, inspecting it for defects such as clogs, inflow/infiltration, and cross bores. These issues will be geolocated, so you know exactly where you need to dig and can avoid costly and destructive exploratory potholing.

When Should CCTV Drainage Surveys Be Conducted?

If you own or manage an apartment complex, condominiums, commercial properties, or any other type of facility, drainage surveys should be added as an annual, preventative maintenance item to prevent blockages and backups.

Municipalities should also consider annual drainage surveys, and homeowners can also have their drain inspected to identify potential problems.

Drainage surveys can also identify the cause of issues like repeated and long periods of flooding in roadways, and to ensure the proper design and installation of new drainage system sewers, including the main line and lateral pipelines.

Why Can’t I Rent or Buy Drainage Survey Equipment Myself?

You can, but a standard CCTV drainage survey system can cost upwards of $1,000 a day to rent, and $70,000 to purchase. Then you need to know how to operate that equipment; one-day video pipe inspection training courses cost around $400 per person, and a single, two-day certification course through the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) costs upwards of $925 depending on what type of training you require for your project.

Instead, you can hire a professional drainage survey company like GPRS to assess your system quickly and accurately – and at a fraction of what you’ll spend to rent or buy the equipment yourself. Please contact us to learn more about pricing.

SiteMap^® Takes Drainage Surveys to the Next Level

Even accurate infrastructure data can’t help you get the job done right if you aren’t able to access that information when and where you need it.

That’s why GPRS introduced SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

SiteMap^® takes all the accurate, field-verified data collected on your site by our Project Managers and puts it in one single source of truth, securely accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

That means not only our CCTV drainage surveys, but also 99.8% accurate utility locating and concrete imaging, pinpoint-accurate leak detection, 2-4mm accurate 3D laser scanning, and in-house mapping & modeling services are always at you and your team’s fingertips. You’ll eliminate the miscommunications that lead to costly and potentially dangerous mistakes, and plan, design, dig, manage, and ultimately build better.

From sewer pipes to skyscrapers, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers can inspect pipes upwards of 2” in diameter.

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting CCTV drain surveys and other sewer pipe inspection services?

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.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (DOE) has extended the public comment period on three potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) through April 15, 2025. This extension underscores DOE's commitment to comprehensive public engagement and regulatory transparency as it moves forward with its phased designation process. The NIETC program’s goal is the modernization the U.S. electrical grid to address transmission inadequacies and to advance key national interests such as grid reliability, cost efficiency, and energy access.

Purpose of NIETCs

NIETCs are designated areas where transmission infrastructure inadequacies negatively impact electricity consumers and national energy priorities. The DOE has the authority to designate these corridors under Section 216 of the Federal Power Act, allowing for federal intervention in transmission planning and permitting when necessary.

The primary objectives of NIETCs include:

• Enhancing Grid Reliability: Addressing bottlenecks and improving the resiliency of the power grid to withstand demand fluctuations and extreme weather events

• Reducing Consumer Costs: Lowering electricity prices by enabling more efficient energy distribution and reducing congestion-related costs

• Supporting Renewable Energy Integration: Facilitating the expansion of renewable energy sources by improving transmission capacity from generation sites to consumption area

• Strengthening Energy Security: Reducing vulnerabilities in the energy supply chain by diversifying and strengthening transmission pathways

Explaining the Phases of the NIETC Designation Process

DOE has established a four-phase process for identifying and designating NIETCs. Phases one and two (preliminary identification and data collection & refinement) are completed. The current phase – Phase 3 – is public and governmental engagement. Upon the completion of phase 3, final designations will be made.

Here’s a brief breakdown of DOE’s phased process:

1. Phase 1: Preliminary Identification

• DOE conducts an initial analysis using transmission congestion studies, grid reliability assessments, and energy market data to identify potential areas for NIETC designation.

2. Phase 2: Data Collection and Refinement

• Additional technical analysis and consultations with stakeholders, state regulators, and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) refine the scope of potential NIETCs. DOE gathers input on economic, environmental, and social considerations.

3. Phase 3: Public and Governmental Engagement (Current Phase)

• This phase includes extensive public comment periods, environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and governmental consultations to refine geographic boundaries and evaluate potential impacts.

4. Phase 4: Final Designation

• DOE publishes final NIETC designation reports, incorporating findings from previous phases and public input. Official designation enables streamlined permitting processes and potential federal support for transmission projects.

Potential NIETCs in Phase 3

Three corridors have advanced to Phase 3, signaling their potential for final NIETC designation. These corridors were selected based on DOE’s analysis of grid needs and national energy priorities.

‍

• Lake Erie-Canada Corridor
  
   
  • Covers portions of Lake Erie and Pennsylvania
   
  • Addresses transmission constraints affecting electricity imports and exports between the U.S. and Canada.
   
  • Enhances reliability and cost-efficiency in regional energy markets
 
• Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor
  
   
  • Includes parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and a small portion of western Oklahoma
   
  • Strengthens interconnections between regional grids, supporting the integration of renewable energy from the Southwest
   
  • Reduces congestion and enhances system resilience against extreme weather events
 
• Tribal     Energy Access Corridor
  
   
  • Covers central portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and five Tribal Reservations
   
  • Aims to improve energy access for Tribal communities by facilitating grid expansion and connection to broader electricity markets
   
  • Supports economic development and sovereignty by enabling greater utilization of local energy resource

What Are the Benefits of NIETCs?

Designating NIETCs offers several long-term benefits for the power industry, consumers, and policymakers:

• Improved Infrastructure Investment: Federal designation encourages private and public investment in transmission projects, expediting development timelines

• Enhanced Market Efficiency: Optimized transmission networks lead to reduced congestion costs and improved electricity market functionality

• Climate and Environmental Gains: Strengthened grid infrastructure supports the transition to renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions

• Regulatory Coordination: Federal oversight streamlines multi-jurisdictional permitting and regulatory approval processes, mitigating delays in transmission development

Reasons for Public Comment Extension

The DOE has extended the public comment period to ensure comprehensive stakeholder participation and a more thorough evaluation of the potential NIETCs. The extension serves several key purposes:

• Refining Geographic Boundaries: Stakeholder input will help DOE determine the most effective boundaries for each NIETC to maximize grid improvements and minimize environmental impacts and social disruptions

• Assessing Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts: The extended period allows for a more detailed review of potential impacts under NEPA and other federal regulations

• Developing Tailored Public Engagement Plans: The DOE wants to craft customized engagement strategies for affected communities, state agencies, and industry stakeholders to address concerns and incorporate feedback

• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Additional time allows for a more rigorous assessment of legal and procedural requirements, reducing risks of litigation or project delays

Next Steps

Following the close of the public comment period on April 15, 2025, DOE will:

• Analyze public and governmental feedback to refine NIETC proposals

• Determine necessary environmental review obligations in Winter and Spring 2025

• Conduct detailed environmental impact assessments as required

• Publish draft designation reports and environmental documents for additional public review

The expansion of NIETCs is a crucial step in modernizing the U.S. transmission network, enhancing energy reliability, and facilitating the transition to a cleaner, more efficient power grid. By extending the public comment period, DOE ensures a more inclusive and rigorous process that balances technical feasibility, environmental responsibility, and stakeholder interests. As the power industry continues to evolve, NIETC designations will play a vital role in shaping the future of national energy infrastructure.

GPRS works closely with the power industry to give them the information they need by showing them what lies beneath, so they can upgrade, modernize, and expand their operations with fewer accidents, delays, and cost overruns. That’s what we call Intelligently Visualizing The Built World®.

What can we help you visualize?