Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a structured process used to identify, map, and characterize existing utilities to reduce project risk. It combines records research, surface geophysics, surveying, and selective daylighting to provide reliable utility information early in design, when it has the greatest impact on cost, schedule, and safety.

Underground utilities are one of the largest sources of design uncertainty. A properly scoped SUE investigation:

• Reduces unexpected conflicts during construction
• Improves design accuracy and constructability
• Minimizes change orders, delays, and claims
• Enhances worker and public safety

SUE is most effective when completed early, before key design decisions are finalized.

Every project is different. We start by understanding:

• What the project involves and what is being built
• The true limits of work, including tie‑ins and off‑corridor connections
• Project risks, constraints, and priorities
• Schedule, budget, and client standards

This allows us to tailor the investigation, so the data collected directly supports decision‑making.

While projects have defined limits, utilities outside those limits often influence design, such as sewer inverts, service connections, hydrants, pedestals, or signal infrastructure. We help identify where investigation beyond the formal limits is necessary to avoid missing critical information.

SUE data is classified by Quality Levels (QL) in accordance with the ASCE 38-22 standard, which establishes a nationally recognized framework for defining the reliability of utility information:

• QL‑D: Records research
• QL‑C: Surface feature correlation and survey
• QL‑B: Geophysical investigation
• QL‑A: Test holes/daylighting for precise depth, size, and location

Most projects use a combination of levels, typically QL‑B for most utilities, QL‑C for sewers, and targeted QL‑A where precision is required for design or conflict resolution.

Depending on project needs, we can identify:

• Underground utilities (water, sanitary, storm, gas, power, telecom)
• Aerial utilities
• Private services and laterals
• Related features such as valves, manholes, vaults, and pedestals

The scope is driven by potential conflicts and overall project risk.

We select methods based on site conditions, utility types, and required data quality. Techniques may include:

• Electromagnetic locating
• Ground‑penetrating radar (GPR)
• Records review and utility owner data
• Survey integration
• Vacuum excavation (daylighting)

Our goal is to collect the right information using the most effective and least disruptive methods available, not just data for data’s sake.

SUE data is collected using the same coordinate system and survey control as the project’s topographic survey. We also review base files to ensure they reflect current site conditions, allowing the utility data to align seamlessly with the design environment.

Yes. We address permit and traffic control requirements early to support safe fieldwork and prevent schedule delays, helping keep investigations efficient and projects moving.

Deliverables are tailored to project and client standards and may include:

• AutoCAD or MicroStation drawings
• 2D or 3D utility models
• Quality Level attribution
• Supporting reports and documentation

For 3D design projects, SUE data can be delivered in 3D to support clash detection and constructability reviews.

SUE investigations involve records collection from third‑party utility owners, permitting, fieldwork, and drafting. Even smaller investigations can possibly take several weeks, which is why early scoping and scheduling are critical to project success.

Yes. Utility Coordination is a natural extension of SUE and helps carry utility information forward into design and construction. Our coordination services include:

• Identifying affected utility owners
• Facilitating coordination meetings
• Tracking conflicts, relocations, and responsibilities
• Aligning utility work with project schedules and phasing

This ensures utility issues are actively managed rather than discovered late.

Yes. We provide utility design services to support both new and existing infrastructure, including:

• Utility relocation and protection design
• New utility layouts and connections
• Conflict avoidance strategies
• Coordination with utility owners and approving authorities

By combining SUE, coordination, and design, we help deliver fully informed and constructible solutions.

Pricing can be structured using:

• Lump sum
• Unit rates
• Hourly or time‑and‑materials
• Hybrid approaches

We work with clients to select a pricing strategy that provides the best value while aligning with project risk and uncertainty.

Absolutely. If a project requires specific CAD standards, file formats, or reporting requirements, those are incorporated into the investigation from the outset to ensure consistency across the project.