Excavation Permits
General Instructions
- Utility Maintenance Manager, Facility Services, (578-3186) is primary University Contact Person for excavation permits.
- The excavator shall protect the Marks.
- Trench shall be free of water, muck, and foreign objects prior to back filling.
- Back fill to 95% compaction in six (6) inch lifts using a suitable material free of grass, roots, and other debris.
- Applicant shall be responsible for barricades, flagging, etc… around excavation.
- Applicant shall be responsible for backing, fine grading and dressing area. Area shall be left in as close to original condition as possible.
- Trench over four (4) feet deep must be shored, sloped, braced or otherwise supported.
- Trenches under four (4) feet deep must be effectively protected when hazardous ground movement may be expected.
- Employee shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- No person shall be permitted under loads handled by power shovels, derricks, or hoists.
- Walkways or sidewalks shall be kept clear of all excavated material and no sidewalk shall be undermined.
- All OSHA standards shall be followed.
- Failure to comply with these conditions may result in fines and/or ceasing of construction.
Utility
- Applicant must contact Louisiana One-Call at 1-(800) 272-3020.
- Hand digging shall be performed in the vicinity of all buried utility lines.
- New utility lines installation shall have a minimum depth of 18 inches, 36 inches on High Voltage Feeders and Telephone lines, with a minimum clearance of nine (9) inches in all directions from adjacent utilities or obstructions.
- All new non-metallic utility lines shall have a #10 AWG minimum copper tracer wire installed, not just tape.
- Any damaged- or broken utility line shall be reported immediately to (578-3186) and repaired at applicant’s expense.
- All abandoned lines shall be capped and sealed to prevent soil erosion.
- Applicant shall learn the location of underground installations, such as sewer and water lines, T.V. cables, electrical, etc…
Structural
- Stay as far away as possible from building, street, and drive foundations to prevent undermining and settlement.
- If digging must be performed adjacent to a structure, then the applicant will be responsible for bracing and repairing any damage incurred from settlement.
Landscape
- Stay as far away from the tree trunks as possible (outside the drip-line is preferable).
- When roots must be cut, use an ax, saw or sharp instrument. Never rip the roots up with a backhoe, or similar techniques.
- When operating a backhoe under shade trees, especially Live Oaks, do not allow the outriggers to crush the above ground roots.
- In order to prevent compaction, keep vehicular traffic off the root systems.
- Never store building materials under trees.
- When backfilling trenches, do not use a machine to grade over exposed roots. Backfill in these areas by hand.
- Equipment that generates heat or toxic fumes (asphalt tar kettles, kerosene heaters, etc…) should not be operated under low hanging limbs or Live Oak Trees.
- Notify Landscape Services at (578-8857) or (578-6460) for root pruning prior to excavation within the drip-line of trees.
- Do not tie safety fencing or caution tape to any shrub or tree.
- Requestor is responsible for all existing landscape plants.