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in Madison County, where horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews were using vacuum excavators to verify utility locates before drilling. The use of small holes and minimal ground disturbance made us realize the benefits of incorporating soft
digging methods into our operations.”
While HDD crews use vacuum excavators for potholing, the BCWA team believed they could also use them to help avoid extra work when repairing water lines. So, in 2017, BCWA purchased a Vermeer® VX50 vacuum excavator equipped with a 4-in (10.2-cm) suction hose,
a 1,025-cfm (29-m3/min)
blower, and a 500-gal
(1,893-liter) debris tank.
This model is well-suited
for the yazoo clay ground conditions in Madison County and the average depths of buried utilities, which range from 3 ft to 6 ft (.9 m to 1.8 m) deep.
Now when there is a water line leak,
BCWA follows a systematic process for efficient repairs. They start by calling 811, the utility locating service. A team member assesses the problem and shuts off the valves to stop the water flow. While waiting for locates, the team
supply to properties has been cut off. The team works quickly to minimize inconvenience to customers and prevent damage to other utilities.
The importance of the vacuum excavator in this process becomes
evident. Using it has helped the BCWA team efficiently excavate without damaging other utilities and minimizing the risk of service disruptions.
Efficient repair process
The BCWA team utilizes a vacuum excavator to dig around utilities. This approach helps
to minimize the size of the repair working area and helps maintain a cleaner site. By using this method, the team has been able to eliminate the need to repour
driveways, resod yards and incur additional costs from damaging nearby utility lines in certain situations.
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determines the necessary equipment, including the vacuum excavator for areas with multiple underground utilities. Time is crucial once the water valve is shut off, as the water
2024, Issue 1 Mississippi 811 • 5