CES Blog

What is a Cross-Bore? Risks, Prevention, and Why It Matters

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:27:08 GMT

A cross-bore is the accidental intersection of underground utilities. This usually happens when a gas, fiber, or telecom line is bored through an existing sewer or storm drain pipe.

These conflicts are hidden underground and of ten lack tracer wires, which makes them difficult to detect. In many cases, they remain unnoticed until routine maintenance or a failure brings them to light and disaster strikes.

Why Cross-Bores Matter

Cross-bores are not just an infrastructure issue. They are a serious safety concern.

If left unaddressed, cross-bores can lead to:

Sewer backups and property damage
Service interruptions to fiber and telecom networks
Gas leaks and potential explosions
Injury or loss of life
Regulatory penalties and legal liability
Damage to public trust

Many incidents happen during routine sewer cleaning or plumbing work when equipment hits a gas line that was never ide ntified.

Why Basic Inspection Is Not Enough

CES Cross-Bore Services

Technology That Delivers Results

Data That Protects LIVES (and Budgets)

Start with the Right Information

Preventing cross-bores takes more than a single inspection method. A push camera alone cannot provide full system visibility. Hydroexcavation is useful, but it is not designed to inspect internal pipe conditions or confirm lateral connections.

Effective cross-bore prevention requires a combination of:

Accurate utility locating
Internal pipeline inspections
Lateral visibility
Real-time mapping and documentation

Without this comprehensive evaluation approach, critical issues can be missed.

CES provides a proactive approach to cross-bore prevention with services designed to identify risks at every stage:

Pre-Bore Locating: Map sewer mains and laterals before drilling begins to avoid conflicts.
Post-Bore Inspections: Verify installations and document conditions with GIS data.
Legacy and Replacement Projects: Inspect existing systems to uncover previously undetected cross-bores.

CES uses a combination of proven tools to improve accuracy and visibility:

- Advanced CCTV cameras with sonde transmitters

- Lateral launch systems from mainline or cleanout

- Push cameras for targeted inspections

- Highly-accurate GPS and GIS mapping for real-time data

This technology helps teams understand exactly what is happening below ground.

The key to preventing cross-bores is simple. Know what is underground before drilling begins.

CES provides digital mapping that supports better planning, safer construction, and fewer expensive mistakes.

By the numbers:

Less than 0.05% risk of cross-bores when pre-bore mapping is completed
Estimated 6 to 10% risk without it

That difference can mean avoiding major damage, service disruption, expensive repairs, or—most importantly—a life-threatening incident.

Cross-bores are preventable with the right process and the right data. If you are planning a project that involves directional drilling or utility installation, CES can help you reduce risk and improve safety from the start.

Visit our cross-bore service page for more information, or contact our team to learn more or schedule a presentation.

Improve Sewer and Storm System GIS Data Precision with AMP Pipeline Mapping

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:49:03 GMT

When it comes to managing underground infrastructure assets, many municipalities and utilities rely on drawings that no longer reflect what actually exists underground. Over the years, pipes shift, repairs are made, and records become outdated. When pipe location, slope, or elevation is uncertain, it becomes harder to plan inspections, locate defects, and prioritize rehabilitation needs cost-effectively.

At Compliance EnviroSystems (CES), we use advanced technologies to improve the accuracy of sewer and/or stormdrain system data. One of the most powerful tools available today is the Accurate Mapping Probe, or AMP.

AMP provides highly precise pipeline location and elevation data that facilitates more accurate GIS mapping , improves CCTV inspection accuracy, and helps utilities better understand their underground infrastructure.

With more than 30 years of evaluation experience and over 110 million linear feet of storm system and sanitary sewer system infrastructure inspected , CES uses tools like AMP to give clients the reliable data they need to make informed decisions.

What Is AMP Pipeline Mapping?

The Accurate Mapping Probe (AMP) is an autonomous pipe mapping system that measures the precise location and geometry of underground pipes.

As the probe travels through the pipes, it collects highly accurate positional data. This allows engineers, utility providers, municipalities, and contractors to confirm pipe alignment and detect issues or pipe defects that may impact system performance.

AMP can help identify:

Pipe sags that restrict flow
Misaligned joints
Changes in pipe slope or alignment
Locations of structural defects
Any inconsistencies in pipe design

This level of precision provides a clearer understanding of how a storm system or sanitary sewer system is functioning below the surface.

Why Accurate GIS Mapping Matters

Many utility, engineering, municipal, and contractor clients are working with incomplete or outdated infrastructure records. Without reliable data, it becomes difficult to locate pipes, verify pipe depth, or understand how defects impact the system.

AMP helps improve GIS mapping by providing precise XYZ pipeline location data that can confirm or update existing records.

When combined with other inspection methods such as CCTV inspection and SSES investigations, this data allows utilities to:

Improve the accuracy of GIS mapping
Pinpoint the exact location of pipe defects
Plan inspections more efficiently
Prioritize rehabilitation projects with confidence
Reduce unnecessary cleaning or repair costs

Better Data Leads to Better Infrastructure Decisions

Reliable infrastructure management starts with reliable data.

AMP mapping provides CES clients with a clearer understanding of pipe alignment, slope, and location within their stormwater system or sanitary sewer system. This allows municipalities and engineers to make smarter decisions about maintenance, inspections, and rehabilitation.

At CES, our goal is simple. Deliver accurate data that helps clients protect and manage their underground infrastructure for the long term.

If your system needs more precise mapping data, CES can help you strengthen your GIS mapping and better understand the true condition of your pipes. To learn more or schedule a presentation, contact CES today.

Note: Select photos and technical information in this blog post are sourced from CUES, Inc.

Storm Drain Triage Programs: A Cost-Effective Approach to Stormwater System Inspections

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:00:46 GMT

Managing a stormwater system can be challenging because most of the infrastructure is buried and out of sight. Pipes, storm structures, and catch basins can accumulate high levels of debris or develop significant defects without obvious warning signs. Over time, these hidden problems can lead to flooding, road damage, environmental concerns, and expensive emergency repairs.

Regular stormwater inspections help utilities, municipalities, engineers, or contractors understand the condition of their system and address issues early. A stormwater triage approach takes this a step further by using inspection data to prioritize maintenance and rehabilitation work.

Instead of evaluating every pipe in detail immediately, triage helps utilities identify the areas that need attention first.

Why Stormwater System Inspections Are Important

Without routine inspection and maintenance, stormwater infrastructure can deteriorate quickly.

Common problems include:

Blockages that cause localized flooding
Sediment and debris restricting flow
Structural pipe defects that worsen over time
Roadway and pavement failures
Water quality impacts and compliance risks
Emergency repairs that cost significantly more than planned maintenance
Gas or fiber cross-bores

Understanding system condition allows cities and communities to shift from reactive repairs to proactive stormwater management .

What Is a Stormwater Triage Inspection Approach?

Stormwater triage is a data-driven strategy that helps utilities focus inspection and maintenance efforts where they are needed most.

Instead of performing detailed inspections everywhere, the process begins with faster inspection methods that provide a system-wide overview. From there, cleaning and detailed inspections are targeted to the pipes that actually need them.

This approach reduces unnecessary work and helps municipalities use maintenance budgets more efficiently.

Step 1: Inspect the Stormwater System

Initial inspections help identify:

Debris levels in pipes
Potential blockages
Structural concerns
Areas requiring cleaning or further evaluation

This phase provides a high-level view of system performance and highlights potential problem areas.

Step 2: Clean Only the Pipes That Need It

Inspection data often reveals that only a portion of the system requires cleaning.

In many storm drain systems, only about 30–35% of pipes contain significant debris . By targeting those locations, utilities can reduce unnecessary cleaning and focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.

Step 3: Perform Detailed Storm Drain Inspections Where Needed

After cleaning, utilities can perform detailed inspections on the pipes most likely to have structural problems.

Typically, only 10–15% of pipes require full condition assessment , such as CCTV inspection or advanced evaluation methods. This targeted approach provides the data needed to plan rehabilitation and capital improvements.

Stormwater Inspection Services That Support the Triage Approach

A successful triage program relies on combining multiple inspection technologies to gather accurate field data.

CES provides a full range of stormwater system inspection services, including:

By combining inspection results with GIS mapping, CES clients g ain a clearer picture of system conditions and can prioritize maintenance more effectively.

Stormwater Inspection Experts with 30+ Years of Experience

Effective stormwater system management is more than simply running a camera through a pipe. It requires experienced teams, data you can count on for guidance, and a clear evaluation process that avoids unnecessary inspections or spending.

Compliance EnviroSystems (CES) has been evaluating sewer and stormwater infrastructure for more than 30 years. Our team combines proven inspection methods with accurate mapping and dependable data so clients can make informed decisions about maintenance and rehabilitation.

Founded in 1995, CES has evaluated more than 110 million linear feet of collection systems across 40+ states , supporting municipalities, utilities, engineers, and contractors nationwide.

Better Stormwater Data Leads to Better Decisions

When utilities have a clear understanding of their stormwater system condition, they can plan maintenance more effectively and avoid unexpected failures.

A triage approach helps eliminate unnecessary work while focusing resources on the pipes that need attention most. The result is more efficient stormwater system management, lower maintenance costs, and fewer surprises .

Contact CES today to schedule a presentation or learn more about how we can help you inspect and maintain your infrastructure assets.

Signs Your System Needs Catch Basin Inspection

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:46:41 GMT

Have you noticed persistent standing water after it rains, slow drainage, foul odors, or visible debris accumulating inside or around your system’s catch basins? These issues are often tell-tale signs that your stormwater structures need attention.

What is a catch basin inspection?

A catch basin inspection utilizes state-of-the-art technology to evaluate your stormwater structures and pinpoint any issues. At CES, our catch basin inspections use a GIS-based approach to locate, inventory, map, and evaluate your storm drain system to identify the defects that matter most.

How catch basin inspections work

The inspection begins with GPS mapping of catch basins, manholes, inlets, culvert openings, and outfalls. Field crews then document the debris levels, root intrusion, structural defects, and other observations that warrant attention. This documentation is how CES determines what work is needed, whether that’s cleaning, Zoom camera inspection, CCTV, or other evaluations to facilitate repairs. CES clients can view program progress in real-time via a color-coded online map. As each phase is completed, we provide clients with recommendations that prioritize maintenance and rehabilitation needs that fit within their budgetary parameters.

What are the benefits of catch basin inspections?

One of the most essential benefits of catch basin inspection is that it helps you avoid unnecessary expenses. Our goal is to help you prevent pricy problems, such as excessive flooding or infrastructure failure, before they happen.

Regular evaluation and maintenance of storm drains and catch basins also helps prevent future blockages, flooding, property damage, and other failures. After each inspection, we provide a detailed data report with recommendations for your next steps, helping you plan system updates as cost-effectively as possible.

Additionally, these inspections have environmental benefits , such as preventing pollution from entering waterways, reducing storm pollution, helping maintain water quality standards, and minimizing flooding, among others.

What problems can I expect to see in a STORM DRAIN inspection report?

Common problems that may be found during an inspection are:

Sediment build-up
Cracked or deteriorated concrete
Blocked pipes
Root intrusion
Damaged grates
Debris causing blockage(s)

Protect Your Storm Drain System Today

Contact CES today to schedule a presentation on how we can help you maintain your infrastructure assets, or learn more about catch basin inspections .

WhY understanding your stormWATER system matters

Storm drainage systems play a critical part in protecting public safety and property by collecting rainwater and surface runoff and directing it safely into streams, rivers, or storage ponds. Despite their importance, it's easy to overlook these systems. Many municipalities lack accurate records of how many storm drain structures they have, where they're located, or how they connect. Often, it’s not until flooding or infrastructure failure occurs that the system’s condition becomes a priority.

A storm drain triage program helps CES clients locate, inventory, map, and evaluate storm drain systems so maintenance and repairs can be planned efficiently before small issues become expensive problems.

OTHER STORM DRAIN EVALUATION SERVICES

In addition to catch basin inspections, CES offers a wide variety of evaluation techniques that can play a vital role in carrying out a successful storm drain triage program. Our stormwater services include (but are not limited to):

CCTV inspections
Zoom camera inspections
Pipe cleaning
GIS mapping
Large-diameter sonar and multi-sensor inspections (MSI)
Dye flood testing
Flow monitoring

How Flow Monitoring Facilitates Effective I/I Reduction

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:20:43 GMT

Have you noticed unexpected flow spikes after it rains, manholes overflowing, or capacity issues with your sewer or stormwater system?

CES data technicians study and analyze flow trends to identify areas experiencing the highest I/I or hydraulic stress. Our flow monitoring deliverables provide details on:

I/I rates and problem areas
Wet vs. dry weather performance
System vulnerabilities
Cost-effective inspection recommendations

Backed by 30 years of experience in system evaluations, this comprehensive approach helps CES clients better prioritize rehabilitation needs, avoid unnecessary cleaning or repairs, and stay compliant.

These issues often signal inflow and infiltration (I/I), one of the most common challenges utilities and municipalities can face. While other inspection methods can help reveal structural defects, only flow monitoring shows how your system performs (or fails) under real-life conditions. At Compliance EnviroSystems (CES), our experts continuously monitor flow to help clients identify the root causes of I/I and recommend the best rehabilitation plan(s).

How Flow Monitoring WorKS

CES installs Area Velocity flow meters, Pump Station Monitors, and/or Force Main Meters in key areas to measure depth, velocity, and flow during both dry and wet weather conditions. Dry weather data sets the baseline, while wet weather data reveals how the system fares during rain events.

By comparing these data sets, CES can quantify I/I, identify capacity issues, and pinpoint which areas of the system require further evaluation.

Turning Flow Data Into Action

Comprehensive Flow Monitoring Services

CES offers flexible flow monitoring solutions for systems of any size, such as:

Temporary Flow Studies for short-term insight
Permanent Flow Networks for long-term system management
Flow Meter Maintenance to ensure accurate data throughout the course of your study
Pump Station Evaluations for performance improvement recommendations
Night Flow Isolation to expose hidden I/I

We customize each flow project to fit your budget and infrastructure needs.

Improve Your System (and Save Money) With Flow Monitoring Services

When done right, flow monitoring gives utilities and municipalities the information they need to make smart, data-driven decisions. Our main goal is to help you get the most from your budget by focusing on the most important repairs first and lowering treatment costs from excess flow.

If you’re ready to find I/I, check your system, and plan for the future with confidence, contact CES today to talk about your flow monitoring needs or schedule a presentation .

Sonar and Multi-Sensor Inspections for Large-Diameter Pipes

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:15:45 GMT

Do you notice persistent odors, high-flow levels, or signs of structural wear in your sanitary sewer or stormwater system?

These issues often indicate the need for a more thorough inspection of your system, particularly concerning large-diameter pipes. Traditional inspection methods can leave large portions of pipes unexamined, especially in high-flow or large-diameter scenarios. At Compliance EnviroSystems (CES), we use a smarter inspection technique to ensure systems are operating at full capacity: Sonar and Multi-Sensor Inspections.

Large-Diameter Pipe Inspections Cut Costs

How Do Large-Diameter inspections with Sonar and Multi-Sensor technology work?

Sonar and Multi-Sensor Inspection (MSI) technologies inspect pipes that are 18” or larger in diameter, providing a 360-degree view of the pipe above or below the waterline. These inspections are designed to give you a clear picture of sediment buildup, capacity loss, and structural damage with data that allows you to virtually pan, tilt, and zoom.

Not only do data reports from CES provide a more comprehensive view of the pipe, but our Multi-Sensor units gather important data without bypass costs, and our Sonar technology measures debris levels with the utmost precision. Combined with cutting-edge LiDAR technology, CES is able to pinpoint corrosion, deformation, and ovality in large-diameter pipes.

When combining these technologies, rehabilitation costs can be significantly reduced. Sonar imaging for submerged conditions, LiDAR for dry areas, and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for visual clarity mean that Multi-Sensor Inspections are the best way to collect precise data that allows you to prioritize cleaning and repairs that matter the most.

Our CES team recently completed a 17-mile trunk line inspection in which they evaluated pipes ranging from 42” to 96”. The system overcame high debris levels once our Sonar crews pinpointed the segments that needed the most attention, allowing us to save the client significant pipe cleaning costs and avoid unnecessary road building. With manholes stacked 30 feet above grade, we were also able to deploy a certified scaffolding crew to access these locations safely, which is a top CES priority.

we inspect Any Pipe, Anywhere

Worried about where the inspection needs to take place? Even if it’s in a hard-to-reach area, CES can handle it. Our motto, “Any Pipe, Anywhere,” reflects the way we work. With a fleet of off-road equipment that includes 4-wheelers, track machines, and Marsh Masters, our crews can access just about any location. From certified scaffolding setups to custom-built solutions, we make sure every inspection is completed safely and efficiently, no matter the challenge.

Whether we’re enlisted by industrial plants or city-wide systems, CES’s Sonar and Multi-Sensor Inspection services ensure that all pipes are evaluated, regardless of size or location. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how our innovative approach can save you time, money, and resources.

Finding the Source: How Smoke Testing Helps Eliminate Expensive Sewer System Problems

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:53:57 GMT

Common challenges for municipalities, engineers, and utility providers are undetected leaks and inflows that overwhelm the sewer system. When you don’t know where Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) comes from or what is causing your system’s issues, you often end up spending more money than is necessary to fix it.

At Compliance EnviroSystems (CES), we provide a smarter, quicker, and more cost-effective solution: Smoke Testing.

What is Smoke Testing?

Smoke testing is a proven method to locate defects in the sewer’s main lines, laterals, service lines, and manholes. Using non-toxic vapor (smoke), our team quickly identifies leaks, tie-ins, and defects that can compromise your system.

This process helps municipalities, engineers, and utilities take control of their systems and avoid unnecessary repair costs, which is a win for both operations and budgets.

How Does Smoke Testing Work?

CES has trained crews that introduce non-toxic vapor into isolated sections of the sanitary sewer system. As the vapor escapes, it reveals leaks, tie-ins, and other defects, such as cracks, that may be compromising your system’s flow. This provides a timely, visual way to narrow down where the problems in your system originate.

Public Safety: Communication and Compliance Handled for You

Worried about public concern or confusion during testing? CES takes care of it all.

We ensure local residents and businesses receive prompt notifications in advance when Smoke Testing will be conducted. We also notify the local police department, fire departments, and city officials so that all parties are properly prepared for what to expect during the Smoke Testing process.

Turning Data Into Solutions

After Smoke Testing, CES provides a detailed GIS map that digitally displays all findings with geographic context. Having a clear roadmap to prioritize repair needs provides engineers, municipalities, and utilities with the tools they need for less-expensive rehabilitation planning.

Why Choose CES for Smoke Testing?

When it comes to identifying sewer system issues, Smoke Testing with CES is one of the quickest, safest, and most cost-effective solutions available. From planning to public notification to data delivery, we make the entire process seamless, allowing our clients to can focus on maintaining a reliable, effective system.

20 Years After Hurricane Katrina: Remembering and Recovery

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:40:18 GMT

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, causing substantial devastation across South Louisiana and Mississippi. Levee failures flooded New Orleans, thousands of lives were lost, and entire communities were forever changed. For those of us who call Louisiana home, Katrina is not just a moment in history. It’s personal.

In the days after the floodwaters receded, storm drains and sewer systems were overwhelmed with debris, sediment, and remnants of destroyed homes and businesses. Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC (CES) mobilized its crews quickly to support emergency response in New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish, and beyond.

Responding to the Storm

CES has decades of experience assisting municipalities with storm response and recovery, and our crews are highly trained in sewer system cleaning, bypass pumping, and a wide variety of inspection services. For years, our sanitary sewer and storm water inspection experts have continued working to inspect and clean vital infrastructure so our communities could begin to recover and prepare for future weather events.

Two Decades of Commitment

Recovery didn’t end when the streets were cleared. Over the past 20 years, CES has continued to serve New Orleans and surrounding areas with essential inspections, cleaning, and data collection.

Our crews have cleaned and inspected tens of millions of linear feet of pipe for the City of New Orleans alone using techniques such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), high-pressure cleaning, catch basin inspections, and manhole inspections, to name a few.

Moving Forward Together

As we honor the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we remember the lives lost and the strength and resilience of our communities. CES is proud to have stood alongside Louisiana through recovery, and we remain committed to assessing and preparing our infrastructure for whatever comes next.

The CES Process: Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI)

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:18:19 GMT

On October 8th 2024, the EPA issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.

CES is experienced in identifying lead pipes on both the utility & private side of the water meter. Our capabilities allow us to perform the necessary tests to identify pipe material quickly and quietly.

Our team has successfully inventoried over 35,000 residential addresses.

Funding for LSLI

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund can provide financial assistance to publicly-owned and privately-owned community water systems, as well as non-profit non-community water systems, for drinking water infrastructure projects.

Service line identification is an eligible DWSRF expense, regardless of pipe material and ownership of the property on which the service line is located. More Information about Funding:

Identifying Funding Sources for Lead Service Line Replacement | US EPA

Process

Once the pipe has been exposed through vacuum excavation, the following steps are

implemented to identify the pipe material:

Step 1: Ensure that the exposed pipe to be identified is not immersed in water and has been wiped clean with a towel to remove dirt and debris.

Step 2: Visually inspect the pipe.

Step 3: Identify the pipe material based on visual appearance. See appearance chart example

(Attachment A).

Step 4: Identify the pipe material based on results of a scratch test. See scratch test examples

(Attachment B).

Step 5: Identify the pipe material based on results of a magnet test.

Step 6: Identify the pipe material based on results of a solution test.

a. Spray surface to be tested 2 times with Solution 1

b. Spray the same area 1-2 times with Solution 2

c. Read the results. An immediate change to yellow indicates the presence of lead.

Step 7: Measure the diameter of the pipe utilizing either the custom measuring bar tool or an

electronic caliper.

Prevent Natural Gas Cross-Bores in Sewer Systems

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:00:50 GMT

Since the 1970s, gas utilities and contractors have utilized trenchless technologies such as moles, plows and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to install natural gas pipelines across the United States.

The equipment is specifically designed to drill through almost anything, including sanitary sewer mains and laterals, storm drainpipes, sewer force main pipes, water mains and other utilities. This is known as a cross bore – the accidental intersection of one underground utility with another utility.

When a utility is bored through a sewer force main or water main, you know it almost immediately because you can typically see the result above ground. It will look like the famous Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. However, when a utility is bored through a gravity sewer main, sewer lateral or storm drainpipe, the cross bore can likely remain undetected until it is too late.

Why are undetected cross bores an issue?

Costly Damage and Overflows

Boring through gravity sewer and storm drainpipes wreaks havoc on those utilities, causing an enormous amount of inflow/infiltration (also known as groundwater and rainwater and is commonly referred to as I/I) and debris to enter into the sewer system. When this occurs, the owner of said sewer system can unnecessarily spend millions of dollars by having to pump I/I with lift stations. Lift stations require power to operate, so electric bills will rise sharply and there will be increased wear and tear on pumps which will need to be replaced eventually due to overuse. The owner of the sewer system will also be paying a massive amount of money to treat the I/I at their wastewater treatment facility, which is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Inevitably, cross-bores can also cause Sanitary Sewer Overflows, an occurrence in which sewer spills into streets, waterways and even homes.

Lack of Tracer Wires

One-call tickets are typically required when a contractor is boring natural gas pipes. The issue here is that in most cases the sewer mains and laterals will not be located as part of this process because these pipes are usually installed without tracer wires, so they are not easily located through standard One Call practices. Therefore, the gas boring contractor will not know the location of the sewer mains and laterals.

Gas Explosion/Migration Risks

Routine cleaning of gravity sewer mains and sewer lateral pipes often requires the use of cutting tools to remove grease, roots and other debris to allow the sewer to flow via gravity through the pipes. If there is a natural gas cross-bore present in the sewer pipe, the cutting equipment will destroy the gas pipe, potentially causing an immediate explosion or allowing gas to migrate through the sewer system into nearby homes/businesses.

Preventing and Locating Natural Gas Cross Bores with Advanced Sewer Inspection Technology

Pre-Bore Locates

When performing PRE-bore sewer locates, CES uses a variety of sewer inspection cameras that contain sonde frequency transmitters. CES’s cameras are custom-built and designed to video the sewer main and then launch up into the sewer laterals from the sewer main. While tracking the sewer camera (and sonde frequency transmitter) above ground, CES is able to collect X, Y and Z (depth) GPS data on the sewer pipes below ground.

CES will provide the GPS data to the gas utility and/or the gas boring contractor via easy-to-read digital maps that can be viewed in real-time from a smartphone, tablet or laptop in addition to locate marks that CES places on the ground. When these maps and marks are utilized before boring new pipes in the ground, historical data shows that there is less than 0.05% chance of a cross bore occurring. If this GPS data is NOT collected and maps are NOT utilized before boring new pipes in the ground, historical data shows that there will be a cross-bore in as many as 6-10% of sewer pipes. This is an alarming statistic because natural gas cross bores are essentially ticking time bombs, which can cause loss of life among many other things.

Post-Bore Inspections

When performing POST-bore inspections, it is imperative that a GIS map be created to account for all sewer pipes inspected (or not inspected), current location of all gas mains and gas laterals and all cross bores located. Without a map, sewer pipes will be unaccounted for and things will likely get overlooked. Also, mapping the current location of the gas pipes and sewer pipes can potentially save the gas utility millions of dollars simply by not inspecting pipes where there is no possibility of a cross-bore existing (based on the proximity of the 2 utilities to each other).