PRM-004: Excavation
Academic Division and the Medical Center.
The University has adopted this Excavation Policy in order to protect people, property, and underground utility services providing energy and other services to University facilities. Additionally, the policy assures the fulfillment of requirements of the Code of Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, and other local codes.
The University of Virginia prohibits any excavation on University property without prior investigation and approval.
- Excavation:Any activity where the ground is penetrated (6 inches or more) or soil is moved, removed, or compacted, including but not limited to trenching, driving, scooping, tunneling, and any hand or machine digging operations.
Any excavations on the Grounds must be approved in advance by Facilities Management. Because most University utilities are located underground, digging can damage buried utilities and result in serious safety hazards to workers, damage to utilities and property, and service interruptions.
Compliance with Policy:
Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination in accordance with relevant University policies.
Questions about this policy should be directed to the Energy and Utilities Department or Facilities Management.
All excavations, including any hand digging, require an approved excavation permit before any excavation is started. Facilities Management Directive 740 provides procedures, guidance, and directions for obtaining an approved excavation permit.
XIII.C.1, Facilities Management - Utilities Services.