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2.4.2.1 It is the Design Agency's responsibility to verify availability
and capacities of all utilities required for the project. Contacts will be
made with the utility providers, and records of all discussions should
be made and copied to the provider. Any required applications,
permits, reviews, fees, design/construction requirements, or service
upgrades should be identified, and their impacts on design and
construction costs and schedules should be calculated. If alternative
providers exist for any utility, the designer should identify the
alternatives to the Design Agency as early in the design process as
possible, and verify whether a formal study of the alternatives is
desired to provide comparative costs, benefits, and drawbacks.
2.4.2.2 It is obviously preferable that utilities be available at or near
the boundaries of the site. Extension of off-site utilities to the site will
likely require third party (utility company, municipality, utility district)
engineering and/or construction, and possibly acquisition of additional
utility easements. Any such off-site work will require additional lead
time, and may require formal requests or petitions for approval.
2.4.2.3 Development of on-site systems is not generally desirable;
additional land may be required to prevent interference with on-site
water supply and waste water disposal systems. In addition,
development of sufficient on-site water supply or storage for fire
protection and waste water treatment capabilities will add appreciably
to typical project costs.
2.4.2.4 Gas, electric and telecommunications utilities operate in a
competitive environment in many locations, and more than one source
of service may be available to the site. Service area agreements
between utilities may also be in effect that will limit which utility will
service the site and need to be investigated. Information regarding
standard rates for utility connection fees, capacity charges or area
assessments and their method of payment should be collected.
2.4.2.5 Many Government installations have "privatized" the utility
systems which were formerly under the ownership and operational
control of the installation's Department or Directorate of Public
Works. The privatized utility system owner should be determined and
the necessary information gathered as outlined above. Utilities brought
onto the site and constructed by the utility owner may also require that
an easement be designated over the utility line to allow the utility
company access to maintain and service its line(s). The Government
generally prefers to avoid easements where practical.
2.4.2.6 On some Government installations, the installation may be a
potential utility provider. The design team must verify that the
Government has sufficient utility capacity, and also what entity would
UFC 4-171-05
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