INFORMATION #2 10-16-2006
Elk River ___
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
phone: 763.441.2020
Fax: 763.441.8099
September 27, 2006
To: Scott Clark - Community Development Director
2/1
I
From: Bryan Adams, P .E. - General Ivlanager, Elk River Municipal Utilities
Subject:
Utility Facilities in Public Right OfWa)T
On September 25, 2006, we discussed the subject of utility facilities better knov..rn as "utility
boxes" in public Right ofVlay and utility easements. There have recently' been some
complaints from Ell( Ri\Ter residents about excessive "utility boxes~~ in front of their homes or
in sight from their homes.
This perception by residences in some cases is understandable. The number of "utility
boxes" is increasing ~rjth the deregulation of telecommunication industry, and the desire for
more products and services such as telephone, cable television and internet sef\Tices (voice,
\Tideo, data). Years ago, electric and telecommunication utility s}Tstems were placed on
above ground poles and the equipment was much smaller due to air insulation. As
technology advanced and the public prefers not seeing overhead v.rrires, many of these
s)'stems are now being placed underground with termination points abo\Te ground in "utility
boxes". The equipment has become larger because the air insulation is replaced v.lith
material or oil insulation. Tec1ulology ad\'ances in the telecommunication industry require
what was copper ,,,,ire system to be supplemented \\rith fiber optic systems. Even a V\rireless
system required a fiber optic system as a backbone.
Currently there are 3 telecommunications companies in Elk River. They are Q\\'est, North
Star Access, and Charter Communications. They all operate both a copper and fiber optic
s)'stem. The Elk Ri\Ter Municipal Utilities operates and maintains the electrical system in
Elk Ri\ier. We utilize 3 different electrical systems, 600 amp and 200 amp high voltage
systems and a secondary S)Tstem (120v) for street lights and power to homes. The 3 electrical
systems are connected together with "utility boxes". The telecommunication and electric
"utility boxes" are tied together for grounding purposes per the National Electric Code \\Thich
is the reason the telecommunications boxes are located close to the electric "utility boxes".
These "utility boxes" may include service pedestals, conductor junction boxes, conductor
splice boxes~ transformers, fuse cabinets, signal injection points, electrical service points to
telecommunication facilities and an occasional sewer lift station. These "utility boxes" are
located above ground for the follo\^'ing reasons:
a) Burying l1igh voltage equipment creates safety~ concerns vvith personnel in COl1filled
space.
b) With secondary voltage equipment being buried, water, dirt and animal
contamination does lead to equipment failure and service interruption.
c) Finding buried manholes or l1andholes is always a challenge. In tlle \\'inter, gaining
access is a problem due to frozen ground.
The possibility of different utilities sharing "utility boxes" thereby reducing the number of
"utility boxes" has been looked at. Shared "utility boxes" bemreen different companies
creates serious safety arld liability concerns.
The utility system of buried c.onductor vlith equipment and terminations above ground l1as
e\'olved because it works from a safety code, operations and maintenance perspecti\re. The
dovm side is tllere \\Till be "utilit)T boxes'~ above ground. Technolog)r, economics 8Jld quality
of reliable ser\Tice has not provided any reasonable altemati,'es.