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SVM Project List SEPTA | |
| History Timeline Alternatives MIS/DEIS Bibliography | ||
5.15 UTILITIES5.15.1 REGULATORY SETTINGAlthough the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission (PUC) and the PADEP regulate certain utilities within and adjacent to the proposed alignment, there are no regulatory-related issues regarding potential impacts to existing utilities.5.15.2 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTVirtually every portion of the alignment contains one or more utilities paralleling the existing Norfolk Southern and SEPTA R6 trackbeds. Buried fiber-optic cables parallel the majority of the alignment. Electric transmission towers, sanitary sewers and other utilities parallel the trackbeds in several areas of the alignment. In addition, there are numerous utilities crossing beneath or above the trackbeds. The owners of the utilities have agreements with Norfolk Southern and SEPTA allowing use of the right-of-way. Each agreement has terms and conditions associated with the potential relocation of the utilities. Relocation of railroad facilities and impacts to roadways and roadway bridges are described in Chapter 4.5.15.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES (IMPACTS) AND MITIGATIONThe utilities located in the rights-of-way of the build alignment footprint, stations, and storage/maintenance facilities would in many cases require relocation or protection during construction activities.No-Build and TSM Alternatives There would be no significant impacts associated with the No-Build Alternative. The TSM Alternative would require utility relocations between Norristown and Port Kennedy and possible relocations at new park-and-ride facilities. Build Alternatives There would be several types of utilities impacted by the alignment footprint, station areas, and the maintenance facility. Wherever possible, utility disruption will be avoided. Most utility relocations could be conducted without a significant disruption in service. Pipelines carrying water, oil and gas will be encased in larger casing pipe or conduit. During Preliminary Engineering all utilities will be identified, their locations will be mapped, and contractual agreements will be researched. Final Design specifications will control utility relocations for the SVM project. The specifications would conform to the standards, codes and requirements of the agreements between utility owners and the railroad and local jurisdictions within which the utilities are located. All underground utilities will be at or below the minimum depth required. Overhead utilities will be at or above the minimum required height above the track, and those that run adjacent to the alignment will be no closer than the minimum required distance from the centerline of the track. The utilities encountered or located close enough to be affected by SVM construction will be either:
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