INFORMATION #2 10-16-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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: