ERMUSR Misc 10-10-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

/ ~ +/ Elk River Municipal Utilities 13069 Orono Parkway F.lk River, MN 55330 September 27, 2006 To: Scott Clarlc -Community Development Director From: Bryan Adams, P.E. -General Manager, Elk River Municipal Utilities Subject: Utility Facilities in Public Right of Way phone: 763.441.2020 Fax: 763.941.8099 ySit On September 25, 2006, we discussed the subject of utility facilities better known as "utility boxes" in public Right of Way and utility easements. There have recently been some complaints from Elk River 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 with the deregulation of telecommunication industry, and the desire for more products and services such as telephone, cable television and Internet sesviees (voice, video, data). Years ago, electric and telecommunication utility systems 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 wires, many of these systems are now being placed underground with termination points above ground in "utility boxes". The equipment has become larger because the air insulation is replaced with material or oil insulation. Technology advances in the telecommunication industry require what was copper wire system to be supplemented with fiber optic systems. Even a wireless system required a fiber optic system as a backbone. Currently there are 3 telecommunications companies in Elk River. They are Qwest, North Star Access, and Charter Communications. They all operate both a copper and fiber optic system. The Elk River lvlunicipal Utilities operates and maintains the electrical system in Elk River. We utilize 3 different electrical systems, 600 amp and 200 amp high voltage systems and a secondary system (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 which 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 following reasons: