Utility Locating

WLG provides above and below ground locating and detection services for wet and dry utilities including research, field investigations, surveying/ mapping, engineering design, and construction support. The team provides utility locating and mark-out using proven industry techniques and
equipment including advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), conventional field surveys, mobile data collection, electromagnetic and acoustic locating, and CCTV inspection. Utility locating methods that are employed at WLG reduce the need for unnecessary digging and site disturbance. WLG’s utility locating solutions help clients achieve facility identification results that can reduce conflicts with other utilities while minimizing risk and avoids added costs associated for delays, repairs, or redesigns. 

Related Capabilities
Contact: Doug Pluta
  • Above and Below Ground Utility Locating/Detecting
  • Advanced GPR Data Collection
  • Acoustic Locating
  • CCTV Inspection
  • Concrete Scanning
  • Conventional Research, Surveying, Markout
  • LiDAR (Terrestrial/Mobile)
  • Mapping/Modeling
  • Potholing
  • Reporting
  • Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
  • Traffic Control/Plans
  • UAV (Drones)

Projects

3D REMOTE SENSING

WLG uses a vehicle-mounted, high-speed, 3D GPR array, four-wheel push cart carrier, and 3D tomography software for efficient subsurface mapping. The vehicle mount collects data at speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour at 5 cm intervals, which eliminates the need for traffic control and safety vehicles. With WLG’s 3D array project data can be measured in minutes and data sets processed while still in the field.

Transportation/Traffic

ETiwanda avenue grade separation | rancho cucamonga, cA

WLG’s Utility Locating team conducted research and provided field utility investigation services using the firm’s mobile and pushcart GPR equipment along Etiwanda Avenue between Whittram and Napa Avenues for a new grade separation. The team provided CAD exhibits showing above and below ground utilities as part of the deliverables to the City.


Industrial

Gateway South Building 9 | Hillwood | San bernardino, ca

WLG provided utility investigation services including conventional survey,
mobile/puschart GPR, CCTV, and mapping for a new industrial project located at
Orange Show and Lena Roads in San Bernardino, CA. The team provided
research/planning, SUE field surveys including 3D remote sensing with
Raptor technology and electromagnetic GPR, GPS topo sweep of
above-ground utilities, survey of existing centerline monuments/ties,
UAV aerial survey, pushcams for location of the sewer and storm drains, and location/markup of existing utilities. WLG’s team also provided data analysis/ processing to provide boundary and base maps, topographic planimetrics, and a Underground Utility Report.

Public Works

San Bernardino Avenue | San Gabriel Valley Water Company | Fontana, CA

Under a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with San Gabriel Valley Water Company, WLG provided utility locating for the Dutchess Drive Pipeline Improvement project in Fontana on San Bernardino Avenue. The team was tasked with locating any known and unknown underground facilities within the road. The scope of work included planning, coordination, and setup, and utility locating using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and WLG’s Tow Behind GPR Raptor equipment. WLG’s deliverables consisted of data processing and drafting, a utility report and exhibit of the findings.

Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

WLG provides state-of-the-art techniques that include GPR and data collection platforms to expand capabilities, allowing identification of known, unknown, and abandoned facilities. GPR is a non-invasive technique used for investigating characteristics of subsurface employing high-frequency radio waves. GPS can survey through concrete, masonry, asphalt, and ground cover and provides high-resolution data within a short period of time. It has become a trusted technology for detecting and mapping underground utilities such as electrical, gas, sewer, water, and communication networks/lines.

Gas Pipeline

suE scan | Socalgas | ca

WLG’s Utility Locating team provided SUE and utility locating services for 920 linear feet of the design of a 6-inch gas line installation. Services included records research, subsurface utility scan of the project’s limits, a GPS topo sweep of the above-ground utility evidence, survey of existing centerline monuments and centerline ties to establish street right of ways, establishing control and tie-in to benchmarks,  a terrestrial LiDAR scan to capture street improvements, and a boundary analysis for the street right of ways. The team prepared an AutoCAD topographic basemap depicting all of the locations of subsurface and above-ground utilities, existing street centerlines and right-of-way lines, curb and gutter and edge of pavement, and driveways.

Public Works

Citrus Avenue | San Gabriel Valley Water Company | Fontana, ca

WLG’s Utility Locating Team provided expert underground utility locating services to SGVWC for the Citrus and Fontana Avenue project under an on-call agreement in the City of Fontana. This project involved upgrading water facilities along the roadways using advanced tow-behind Raptor technology. The team accurately identified both existing and abandoned utilities on Citrus Avenue, facilitating the smooth installation of an 8-inch steel pipeline and avoiding potential conflicts.

Public Works

Annual Roadway Resurfacing Project | Dana Point, CA

WLG provided subsurface utility engineering (SUE) support for the City of Dana Point’s Annual Roadway Resurfacing Program. WLG performed utility records research, utility locating, and utility mapping services to identify existing underground facilities along Granada Drive, Street of the Blue Lantern, Valencia Place, and Del Obispo Street. The team coordinated with the City and utility owners, reviewed potholing reports to verify utility information, and performed QA/QC of final utility mapping deliverables to support design and construction. Accurate utility identification and verification helped reduce utility conflicts, minimize project risk, and support project delivery on schedule and within budget.

CCTV Inspection

WLG provides video inspection services (CCTV) to help locate and identity any damages to a municipal facility or utility infrastructure line such as leaks, roots, cracks, blockages, corrosion, or other defect. The team uses cutting-edge, non evasive video camera equipment to inspect water, sewer, natural gas, lateral lines, and associated facilities. 

Industrial

Rialto Avenue and Lilac Avenue | Black Creek Group | Rialto, CA

WLG provided engineering services for an industrial site in Rialto, CA, including public improvements for sewer, domestic water, composite utilities, and storm drain/drainage systems. WLG’s Utility Locating Team supported the project using CCTV inspection to verify the location and configuration of two storm drain catch basins on Lilac Avenue. The inspection documented the internal condition of the storm drain system, confirmed pipe integrity, and verified that both alignments extend beneath the adjacent railroad tracks.

Concrete scanning

Concrete scanning is a non-destructive investigation method used to identify and map objects embedded within concrete structures. Typically performed using ground penetrating radar (GPR), the process involves transmitting high-frequency radio waves into a slab and analyzing the reflected signals to detect features such as reinforcing steel (rebar), post-tension cables, conduits, piping, and voids. By accurately locating embedded utilities and structural elements before cutting, drilling, coring, or anchoring, the service helps prevent utility strikes, avoid structural damage, and reduce safety risks to personnel.

Utilities

Reg Station | SoCalGas | Irvine, CA

WLG conducted concrete scanning and an as-built survey at SoCalGas’ facility at Harvard Avenue and Warner Avenue in Irvine. The scope included project research and planning, concrete scanning, topographic surveying, and execution of the as-built survey. Concrete scanning was performed to locate rebar within the walls of the regulator station vault, allowing SoCalGas to safely core into the structure. This effort verified that the rebar cage was constructed in accordance with plans and specifications and confirmed rebar locations for accurate as-built documentation.