Hydraulic designers should minimize conflicts with existing utilities and potential conflicts with future utilities. During design, the order of consideration is as follows:

a. Carefully identify each utility and associated appurtenance that may be in conflict with any part of the storm drain system. Consider any utility that intersects, conflicts, or otherwise affects or is affected by the storm drain system. Determine the horizontal and vertical alignments of underground utilities to properly accommodate potential conflicts. The following are typical utilities that may be encountered in an urban situation:

b. Where reasonable, avoid utility conflicts.

c. Where utility conflicts cannot be avoided, arrange for the relocation or adjustment of the utility.

d. Make accommodations to the utility when adjustments are not feasible due to economics or other conditions. For example, it may be unreasonable to relocate a high-pressure gas line. In such a case, design an intersection of the unadjusted utility appurtenance and the subject component of the storm drain system. This may involve passing the utility through the storm drain component (e.g., through a junction box) or installing a siphon. The utility company may be on state right-of-way under the agreement that the Department may request utility adjustments. However, as a general objective, attempt to minimize the disruption to utilities within reasonable and feasible design alternatives.