Precision Directional Drilling of Gravity Sewer in a Constrained ROW as a Construction Cost Saving Initiative

Utilities today are expanding their sewer collection systems into partially or fully built-out areas currently on septic tanks. This expansion is done as a practical means to grow the utility but also remove septic tanks, which have been identified by the State of Florida as a major source of nutrient pollution, from impaired watersheds. A common challenge associated with expanding into partially or fully built-out areas of a city is construction within a constrained right of way. This challenge can result in increased construction costs and extended construction duration. This paper will focus on how this challenge was met for the 44 West Sewer Expansion Project owned by the City of Inverness, Florida. For the purposes of this paper, the discussion is limited to the project elements located within the constrained right of way for State Road 44 West. There are other elements of the project that are located within right of ways owned by the City of Inverness which are not mentioned in this paper, because they are not relevant to the analysis or discussion.