The city utility locators are responsible for locating all underground utilities owned by the city. Underground utilities include: Cable, Sewer, Water, Gas, and Power. The Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act requires that a contractor or individual preparing for subsurface investigation or excavation call the Utilities Protection Center (UPC) at 1-800-282-7411 prior to any field activity. Once the UPC has been notified, a ticket is then generated for the target area, and it becomes theresponsibility of the utility owner to locate the pertaining utility within 72-hours. After this time, the ticket becomes activated and construction is then permitted.
     Permits are required from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) before installing any type of underground utility inside GDOT owned right-of-way (ROW). Engineering technicians prepare these permits for the various utilities operated by the City of Covington. Once the preliminary design is complete, the permitting process is started. A map is generated for the proposed project indicating existing structures above and below the ground surface. Additional information such as: length, size, and type of material are indicated on the permit application. After review by GDOT, a permit is either denied or approved. Construction can begin, once a permit has been granted.
     Sediment is a water pollutant transported by storm water runoff. Storm water runoff is the major cause of impaired water quality in Georgia's streams, rivers, and lakes. Sediment harms fish and other aquatic life and can interfere with the recreational use of any water body. Many sedimentation problems are the result of inadequate erosion and sedimentation controls on constructions sites. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to control soil erosion and sedimentation for 25-year, 24-hour rainfall events. BMPs are required under Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act and are enforced by the City of Covington.