(a) The minimum width of the trench shall be eighteen inches and, for water pipe ten inches or larger, at least one foot greater than the diameter of the pipe. The maximum clear width of the trench shall not be greater than two feet wider than the diameter of the pipe being laid, except by consent of the Engineer.
(b) Wherever necessary to prevent caving, excavations in sand, gravel, sandy soil or other unstable material shall be adequately sheeted and braced. Where sheeting and bracing are used, the trench width shall be adjusted accordingly. Trench sheeting shall remain in place until pipe has been laid, tested for defects, repaired if necessary and the backfill around it compacted to a depth of at least one foot over the top of the pipe.
(c) The use of excavating machinery will be permitted except in such places where operation of the same will cause damage to trees, buildings or structures either above or below ground; in this case, hand methods will be employed.
(d) With the exception of crossing State highways, all work must be done in open trenches. Tunneling, boring or forcing will not be allowed without a special permit from the Engineer. The excavated material must be placed in such a manner as not to interfere with the work, obstruct driveways or sidewalks or interfere with proper drainage.
(e) The contractor shall, when so ordered by the Inspector, construct tight bulkheads across the trench and provide suitable pumps to remove any water which may be encountered or which may be accumulated in the trench. In no case shall trench water be permitted to rise upon or flow through the water main under construction.
(f) In open watercourses, ditches or pipes encountered during the progress of the work, the contractor shall at his or her own expense provide for the protection and securing of an unobstructed flow in such courses or pipes and shall repair any damage that may be done by reason of the new constructions.
(g) Blasting for excavation will be permitted only after securing written permission from the Village Administrator, who shall fix the time during which blasting may be done and determine what protective measures are necessary to insure the safety of adjacent property. The contractor shall be solely responsible for any damage resulting from blasting even though he or she has secured the above permit. The contractor’s method of blasting must also conform to State laws and any local ordinances.
(h) The contractor shall remove all pavements, road surfaces, curbing, driveways and sidewalks within the lines of excavation. The contractor shall make all cuts by channeling machine, hand operated pneumatic tools or by other such methods as will furnish a clean cut in the pavement and base without undue shattering. All concrete curbing, driveways or sidewalks shall be broken up and removed by the contractor. All such work as above designated shall be done at the contractor’s expense, unless otherwise specified.
(Ord. 352. Passed 10-22-62.)