673ABWI32-1007 — Safeguarding Utilities From Damage

673ABWI32-1007 governs procedures to prevent damage to base utility systems and assigns responsibility for damage caused by other than enemy action.

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  • Publication number: 673ABWI32-1007
  • Title: SAFEGUARDING UTILITIES FROM DAMAGE
  • Date: 2021-11-04

View 673ABWI32-1007 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers communications, water, sewer, drainage, pavements, fire alarms, electricity, natural gas, environmental systems, and petroleum, oil, and lubricant systems. It requires utility coordination, approved work clearances, marked utilities, and records maintenance for covered work.

Applies to: This publication applies to US Army, US Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard units and members.

Topics covered

  • Base utility systems
  • Excavation coordination
  • Work clearance requests
  • Utility locating
  • Environmental systems
  • Construction drawings

Questions and answers

When is excavation prohibited without coordination and approval?

All construction agencies, such as 673 CS, 773 CES, 673 CES, 176 CES, US Army Corps of Engineers, and all contractors will maintain close liaison with offices mentioned in paragraph 1.1., this instruction, to ensure no excavation is accomplished without prior coordination and approval for such excavation. (paragraph 1)

What excavation and ground-disturbance work must be cleared?

Any project in which mechanized equipment penetrates or disturbs the ground surface (including vacuum excavation), or any project in which hand digging will penetrate more than 4 inches into the ground, must be cleared in accordance with this instruction. (paragraph 1)

When is a work clearance request valid?

Clearance requests are not valid until signed by the approving officer and assigned a permit number. (paragraph 1)

What happens when the scope of work changes?

Any future changes to the scope of work will require a new clearance request. (paragraph 1)

How long is a work clearance valid after approval?

The clearance becomes invalid 6 months after the approving officer’s signature and must be renewed if the original requirement remains valid. (paragraph 1)

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