Subsurface Utility Engineering Quality Level A Test Hole Report

This template is used to document a Quality Level A utility test hole, also called a pothole, after a utility has been physically exposed. It captures the location, excavation method, dimensions, utility material and condition, and surveyed coordinates so the record can support design and construction decisions. It is meant for field crews, surveyors, and utility coordinators who need a traceable report rather than a loose set of notes.

Complete it immediately after the utility is exposed and measured, while the field conditions are still visible and the coordinates can be verified. It is especially useful before excavation, during design verification, or when a utility conflict needs precise location data. If the utility was not physically exposed, this template is not the right fit.

The field technician or utility locator can enter the excavation and utility details, while the surveyor or qualified reviewer should confirm the coordinate data and certify accuracy where required. The exact signer depends on your internal workflow and project requirements. If your organization separates field capture from survey certification, this template supports that handoff clearly.

A standard locate form usually records marked utility lines or general observations, while this report documents a physically verified utility position with measured depth, dimensions, and survey coordinates. That makes it more suitable for design-grade records and for resolving conflicts where approximate markings are not enough. It also creates a cleaner audit trail for how the location was confirmed.

Most teams customize the coordinate system, survey method options, utility owner list, excavation method choices, and certification language. You may also want conditional logic for multiple utilities exposed, or required photo uploads when the pothole is backfilled. Keep the form focused on the data you will actually use, following data minimization and progressive disclosure.

It is typically completed each time a new test hole is opened and a utility is exposed. On larger projects, multiple reports may be created across different locations as design progresses or conflicts are investigated. If your work involves repeated utility verification, this template can be cloned for each test hole and tied to the same project record.

Common mistakes include leaving out the coordinate datum, using free text where a date picker or numeric field should be used, and failing to note whether multiple utilities were exposed. Another frequent issue is recording utility depth without stating the units or survey method. The report works best when every measured field is specific and the photo/sketch attachments match the written record.

Yes. It can be linked to project intake, utility coordination, survey deliverables, and construction planning records. Many teams also connect it to document storage for photos and sketches, or to an approval workflow so certification happens before the report is released. The template is structured so it can feed downstream design and field coordination without retyping the same data.

Start by standardizing the required fields, coordinate conventions, and photo expectations before field use. Then train crews on when to capture a single utility versus multiple utilities, how to note backfill status, and how to describe the pothole location clearly enough for later review. A short pilot on one project usually reveals which fields need conditional logic or clearer labels.