Ideas For Utility Screening

While finishing a recent project, we received a request from Tallahassee Growth Management to consider screening the required fire apparatus and backflow preventers from drivers on the adjacent roadway. The challenge was to find a way to make these less noticeable and still maintain the required 7-foot clearance around the equipment.

BEFORE

We decided to camouflage the backflow preventer by approximating the background color of the landscaping behind the units, and block the view to traffic with landscaping.

We photographed the surrounding installed landscaping, then use Adobe Illustrator to match the average color with Pantone color chips. The result was presented to the Owner for approval.

Covers for the irrigation and potable water backflow preventers were added. As in many construction projects, the instructions were "creatively" interpreted by the ones doing the work. The FDC and Valve were left their original colors, but without harm to what was intended.

AFTER

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Stormwater Bioswale Failure

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Avoiding Pedestrian Hazards in Parking Lots (1) Drainage Structures

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