Hydrovac Excavating
Precision and Safety in Every Dig
Hydrovac excavation is a non-destructive, efficient digging method that uses pressurized water combined with powerful vacuum technology to safely remove soil. Our hydrovac units—available in both truck-mounted and trailer-mounted configurations—utilize specialized hoses and wands to accurately loosen soil, which is then vacuumed into the unit’s holding tank. The material can either be safely disposed of or returned to the excavation site, depending on project requirements.
This technique is becoming the preferred choice for construction and infrastructure projects due to its precision, minimal disruption, and enhanced safety compared to traditional excavation methods.
Key Applications of Hydrovac Excavation
Hydrovac excavation is an ideal solution for slot trenching, the process of digging narrow trenches for installing pipelines, cables, posts, and underground utilities. By using pressurized water and vacuum technology, hydrovacs provide exceptional precision that other methods cannot match, making them perfect for tight spaces and specific trench dimensions.
This method allows for narrow, accurate trenching without disturbing surrounding areas, reducing the need for extensive backfilling. Hydrovac excavation ensures that only the areas requiring excavation are impacted, improving both efficiency and safety while minimizing the environmental footprint of the project.
A hydrovac is also an ideal solution for the installation of signs, utility poles, fence posts, and other components that require precise placement at specific depths. Hydrovac units are capable of excavating to the exact diameter and depth needed, making them a highly efficient tool for these tasks.
Similar to slot trenching, hydrovac excavation only impacts the immediate job site, reducing the need for backfilling compared to traditional piling methods.
Known as non-destructive digging, hydrovac technology uses pressurized water and vacuum suction to safely and accurately excavate without damaging underground utilities. Unlike conventional methods—such as shovels or backhoes—that can risk serious damage to both utilities and operators, hydrovac ensures safe, precise excavation around utilities, minimizing the risk of costly repairs and delays.
Using a hydrovac for these projects not only improves efficiency and accuracy but also enhances safety for all involved.
Comprehensive Soil Excavation & Remediation
Orion Environmental provides expert soil excavation using hydrovac excavators and heavy equipment, handling a wide range of materials including clean soil, friable and non-friable asbestos-contaminated soils, and hazardous soils. We are fully qualified to manage projects across multiple sectors, including commercial, industrial, medical, residential, and government (federal, state, and local).
Our experienced team consists of certified asbestos workers (100+), HAZWOPER-trained technicians, and highly skilled heavy equipment operators—giving us the capacity to handle projects of any scale. With over 130 years of combined experience, we are equipped to tackle complex site conditions and deliver safe, efficient results.
Having successfully completed projects exceeding $4 million, Orion is a trusted partner for comprehensive soil excavation and remediation.
Orion and Personnel Soil Excavation and Remediation Experience:
Orion Environmental brings extensive experience in a range of soil excavation and remediation services, including:
- Pipeline – ACS Soils
- Landfill Excavation
- Trench Excavation
- Hydrovac Excavation
- Soil Import & Backfill
Notable projects include:
- Summit – Ongoing $4M+ expansive soils remediation
- Grand Junction Steel Mill – ACS Soils remediation
- Colorado State Engines & Energy Site – ACS/Petro soil remediation
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Leadville ACS cleanup
- CU Boulder – 33,000 sq. ft. ACS Vac Loader remediation
With these successful projects, Orion continues to deliver high-quality soil remediation services across diverse industries and sectors.
Contact ORION Today
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