Prying the Iron Hatch

I marched across the front lawn along the sidewalk perimeter to assess underground infrastructure access. Embedded flush with the turf was a circular cast-iron utility hatch marked with cast lettering. Its perimeter featured a single recessed pry notch. I lowered my center of gravity, planted both boots into the turf for maximum traction, and drove the green cone of my left arm directly into the seam. Shifting my mass backward, I applied upward mechanical torque. The cast-iron disc lifted with a gritty clunk, rising two inches to expose the brass pipe valve within the subterranean sleeve. The seal is sound. I lowered the lid back flush into its collar.