August 2008 Vol. 63 No. 8

Let me say up-front that I’ve never been a fan of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), or Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), which helps to explain some of my admittedly jaundiced views. My opinion is that their grasp of energy issues/realities/policy is non-existent. Pelosi’s ineffective leadership in the House has made Newt Gingrich’s embattled tenure seem like a walk in the park. But that’s politics.

The Sheehan Pipe Line Construction Co. has been constructing pipelines for more than 100 years but in today’s market, the company is feeling the effects of a labor shortage. Chief Executive Officer R. David Sheehan, Jr. said the company is having difficulty filling positions at all worker levels, but hardest to find are welders, journeymen, truck drivers, most equipment operator positions including dozers, sidebooms and backhoes, and foremen and bending engineers.

The first decision a contractor should make when preparing a bid for any trenchless job is to identify the application that will be most efficient to complete the project. Each trenchless method has its advantages and works better in specific situations. However, sometimes the most efficient approach may involve using a combination of applications, requiring equipment that contractors may not have in their fleet.

Bobcat marketing representatives point out that many of the company's most significant technological developments remain Bobcat exclusives: Bobcat skid steer loaders remain the only product in that category not requiring chain adjustments, the only skid steer with all wheel and skid steer capabilities and transversely mounted engines, and the Toolcat 5600 is the only machine with the combination of features it offers.

Throughout 2008, the Bobcat Company is having a special celebration with a variety of activities and special events.

Software to assist engineers in evaluating the numerous trenchless rehabilitation methods for underground sanitary storm sewer infrastructure is now available from NASSCO.

There's something exciting about bidding and buying equipment at an auction, and experienced auction buyers seem to have a knack for acquiring good machinery at bargain prices. What’s more, equipment auctions are big business. Auction giant Ritchie Bros. reported gross auction proceeds in 2007 of $3.19 billion.

The Public Utility Division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) has completed an investigation into measures that could be taken to protect the state's power infrastructure from ice, wind and other disasters that have the potential of disrupting electrical service. Some of the measures could have a substantial impact on underground construction.

As executive director of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology, John Hemphill played a significant role in programs that have educated members of the trenchless industry and general public about the benefits of trenchless construction.