July 2016, Vol. 71 No. 7
Editor's Log
Making A Triumph Out Of Tragedy
by Robert Carpenter Editor-in-Chief
For a surprisingly large number of contractors and manufacturers in the infrastructure markets, the first half of 2016 has seen a tepid advance, even with favorable economic winds at their backs. Must be an election year.
There are exceptions. The horizontal directional drilling market (primarily small to medium rig range) continues at a frantic pace thanks to the fiber boom that only seems to be accelerating. Gas distribution contractors and utilities are finding crews stretched so thin that there is concern over being able to tackle the amount of work on the horizon (see related article on the development of a Workforce Initiative). While there is some concern that the electric grid rebuild and expansion may be peaking, for now that market, too, is very strong.
Of course, energy transmission pipeline work is slowing – hardly unexpected. The price of oil domestically has clawed its way back up to $50 per barrel, but that’s probably not enough to spur much activity.
Sewer and Water Markets
Specifically, I’m pondering the plight of sewer and water markets which seemed to be mired in the all-too-familiar lack of funding refrain. But now we need to consider the fallout from lead pipe issues and the opportunity that has fallen into this industry’s lap – if we are willing to unite and pursue.
Flint, MI, has brought the pathetic status of water infrastructure piping systems back into national focus in a very public and personal manner. First the tragic byproduct of lead poisoning in Flint suddenly threw doubt on the condition – and safety – of every water system in America. Next, cities around the country were admitting they were still using some lead pipe, and public outrage and concern accelerated.
The result is that our often forgotten infrastructure is, for the moment, no longer being overlooked. It is ironic that a tragic event has led to public awareness for what can only be considered an infrastructure crisis. But will we get the right answers and course of action? Just talking about throwing money around isn’t enough. As a country, we must recognize that the perils of lead are only the tip of the iceberg for the entire sewer and water infrastructure industry. There are dangers around every bend of the pipe, and ignorance and oblivious attitudes from elected officials can no longer be tolerated. Turning a blind eye to the risks of the for-gotten infrastructure is no longer acceptable.
Congress cannot ignore the public furor. Multiple efforts in both the House and Senate are trying to deal with the situation. Some of the ideas being introduced are well-conceived and reasonable; others are political knee-jerk reactions to public criticism.
Congressional considerations range from small funding targeting just the Flint situation, to massive funding across the nation, specifically in terms of reinvigorating the Clean Water Act. Other actions being weighed include, in no particular order: increased inspection to determine status of existing lead pipe; inspection to determine just who is still operating lead pipe; how much lead pipe is still in use; and my favorite, initiating a ban on the use of all lead water pipe in America. Just think of the pending tidal wave of disruption to water systems if they had to replace all lead pipe in a short period of time. Contractors and pipe suppliers are already salivating over the prospects.
Of course, most likely the majority of these ideas will never survive the political process. However, it is clear that something will work its way through the legislative channels and it could be very good news for those involved in water infrastructure installation and replacement.
This should not be a short-term fix. Rather, industry should do its best to use the lead pipe issue as leverage to present the case and overwhelming need for continued attention and support for both water and sewer piping infrastructure.
The window of opportunity is brief. Sadly, in our modern world of constant connection, news flows in massive waves over the public psyche. Memories fade, moving on to focus on the latest tragedy or indignation. While many Americans are still fearful when it comes to using tap water at their house, that level of concern will fade as well.
As an industry, we should not concentrate on just Flint or lead pipe. Rather, we should use this circumstance and fallout as the impetus to build momentum for the greater good of replacing and modernizing our piping infrastructure. Hopefully, Flint was an isolated incident, never to happen again. But it could, unless we are willing and committed to tackle the overarching issue of updating America’s underground infrastructure.
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