
May 2023 Vol. 78 No. 5
Editor's Log
(UI) — Sewer rehabilitation is critical to the American infrastructure. Leading the way has been long-established cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology that essentially paved the road for a variety of modern rehab methods. But in recent years, the process, which has historically used styrene as the curing agent in liners, has come under direct assault for alleged health risks.
Washington Watch
(UI) — This could be one of the most impactful congressional years for the pipeline industry in decades. Besides the start of work on the next pipeline safety bill, the House passed a big energy bill (H.R. 1) by a vote of 225–204, with four Democrats joining Republicans in the affirmative.
Features
(UI) — What attracts many contractors to underground construction are the challenges they face. Contractors have the leading role in deciding on the course of events that they, alone, can control. As a result of overcoming challenges, technological firsts can be established.
(UI) — In the 1970s, new residential developments were being built with all utilities underground. Of course, water, sewer, and gas lines always had been buried, but now telephone and electric dissertation wires were, too, as would cable television services that would come later.
Fiber installation business creates strong demand for stitch boring in residential areas
(UI) — Many contractors use excavators to handle the bulk of trenching work because they already have them in their fleet. However, excavators aren’t always the optimal machine for the job, especially in challenging ground like rock and hard clay.
(UI) — The 28th “Infrastructure, Energy, Geotechnical, Flooding and Sustainable Issues Related to Houston and Other Major Cities,” organized by the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston on was held back in March, at the University of Houston Hilton.
Rehab Technology
(UI) — Beneath four lanes of traffic on King Road in York, Ontario, Canada, a deteriorated ellipse culvert needed rehabilitation. Now, the original structure will continue to deteriorate but is no longer cause for concern.
(UI) — Park City, Utah, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, is a 7,000-foot-high scenic wonder known for its sweeping mountain vistas, luxury homes and ski resorts, but its origins are literally more down to earth.
(UI) — Municipalities must safely clean and maintain many miles of sewer line annually to eliminate blockages and prevent sanitary sewer overflows, which are regulated by the EPA. However, the use of high-pressure equipment in underground sewers can be dangerous, unless operators are well-trained and fully understand the hazards.
Tech Tips
(UI) — If you attend a wastewater conference or read any sewer industry magazine, you will undoubtedly see multiple technologies for inspecting sewer manholes or underground structures. Each one has its main salespoints or technologies, but what are they providing you? How can you utilize these technologies to streamline and improve your inspection program?
Newsline
Finalized in December, the Clean Water Act rule covering the waters of the United States, known as WOTUS, governs small streams, wetlands and other waterways nationwide. It repeals a Trump administration rule that was thrown out by federal courts.
Business
Aries Industries strengthened its central U.S. market reach with the addition of a multi-location dealer serving four states.
New Products

- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- OSHA fines Calif. company for violations that led to fatal trench collapse
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
- Ditch Witch West sells first Bulldog trencher to speed up undergrounding work along West Coast
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- Charlottesville, Va., to begin work on 24-inch water line for Rivanna River crossing
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish