December 2024 Vol. 79 No. 12
Business
Underground Infrastructure Business Highlights: Key Developments and Insights
Lane Enterprises, LLC, opened a new plastic pipe production facility in Longview, Wash. The 38-acre site, with 19-acres in-use, will also act as a stocking distribution yard for the company’s steel pipe, stormwater chambers and allied products.
Currently, two lines are producing corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in diameters from 4 to 60 inches, with plans to add a third line. Recycled, as well as virgin HDPE, is used by the company. Additionally, the plant will manufacture polypropylene pipe in the future. The facility will also house the company’s regional sales department and engineering support staff.
“We built this plant to provide for the needs of stormwater projects in the Northwest,” “A key market, for example, is building roads for timber harvesting which dominates the Pacific Northwest. We also see great opportunities by expanding our reach further into North America by servicing Canada. This has been a central element of our plan since we acquired Pacific Corrugated in 2021.”
Lane is the nation’s second-largest producer of corrugated steel and corrugated thermoplastic pipe for stormwater management along with a full line of chambers, fittings and accessories for commercial, residential and public works stormwater projects. Additionally, Lane produces structural steel and aluminum plate for bridge and culvert applications. Founded in 1934, the company has 17 manufacturing facilities in 10 states with more than 500 employees.
ADS
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, celebrated the opening of its $65-million Engineering and Technology Center. The 110,000-square-foot research and testing facility is the largest stormwater engineering center in the world and is located in Hilliard, Ohio, near the company’s headquarters.
“The ADS Engineering and Technology Center is dedicated to product engineering, materials science – including recycled plastics – and manufacturing technologies with the express purpose of developing advanced stormwater solutions that manage water and protect our communities,” said ADS President and CEO Scott Barbour.
“Bringing our team of engineers, scientists, and technicians together in this state-of-the-art facility allows new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in how we design and develop products, materials and manufacturing technologies to meet the stormwater management needs of customers and communities.”
The ADS Engineering and Technology Center includes:
• Product development lab focused on the full range of a product’s lifecycle.
• 90,000-gallon, closed-loop recyclable water system allowing ADS to replicate real-world conditions by sending water through products under scenarios that the company can alter and control.
• Hydraulics lab that supports ADS’ water treatment businesses including separation, traditional filtration and low-impact development filtration.
• Advanced technology lab for manufacturing, controls and engineering prototyping.
• Materials science laboratories that provide extensive performance-based materials test capability.
“ADS is a proven innovator that recycled 540 million pounds of plastic last year, roughly equivalent to recycling nearly 5 billion plastic bottles. This effort minimizes environmental impact and helps create sustainable infrastructure products,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted, one of the officials at the opening ceremony. “The research at this new facility will advance technologies that preserve and enhance our natural resources and create 200 new jobs in Ohio.”
Garney Construction
Garney, a national leader in water and wastewater construction, has established a strategic partnership with RodRadar, a technology company specializing in real-time underground utility detection during excavation. This collaboration significantly advances excavation safety, efficiency, and utility strike prevention through RodRadar's innovative Live Dig Radar (LDR) technology.
Garney is committed to leveraging advanced technology to drive efficiency and safety. Over the past year, the company has invested substantial resources in researching, developing, and implementing solutions like RodRadar's LDR system.
Garney identified RodRadar's groundbreaking technology in 2023 and initiated pilot testing in early 2024. Following the pilot's success, Garney expanded its adoption of LDR Excavate buckets, evolving the partnership into a commercial collaboration supporting RodRadar's ongoing product development, including larger bucket models for Garney's fleet of 35-MT excavators.
The LDR system integrates real-time radar technology into excavator digging buckets, enabling continuous detection of underground utilities across various soil types while excavating. The system generates immediate visual alerts in the excavator cabin, enabling operators to avoid hidden utilities and significantly reduce the risk of strikes. Unlike traditional Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), the LDR system delivers real-time data during excavation, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
"RodRadar's Live Dig Radar technology is transformative for our industry. In our pilot testing, the LDR system significantly reduced utility strikes, allowing us to deliver safer projects for our clients while boosting productivity," said Clay Greene, Department Manager of Construction Technology at Garney.
Founded in 2013, RodRadar is at the forefront of underground utility detection technology advancements, continually pushing excavation safety and efficiency boundaries. "We are proud to strategically partner with Garney, a leading contractor in the United States. Together, we share a passion for innovation in the construction industry and a commitment to enhancing job-site safety and operational efficiency," said Moshe Dalman, CEO and Co-Founder at RodRadar.
Garney specializes in the construction of water and wastewater pipelines, treatment facilities, pumping stations, water storage tanks, and industrial/heavy civil projects. Garney was established in Kansas City in 1961 and has 18 regional offices. Garney is 100-percent employee owned with 2,500 current employee-owners.
Epoxytec
Epoxytec, a leading provider of innovative coating solutions for inflow and infiltration (I&I) abatement, and sanitary sewer collection asset protection, celebrated its third anniversary since being acquired by Tnemec Company in October 2021. This milestone comes as Tnemec, a renowned leader in industrial maintenance and protective coatings, reports robust growth in 2024.
The acquisition has enhanced Epoxytec's innovation capacity and market reach.
"The synergy between Epoxytec and Tnemec has been transformative," said Michael Caputi, vice president at Epoxytec. "With Tnemec's extensive R&D, Technical Service and resources, we've continued to enhance our protective liners." Additionally, by leveraging Tnemec’s sales network, Epoxytec has significantly increased its visibility within the engineering community.
Since 2021, engineer specifications that include Epoxytec products have more than tripled. This figure reflects the industry's recognition of Epoxytec's performance and reliability.
"These numbers demonstrate the trust engineers place in our solutions," explained Caputi. "Our products are increasingly the go-to choice for critical infrastructure projects nationwide."
Equally remarkable is the expansion of Epoxytec's contractor network. The Epoxytec Certified Applicator Network (ECAN), led by Vaughn O'Dea, Director of Epoxytec, has quadrupled since 2021, reflecting a level of growth that far exceeds industry standards. This increase underscores the growing demand for Epoxytec's specialized solutions and the confidence contractors place in the company's products.
PipeSense
In its mission to redefine how pipeline integrity is delivered to market, provider of AI-enhanced pipeline monitoring and leak detection technology, PipeSense, has announced the successful installation of three of its advanced systems across the U.S.
Supporting EnControl, a leading third-party control room company to the oil, gas, and hydrogen industries, PipeSense deployed its specialized PipeSentry solutions to two separate natural gas systems in the American Midwest and one natural gas liquid system in the South.
Over the last 12 months, PipeSense has emerged as an industry leader in developing and delivering disruptive technologies that support pipeline operators to combat the consequences of leaks. Now, these new applications will further highlight the capabilities of PipeSense technology and how it “recalibrates” customer expectations to fight back against the negative consequences of pipeline leaks for operators, communities, and the environment.
For the two natural gas systems – in Kansas and Michigan, respectively – and a natural gas liquid system located in Tennessee, PipeSense met the client’s requirements to provide continuous leak detection monitoring. This was achieved by the recommendation of PipeSense’s pipeline leak detection system, PipeGuard. Via 24/7 monitoring, the PipeGuard system has been proven to accurately detect leaks without the risk of false positives.
Additionally, PipeSense was asked to provide automatic shut-in valve (ASV) control at one site location, which it was able to achieve through its customized system configuration capabilities. With delivery taking place in the second and third quarters of 2024, PipeSense expects the clients to experience results in mitigating the potential risks caused by pipeline leaks, shortly.
The delivery of these three systems follows a year of growth, with PipeSense expanding the mileage guarded by its technology, including several high-consequence areas (HCA’s) throughout the Permian Basin, and additional projects in California, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.
The experienced team behind PipeSense have decades of experience in selecting, developing, and deploying complex pipeline integrity management technologies. Since going to market as PipeSense, its team has noticed a “worrying” trend of pipeline integrity negligence. Via its expertise and technology, PipeSense has demonstrated a new standard to make a positive difference in the communities and regions it works within.
“It’s great to be working alongside EnControl for these projects and to know that its team is committed to enhancing pipeline integrity and pushing back against the damage caused by leaks,” said Stuart Mitchell, PipeSense president and CTO. “Throughout the U.S., pipeline leaks cost operators and the economy billions in damages and lost productivity. We are determined to make a lasting difference via the technology we develop and install, so these three new projects will be further proof of that.”
Brandon Clemons, president of EnControl, shares the company’s approach to leak detection compliance, “At EnControl, we specialize in providing comprehensive 24/7 remote control and monitoring services for critical pipeline assets. Our partnership with PipeSense enables us to deliver advanced leak detection technology, offering real-time monitoring and shutdown capabilities in response to leaks.
“As regulations surrounding leak detection become increasingly stringent, with agencies like PHMSA and EPA tightening requirements to ensure safety and environmental protection, EnControl is committed to staying ahead of these changes.”
Established in 2023, PipeSense aims to maximize the operational efficiency and service life of a pipeline asset, providing a fully integrated service with ground-breaking monitoring and leak detection.
With testing facilities in Houston, Texas, and Clearbrook, Minnesota, PipeSense works closely with global clients to understand unique operational challenges, developing individually tailored leak detection and monitoring solutions using the latest AI-based data analysis techniques.
Energy Control Systems, LLC (EnControl) is a premier partner for 24/7 remote control and supervision of critical infrastructure, offering over 30 years of combined experience in the energy sector. We monitor and manage facilities, plants, pipelines, storage, and distribution systems with unparalleled security and precision.
Sovereign Pipe
Sovereign Pipe Technologies, a leading high-density polyethylene pipe manufacturer in Shawnee, Okla., received FM 1613 certification from FM Approvals, an international leader in third-party testing and certification services.
The certification is recognized globally as the gold standard for fire protection system components, underscoring Sovereign Pipe Technologies’ commitment to delivering superior quality and safety to its customers. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth and reinforces its position as a leader in the HDPE pipe industry.
“Receiving the FM 1613 certification marks a defining moment in our journey,” said CEO and Director Ronnie Wear. “It reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in HDPE pipe. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure our products meet and exceed the rigorous requirements set by FM Approvals.”
LAN
The Northeast Transmission Line (NETL) was named the 2024 Project of the Year for Water/Wastewater greater than $100 million, by the CMAA-Houston Chapter. Houston Public Works, KCI Technologies and Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) received the award.
NETL is the largest water line project in Houston’s history and addresses subsidence resulting from groundwater use in the region, where subsidence has increased flood risk in an area prone to severe weather. Extending 16.5 miles from the Northeast Water Purification Plant to the intersection of Plaza Verde Drive and Green Plaza Drive, NETL follows a route along the Sam Houston Parkway North.
Houston Public Works partnered with regional water authorities to build NETL as part of a program to meet projected water demands and reduce groundwater reliance in compliance with the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District mandate. The transmission line delivers water to more than 900,000 homes across Harris County and includes sections ranging in diameter from 54 to 120 inches, with the majority of the line being 108-inch in diameter.
Construction of NETL was conducted in three phases, using open-cut installation for most sections and 57 tunnels. The route traverses northeastern Houston, a developed urban area with major roadways, rail lines and bayous. High groundwater levels and varied soil conditions required specific planning and coordination.
“Our work on the Northeast Transmission Line reflects our commitment to addressing essential infrastructure needs for Houston,” said Mackrena Ramos, P.E., vice president, business group director at LAN. “This project supports long-term water supply goals and provides a resilient solution to meet the area’s growing demands.”
NAXSA
Construction and safety professionals converged on the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds in Phoenixville, Penn., in October for the state’s inaugural Trench Safety Summit, presented and hosted by the North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA).
The event aimed to reach one common goal: help prevent a tragedy in the workplace by learning more about trench safety and shoring equipment and practices.
“Learning how to protect trenches from cave-ins, is really learning how to protect workers, who are our greatest asset,” said Event Coordinator Steven Simon, regional manager at Sunbelt Rentals. “NAXSA has conducted Trench Safety Summits across the country, and the high attendance at this event shows how excavation professionals in Eastern Pennsylvania are committed to safe practices in the workplace,” Simon says.
The day-long Summit offered a cross-training of indoor presentations and outdoor training with equipment demonstration stations.
Outdoor sessions, led by industry safety professionals, included:
• Summary of Excavation Standard (Subpart P)
• Proper use of hydraulic vertical shores
• Proper use of trench boxes
• Proper use of modular trench shields
• Understanding Tabulated Data/Engineering
• Overview of soil analysis and how it is applied to sloping and benching
Indoor presentations featured Trench Accidents and Statistics, OSHA Activity Update, plus keynote speaker, Eric Giguere’s presentation on his harrowing experience as a trench collapse survivor.
NAXSA member companies who organized and cohosted the event were Arcosa Shoring Products, Sunbelt Rentals, and United Rentals Trench Safety; plus, Leeco Steel.
NAXSA was created to promote the safe and efficient use of excavation shoring practices. It represents manufacturers, engineers, rental companies/distributors, universities/educators, associates/suppliers, and government agency representatives who share the common goal of maintaining safety in the excavation shoring industry with the result of zero deaths and injuries.
ASTM
CUTLINE: PP-R and PP-RCT polypropylene pressure-rated pipes and fittings discussed in the new ASTM Standard Practice F3722-24 are available in diameters from 16 mm to 710 mm, also known as nominal diameters 3/8 to 28 inches. Photo courtesy of PPI.
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) published the new ASTM F3722 Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polypropylene (PP) Pipe and Fittings by ASTM International. The new standard practice was developed by PPI Building & Construction Division members and the ASTM F17 technical committee over several years and is based on industry best practices and consensus of the contributing members.
With high-temperature and -pressure capabilities, PP-R (polypropylene random copolymer) and PP-RCT (polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance) pipes are suitable for demanding pressure piping applications, such as plumbing, hydronics, and chilled water in commercial high-rise buildings or data centers. Specifiers of PP pressure piping systems are encouraged to reference Standard Practice F3722 in construction documents.
ASTM F3722-24 describes procedures for making joints with pressure-rated polypropylene pipes, fittings, and valves by butt fusion, socket fusion, sidewall outlet fusion, or electrofusion methods, with a separate section dedicated to each type of fusion. The fusion practices are applicable for both factory and field environments.
According to Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division, “This new standard practice is based on existing specifications, such as the German DVS 2207-11, but also includes best practices from more than 20 years of installation experience in North America.
“The new standard applies to PP pressure pipes produced in accordance with specifications ASTM F2389, CSA B137.11, or ISO 15874, which are often used for hydronic heating and cooling, chilled water, water service lines, hot-and-cold water distribution, irrigation systems, and other fluid transport applications.”
PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry, including several manufacturers of PP pipes and fitting systems. PPI formed its Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee in 2018 to collaborate on industry standards, coordinate research programs, develop technical publications, and create educational information about these systems.
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