October 2024 Vol. 79 No. 10
Newsline
Newsline October 2024
EarthGrid, EnerTech to Invest $18 Billion in Underground Projects
EarthGrid, a Bay-area plasma tunnel-boring technology and infrastructure development company, has signed a joint venture agreement with EnerTech, a Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) entity, to deploy underground infrastructure projects in four phases across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
The first two phases consist of, in estimate, $18 billion in U.S. infrastructure improvement projects. Utilizing EarthGrid's patented plasma-powered machines, this joint venture will develop a network of underground tunnels designed to upgrade the current power grid and fiber networks with reliability, efficiency, and resiliency while accelerating the clean power transition.
To meet the U.S. goal of reaching net-zero economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, more than a million miles of new transmission will be required over the span of three decades.
Compounding this challenge is that more than 70 percent of current transmission lines are over 25 years old, aged over half their 50-year expected lifetime. Through this joint venture, EarthGrid will enable more than 100 gigawatts of new renewable energy to be added to the U.S. grid while also solving grid congestion in strategic locations.
"On average, it takes 10 to 20 years to develop, permit, and build new overhead transmission lines, making it evident that an alternative approach is critical to meet the needs of U.S. environmental goals," said Troy Helming, EarthGrid founder and CEO.
EarthGrid's plasma-boring technology and proprietary approach significantly reduces the time and costs of undergrounding methods without harmful chemicals, primarily powered by clean energy.
Three Rivers, Mich., to Tackle ‘Historic’ Lead Pipe
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the city of Three Rivers, Michigan, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health.
Three Rivers is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, which will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide. The technical assistance provided through the program will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.
“Michigan knows all too well the dangers of lead pipes,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “This critical partnership between the EPA and Three Rivers will help identify and replace lead pipes so that families don’t have to question whether their water is safe to drink. We’re making important progress to protect our drinking water thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
Consuming lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean and safe drinking water, including nearly $62 million for Michigan just this year alone.
Tunnel Boring Machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ Continues Oregon Outfall Project
The tunnel boring machine (TBM) dubbed “Clack-A-Mole” continues to make steady progress on the Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility Outfall Project in Oregon’s Clackamas County, which will help transport treated water from the facility to the Willamette River through a new pipeline.
As of Sept. 24, Clack-A-Mole has mined 770 feet of the total 2,370-foot tunnel, reaching 32 percent completion. The TBM, weighing a massive 225,000 pounds, is currently averaging about 32 feet of progress per day as it digs a path toward the river. This is slower than the average mole’s digging rate of up to 18 feet per hour, but the project remains on schedule for completion.
The journey of Clack-A-Mole began in March, when the WES Board of County Commissioners announced the winning name for the TBM after receiving over 650 submissions from community members across the country, including as far as Pensacola, Florida. Among the finalists were suggestions like "Chewrocka," "Chuck Borris," and "Happy Drillmore." However, the name "Clack-A-Mole" stood out and was ultimately selected. It was later painted on the TBM, which was unveiled at a launch event in July.
This tunnel, which will measure nine feet in diameter and stretch half a mile, is a key part of the outfall project. The new outfall pipeline will replace an existing system, ensuring that treated water from the Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility is transported more efficiently to the Willamette River, supporting the region's water management and environmental goals.
Tennessee Needs $3 Billion to Repair Wastewater Infrastructure
According to a state analysis by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Affairs, Tennessee needs over $3 billion by 2027 to repair, replace, and expand its wastewater treatment systems.
The Tennessee Lookout says the state's aging infrastructure and increasing population are key challenges. Many sewage treatment plants suffer from inadequate maintenance or upgrades. Local governments lack the funds for necessary improvements.
Nearly half of decentralized waste systems don't meet state environmental standards, and numerous local systems face moratoriums from the Tennessee Department of Environment Conservation due to sewage overflow issues. These problems limit their ability to expand, while flooding increases the risk of sewage spills.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also found Clean Water Act violations in various cities across the state, with Nashville required to make extensive repairs under a court order. The rising population adds pressure on the systems.
The report warns that many wastewater systems lack long-term plans or capital budgets, which could hinder compliance with regulations and future expansions. More investment is needed to address infrastructure deficiencies.
Enbridge Agrees to Reapply for Key Permit, Stalling Line 5 Project
Enbridge has agreed not to use a 2021 permit from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for its Line 5 tunnel project and will seek a new permit instead, according to the Michigan Advance.
This move comes as Michigan’s Tribal Nations and environmental groups continue to raise concerns about the risks associated with the pipeline, which runs through the Straits of Mackinac – a critical area where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.
The pipeline, which transports millions of gallons of crude oil and natural gas daily, has been at the center of controversy due to its location in a highly sensitive environment. Following an anchor strike in 2018 that dented the pipeline, Enbridge proposed relocating it into a concrete tunnel under the lakebed to reduce spill risks.
Permits from EGLE, the Michigan Public Service Commission, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are required for the project to move forward, according to the Michigan Advance. Although Enbridge initially secured approval from EGLE and the Public Service Commission, both permits faced legal challenges from tribal groups, citing inadequate assessments of environmental and cultural impacts.
Dela Express Moves Forward With 690-Mile Permian-to-Louisiana Pipeline
DeLa Express has taken a significant step in advancing its 690-mile natural gas pipeline project from the Delaware Basin in Texas to Lake Charles, Louisiana. The company requested pre-filing status on April 2, and FERC approved their request for pre-filing on April 15.
Following this milestone, DeLa Express submitted preliminary drafts of Resource Report 1 and a Summary of Alternatives on May 15. These documents outline detailed project plans and potential alternatives.
The project includes a 42-inch diameter mainline pipeline, five lateral pipelines, eight compressor stations, and multiple meter stations. It aims to provide approximately 2 billion cubic feet per day of new natural gas transportation capacity.
The primary goal of the FERC pre-filing review process is to engage regulatory agencies, affected landowners, and stakeholders to address potential environmental concerns early in the project's development.
In June, FERC staff reviewed the preliminary drafts and provided feedback, highlighting areas needing further information. DeLa Express promptly responded to these comments, showing their commitment to advancing the project and addressing regulatory concerns.
Houston Water Infrastructure Upgrades Carry $5 Billion Price Tag
Houston is grappling with a worsening water leak problem, with aging pipes causing billions of gallons of water to be lost each year, according to ABC13.
According to Houston Public Works, the city saw 13,911 reported leaks in 2023, a significant increase from 9,143 in 2020.
Last year’s leaks resulted in the loss of 31.8 billion gallons—enough to supply the entire city of Fort Worth.
The issue stems from aging infrastructure, rapid population growth, and more frequent severe weather, officials say. Houston has replaced only 6 percent of its water lines in the past decade, which translates to roughly 850 miles of pipe – far short of the industry standard, which is 20 percent, or over 2,000 miles of pipe.
The city estimates $4.93 billion is needed for critical upgrades but reassures residents that they won’t face increased water bills.
EPA Launches $7.5 Billion WIFIA Fund to Improve Infrastructure Nationwide
On Friday, September 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding.
The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost.
The WIFIA program provides its borrowers with creative, affordable financing options. It can fund the planning, design, and construction of a wide range of water infrastructure projects and offers the ability to combine multiple projects into a single loan. By streamlining the funding process, communities can accelerate their infrastructure projects.
This is the eighth round of funding available, and it includes $6.5 billion available through WIFIA and $1 billion available through the State Water Infrastructure Financing Authority, known as SWIFIA.
To date, EPA’s WIFIA program has closed loans totaling more than $20 billion to help finance $44 billion in projects across the country. More than 100 borrowers nationwide are utilizing WIFIA loan to finance projects that benefit over 64 million Americans. Completed WIFIA-financed projects show positive health and environmental outcomes, as well as the advantages of financing with WIFIA loans.
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