In this episode, Underground Infrastructure speaks with Corey Baker, Chief Operations Officer, HardRock Infrastructure Services, and Chris Jones, Chief Commercial Officer, HardRock Infrastructure Services. The discussion focuses on the company's recent project that relocated a 6,180-ft. waterline pipe to deeper depths due to a deepening of the ship channel, as well as an additional project in Trinidad.

Underground Infrastructure sat down with Cory Baker, Chief Operating Officer, HardRock Infrastructure, for an in-depth discussion on the company's 1,740-ft  tunneling project for El Paso Water, which involved running a wastewater line underneath a mountain. The discussion includes challenges and the solutions that were used to successful complete the project. 

Underground Infrastructure speaks with Mike Hoffmaster, Vice President of Business Development, OBIC, regarding his organization's advanced coating technologies for holding systems, treatment facilities, manholes, vaults and other structures susceptible to damage from infiltration or corrosive chemicals.

On this episode, Troy Stokes, Sales Manager, Akkerman, discusses his time in the underground infrastructure industry, focusing on the evolution of operations and technologies in microtunneling activities.

Underground Infrastructure takes a deep dive with Rylan Ardoin, Chief Commercial Officer, PURIS, on his company's growth over the past several years, including the innovations and technologies under the PURIS umbrella of companies, including end-to-end water infrastructure renewal solutions and specializing in environmentally sustainable trenchless pipeline rehabilitation.

On this showcase episode, Underground Infrastructure speaks with Karen Gunderson and Lydia Passolt of KorTerra to learn how their organization helps mitigate risk and ensure the safety of field personnel by providing secure software cloud and mobile platforms for processing 811 locate tickets, tracking and reporting asset damages, meeting regulatory compliance, and more.

Underground Infrastructure speaks with Dennis Pivin, Director Health, Safety and Environmental, NASSCO, on the showroom floor at the Underground Infrastructure Conference. Dennis speaks about new confined space training techniques available for underground infrastructure professionals. 

Underground Infrastructure sat down with Dustin Rhodes, Product Manager, TRUVAC, to discuss the latest advancements in hydro excavation, including how it is used and what value it brings to the underground infrastructure market.

On this episode, Underground Infrastructure speaks with Brian Kenkel, Director of Market Development, Hammerhead Trenchless, on his company's recent acquisition of ProKASRO Services, lining technologies, the current and future state of the trenchless marketplace and much more.

In this episode, Underground Infrastructure provides its forecast and market analysis of the U.S. municipal sewer/water infrastructure sector. This survey polls U.S. municipalities about their top concerns and issues, 2025 infrastructure spending plans and much more.

In this episode, Eben Wyman, Principal, Wyman and Associates, discusses the impact the U.S. presidential and congressional elections will have on the domestic underground infrastructure market.

In this episode, Josh Allen, Director of Marketing Solutions, Underground Infrastructure, and Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief, Underground Infrastructure, announced the HDD Hall of Fame class of 2025. Josh and Robert detail each recepient, and their contribution to the underground infrastructure sector.

Underground Infrastructure and Harry Miller, Vice President, Director of Safety, SAK Construction, take a deep dive into various aspects of safety on the job site. This includes incorporating safety in the early stages of project development, training, communication between operations and safety personnel, and much more. 

On this episode, Underground Infrastructure sat down with Eben Wyman, Principal, Wyman and Associates, to discuss the upcoming U.S. elections, and how the outcomes of various races could affect the U.S. underground infrastructure market. 

Explore the impact of vacuum excavation in this episode. Mike Reis from Super Products shares his expertise on how this technology is transforming the way contractors approach digging, emphasizing the importance of precision, safety, and reduced risk in today's fast-paced construction environment.

In this episode of Subsurface Stories, hosts Josh Allen and Robert Carpenter sit down with Chris Jones, chief commercial officer at HardRock Infrastructure Services. Chris shares the journey of HardRock's strategic shift from a focus on oil and gas to a more diversified portfolio that includes renewables and municipal projects. He shares the challenges of entering new markets, navigating the bidding process, and how the company has thrived despite industry changes. Tune in to hear insights on adaptability, market diversification, and the future of underground infrastructure.

In this episode, hosts Josh Allen and Robert Carpenter are joined by David Kozman, senior product engineer at HammerHead Trenchless. With over 20 years of industry experience, David shares his journey into the world of underground infrastructure and discusses the latest advancements in pressure pipe technologies. From the evolution of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) to the development of new standards and certifications, Dave provides invaluable insights into the future of the industry. Tune in for a deep dive into pressure pipe rehabilitation, industry standards, and emerging markets, including the fire main market and water sector certifications.

Join hosts Josh Allen and Robert Carpenter on Subsurface Stories as they chat with Chip Jones, Vanair's strategic manager of electrified products, about the game-changing benefits of fleet electrification. Learn about the environmental and financial perks of electrifying your fleet, the importance of idle management, and the quick return on investment that makes this transition a smart move for contractors.

In this episode of 'Subsurface Stories,' hosts Robert Carpenter and Josh Allen continue discussing the HCD survey published in the June issue of Underground Infrastructure. They explore the concept of hardening power lines by moving them underground to withstand harsh weather conditions. The conversation also delves into the diversification within the HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) market, shifting from traditional oil and gas projects to water mains, electric transmission lines, and more. The episode further addresses workforce challenges, the increased demand for HDD technology, and utilities starting to manage some projects in-house. Finally, they touch on the importance of equipment availability and service quality in the industry. For detailed insights, check the June issue of Underground Infrastructure.

00:00 Introduction to Subsurface Stories

00:42 The Importance of Hardening Power Lines

04:52 Challenges and Solutions in Underground Power Lines

09:17 Diversification in the Large Rig Market

14:58 Workforce Challenges and Opportunities

19:44 Contractor Needs and Industry Partnerships

25:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Subsurface Stories, host Josh Allen and co-host Robert Carpenter discuss the annual HDD survey published in the June issue of Underground Infrastructure. Robert, who has been conducting this survey for 26 years, explores significant trends and technological advancements in horizontal directional drilling (HDD). They delve into the survey's findings, including the increase in fiber market demands, the effects of the 2021 Infrastructure Bill, and supply chain improvements. Listeners are encouraged to read the detailed results in the June issue for more insights.

00:00 Introduction to Subsurface Stories

00:18 Overview of the HDD Survey

01:15 Significance of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

02:52 Survey Methodology and Data Collection

04:46 Key Findings from the HDD Survey

05:56 Market Trends and Projections

11:12 Impact of the Infrastructure Bill

13:15 Challenges and Solutions in the HDD Market

15:32 Hardening of Power Lines

18:15 Conclusion and Next Steps discussions on power line hardening.

Join hosts Robert Carpenter and Josh Allen as they chat with Ralph Kokot, CEO of Vanair Manufacturing. Discover how Vanair's innovative underdeck air compressors and FailSafe® technologies are transforming the underground utilities market. Ralph highlights the benefits of their thermal guard systems and the rise of electrification with the EPEQ® product line. Learn how these advancements are boosting productivity for utility fleets.

In this episode, we talk with Mike Hoffmaster, VP of Business Development at OBIC, live from the Underground Infrastructure Conference in Oklahoma City. Mike shares insights from OBIC's largest OBICcon event yet, emphasizing the power of collaboration and education within their certified installer network. Discover how OBIC's commitment to quality and extensive warranties sets them apart in the industry, supporting a rapid expansion from North America to emerging markets in Asia and Europe.

In this episode of Subsurface Stories, hosts Robert Carpenter and Josh Allen sit down with Rob Hotz, General Manager of ECI Contracting. They review the intricacies of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) project in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Despite challenges like ruptured pipelines, contaminated soil, and stringent environmental regulations, the team triumphed through strategic redesigns, innovative engineering, and strong partnerships. Rob shares how ECI overcame significant obstacles through precision drilling, unique dual-material installation, and seamless collaboration with engineering partners.

In this episode of Subsurface Stories, we spotlight HardRock Infrastructure's execution of HDD operations for the Texas International Pipeline Systems (TIPS) project across Galveston Bay. Learn how HardRock's team navigated the complex maritime and geological challenges to lay 44,000 feet of pipeline, connecting crucial energy infrastructure under some of the most testing conditions.

Welcome to Part 1 of our series featuring interviews from the 2024 Underground Infrastructure Conference. In this episode, Josh Allen interviews leading industry experts who share their latest advancements and solutions for managing underground infrastructure challenges. From innovative software solutions that enhance fleet management to strategic partnerships that redefine industry standards, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of infrastructure technology. Stay tuned for more in Part 2!

Join us for a special episode of Subsurface Stories at UIC, featuring HDD Hall of Fame inductee Jim Agnew. Host Josh Allen delves into Jim's extensive career with Inrock, highlighting his groundbreaking contributions to directional drilling and his role in advancing the HDD industry. Jim shares personal anecdotes and insights on the evolution of drilling technologies, reflecting on his journey from the oil fields to industry legend. Celebrate Jim's achievements and the innovative spirit that continues to drive the HDD industry forward.

In this episode of Subsurface Stories, Peter Melsheimer introduces us to Equappment, an application designed to revolutionize the world of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and underground construction project management. Through our discussion, we uncover how Equappment is looking to enhance efficiency on job sites by streamlining equipment tracking, task coordination, and addressing the underground construction industry's distinct challenges.

In this episode of 'Subsurface Stories,' we look into the critical aspects of safety in confined spaces within the sewer and underground infrastructure sector. Joined by Dennis Pivin, Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental at NASSCO, we explore the five essential components required for safe confined space entry: continuous air monitoring, continuous ventilation, the confined space permit, retrieval winch and fall protection, and the proper use of harnesses.

Dive into the complexities of bore planning in this episode of Subsurface Stories, featuring Brent Bardwell from Vermeer Corporation. Uncover the innovations shaping the HDD industry, from advanced technologies to strategies for preventing utility strikes. Brent brings a wealth of knowledge on enhancing underground utility placement, discussing the pivotal role of digital tools in achieving accuracy and safety. Join us as we explore how Vermeer is setting new standards in bore planning and infrastructure management.

Join us for a discussion with Dennis Pivin, NASSCO's Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental, on the pivotal topic of confined space safety. With over three decades of experience, Dennis delves into the common hazards, essential training strategies, and the significance of OSHA's updated standards. This episode of Subsurface Stories highlights the critical need for ongoing education, risk mitigation, and adherence to safety protocols in confined work environments. Ideal for decision-makers and safety professionals aiming to elevate their safety measures and safeguard their workforce.

In this episode of 'Subsurface Stories,' we welcome Eric Sullivan, Director of Business Development at SewerAI, for an in-depth discussion on transforming the wastewater industry through AI and cloud computing. Eric shares his journey in the field, highlighting SewerAI's innovative solutions and the impact of technologies like photogrammetry and AI on infrastructure assessment. Delving into the challenges and advancements in data security and efficiency, this episode offers a unique perspective on the future of wastewater management and infrastructure technology. Join us to explore how SewerAI is driving the industry into the 21st century.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Subsurface Stories', the definitive podcast for underground infrastructure insights. Join hosts Josh Allen and Robert Carpenter as they dive deep with industry expert Don Rigby. This episode explores the challenges of infiltration and inflow (I&I) in sewer systems, emphasizing proactive solutions over reactive measures. Discover the impact of I&I on structural integrity, the role of technology in addressing this issue, and the importance of informed decision-making. An essential listen for industry professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and management of underground infrastructure.

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