Business
United Rentals to offer free online trench safety sessions
Trench Safety Stand Down is a North American initiative focused on trench and excavation hazards and reinforcing the importance of using trench protective systems and protecting workers from trenching hazards.
New Mexico Water Service receives approval to acquire Monterey Water Company
Upon closing, New Mexico Water—a subsidiary of California Water Service Group —will own and operate the water system, which is less than a half-mile from New Mexico Water’s Rio Del Oro system.
American Business Water Coalition launched to support water infrastructure investment
(UI) — The American Business Water Coalition (ABWC), established to address the critical need for more federal investment into our nation’s water infrastructure, officially launched on June 13. The coalition provides businesses with a platform to urge Congress to increase investment in water infrastructure and ensure access to safe, reliable and affordable water for all.
Primoris welcomes two industry experts to utilities segment
Primoris Services Corporation has welcomed two industry experts to its power delivery line of business within its Utilities segment. James Pratt will serve as President of Power Delivery, and Michael Luckey has joined as Senior Vice President of Major Projects.
Shawcor rebrands to reflect transformation into materials technology company for underground infrastructure market
Shawcor Ltd. has rebranded to Mattr, reflecting its transformation from an energy services organization, into a materials technology company, providing differentiated, high-performance products to critical infrastructure markets around the world.
Vacuworx to support Folds of Honor nonprofit with new initiative
With a shared commitment to aiding those in need, Vacuworx is wrapping the lifting equipment to raise awareness, simultaneously pledging to donate a minimum of 10% of the proceeds from the rental or sale of these pieces of equipment to Folds of Honor.
BAMI-I unveils plans for first-ever Global Buried Asset Management Congress
This congress aims to advance the science and practice of asset management in the underground infrastructure industry, with a main focus on the water and wastewater sector and other utilities that have buried assets.
Rehab News
(UI) — The regional manager changes at Avanti and Aegion acquires trenchless water rehabilitation provider Infraspec Services.
New Jersey American Water to modernize Egg Harbor City water, sewer systems with $22 million acquisition
Under the agreement, New Jersey American Water will invest $14 million in the first 10 years to make needed upgrades to the city’s water and wastewater systems, including $9 million in the first five years, while keeping rates stable for customers.
Gulf Energy Information appoints new President
Andy McDowell, formerly Senior Vice President of Media and an employee of the company since 2005, will become President. In his new role, McDowell will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the company.
CUIRE to host 4th annual Texas Utility Engineering and Surveying Conference in July
The conference, taking place July 26-27, 2023, will include a keynote presentation, three concurrent tracks, and exhibits from companies throughout the industry.
Vermeer MidSouth relocates to Richland, Mississippi
(UI) — Vermeer MidSouth in Jackson, Miss., moved their team into an all-new 28,000-sq. ft. building in Richland, Miss., on May 1, 2023, and began full operations three days later.
Middlesex Water president, CEO Dennis Doll announces retirement
(UI) — Dennis W. Doll, Middlesex Water Co.’s president and CEO, has announced a plan to retire at age 65. Doll’s retirement is planned for December 31, 2023, or when a successor is duly named and on board.
HammerHead opens CIPP order fulfillment center in Fresno, California
(UI) — A new HammerHead Trenchless Order Fulfillment Center (OFC) located in Fresno, Calif., is now fully operational. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) installers throughout the Western United States receive their consumables orders faster.
NERP partners with Ohio Stormwater Association for industry certifications
Through this partnership, OSWA members will have access to certain NREP certifications at a reduced rate, including the Certified Environmental Stormwater Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification.
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Aries Industries strengthened its central U.S. market reach with the addition of a multi-location dealer serving four states.
PPI’s Municipal Advisory Board honors HDPE expert with scholarship program
When attendance is approved by the utility, the Eric Shaffer Memorial Award pays the tuition for the MAB-conducted Fusion Seminar, where students learn from experts and receive hands-on training in the proper fusion and electrofusion methods for HDPE water piping systems.
Ring-O-Matic expands dealer coverage to improve vacuum excavation availability
Ring-O-Matic announced expanded dealer coverage in several major markets, improving product availability and machine application expertise.
Aegion announces acquisition of trenchless water rehabilitation provider Infraspec Services
(UI) — Aegion Corp., an infrastructure maintenance, rehabilitation and technology-enabled water solutions provider, has announced the acquisition of Infraspec Services Inc., a corporation that specializes in trenchless water rehabilitation services in Quebec, Canada. Infraspec plans to operate under its current company name in the near term.
USIC names Trent Bowers as new chief commercial officer
(UI) — USIC, the leader in underground infrastructure damage prevention, has announced the appointment of Trent Bowers as chief commercial officer. USIC serves more than 1,400 utilities and municipalities throughout 48 states.
Network Connex expands fiber operations into the Pacific Northwest
(UI) — Network Connex, a mission-critical digital communications infrastructure service provider, announced that it has broadened its network communication service offerings into the Pacific Northwest.
University of Houston hosts industrial water forum focusing on energy efficiency, decarbonization
The May 4 hybrid event – offered virtually and in-person – will offer participants tools, strategies and examples for attaining energy efficiency and decarbonization in both existing manufacturing plants and new facilities.
Enbridge to acquire underground natural gas storage for $295 million
Aitken Creek Storage is an underground reservoir located 75 miles (120 kilometers) northeast of Fort St. John, B.C., and is the largest and only underground natural gas storage facility in B.C., totaling 77 billion cubic feet of working gas capacity.
CITCO Water announces partnership with Trivest
(UI) — CITCO Water provides an end-to-end solution for critical municipal water and wastewater needs and maintains a unique mix of recession resistant infrastructure repair, replacement, and upgrade products combined with mission critical water treatment chemicals and related technical expertise.
HDD Association hosts complimentary mud training school
(UI) — The business meeting will begin at 9 a.m., on May 18, with an introduction as to the purpose and direction of the association. All utility and pipeline professionals with core or related HDD business are encouraged to attend. The program will be complimentary to HDD personnel.
ProStar expands with acquisition of underground locating technology PointMan
(UI) — ProStar Holdings Inc., a provider of precision mapping solutions, announced that it has expanded its footprint in Australia with the adoption of PointMan by Provac. Provac Australia Pty. Ltd. provides unparalleled reliability and trusted services in both underground utility locating and non-destructive vacuum digging.
Peak Utility undergoes corporate realignment to improve utility, telecom services
As part of Peak’s growth strategy, the new structure will align the company’s businesses by region to better meet client needs and provide its customers with comprehensive utility and telecommunications services.
UESI to present two new awards at annual Pipelines Conference
The Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) will present two new awards to gain more recognition for the work of UESI members at this year’s Pipelines Conference. These include Project of the Year and Young Member of the Year.
United Utility to create over 300 new jobs in Louisiana with new headquarters
The estimated 141 new jobs to be filled over the next five years will have an average annual salary of nearly $96,000. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in another 167 new indirect jobs, for a total of 308 new jobs in the Southeast Region.
- Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston, Texas
- Intrepid Fiber breaks ground on fiber optic network in Superior, Colo.
- Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
- Shrewsbury, Mass., expands sewer inspections and cleaning efforts
- Construction worker killed in trench collapse near Prosperity, S.C.
- Final construction phase kicks off for Indianapolis deep rock tunnel
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston, Texas
- WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project
- Illinois overhauls Peoples Gas pipeline program, mandates focus on high-risk pipes