Business
Enbridge completes $3.1 billion sale of Alliance, Aux Sable pipelines to Pembina Pipeline Corp.
Alliance delivers liquids-rich natural gas sourced in Northeast B.C., Northwest Alberta, and the Bakken region to Chicago. Aux Sable operates NGL extraction and fractionation facilities in both Canada and the U.S., with extraction rights on Alliance, offering connectivity to key U.S. NGL hubs.
Enbridge joins JV to connect Permian natural gas pipeline, storage assets to LNG, Gulf Coast projects
Enbridge Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement with WhiteWater/I Squared Capital and MPLX LP to form a joint-venture that will develop, construct, own, and operate natural gas pipeline and storage assets connecting Permian Basin natural gas supply to growing LNG and U.S. Gulf Coast demand.
Summit Midstream sells Summit, Ohio natural gas gathering systems for $625 million
The Summit Utica system is a natural gas gathering system located in Belmont and Monroe counties in southeastern Ohio. Ohio Gathering comprises a natural gas gathering system located in the Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio.
TC Energy sells Canadian natural gas pipeline project to Nisga’a Nation, Western LNG
The transaction supports the timely advancement of the approved and permitted Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project in British Columbia and potential delivery corridor that would further unlock Canada as a secure, affordable and sustainable source of LNG.
Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
The Fiber Broadband Association’s Technology Committee has published its “Fiber Broadband Scalability and Longevity” white paper — the latest FBA research that explains optical fiber is the only communications medium that can support both existing and future applications for many decades with no infrastructure changes.
Business People
Mark Roberts, well-known and respected leader in the pipeline industry, died Feb. 2, at age 75; Michael Hoffmaster was promoted from director to vice president of Business Development at OBIC LLC; Jeremy Cress, P.E. joined Woolpert; and more!
Business News
VANAIR acquires Grip Idle Management; Aries Industries adds Phoenix-based Short Equipment Inc. to its dealer network; United Rentals offers game-changing equipment, tools, approaches; Yanmar celebrates launch of zero tail swing excavator; and more!
EQT acquires Mountain Valley Pipeline owner to become largest integrated natural gas business in U.S.
Acquiring Equitrans provides over 2,000 miles of irreplaceable pipeline infrastructure with extensive overlap and connectivity in EQT's core area of operations.
New Jersey American Water to invest at least $10 million in sewer system improvements following Borough of Manville acquisition
The system upgrades include addressing inflow and infiltration, flood mitigation efforts, and sewer main repairs and replacements. The agreement also includes short- and long-term rate stability proposals.
Enbridge increases gas utility portfolio with closing of EOG acquisition from Dominion Energy
EOG has a robust portfolio of assets, including over 22,000 miles (over 35,400 km) of transmission, gathering and distribution pipelines, underground storage, and interconnections to multiple interstate pipelines and large natural gas producers.
22nd ASCE UESI / BAMI-I UIS School to be held in Austin, Texas, for utilities professionals
The 22nd ASCE UESI / BAMI-I UIS School will be hosted in Austin, Texas, from April 1-5, 2024. This highly-anticipated event is a collaboration between the Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) and ASCE’s UESI - Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI).
Business People
Industry pioneer and Distribution Contractors Association Past President Thomas Michael (Tom) Allen, of Edwardsville, Ill., died Oct. 23, 2023, at the age of 83. Additionally, LAN, Woolpert, McElroy and more announced promotions in Underground Infrastructure's latest issue.
NV5 secures $13 million in contracts to support utility infrastructure across Western US
A West Coast utility selected NV5 for a $3.5 million contract to provide support on a gas transmission main. NV5 has also secured a $1.5 million project for utility initiatives that ensure regulatory compliance for transmission pipelines.
Former EPA water administrator Radhika Fox joins Xylem as Senior Advisor
Fox will provide strategic counsel to Xylem on evolving issues and opportunities in the water sector and provide advice on a range of matters to support the delivery of Xylem’s strategy.
Annual MVP awards luncheon to be held March 19 at UIC
Russ Ford, a senior associate at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., will be honored as the underground infrastructure industry’s Most Valuable Professional (MVP) at a special luncheon on March 19, 2024, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame celebration to be held at UIC
The biannual Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Reunion and HDD Hall of Fame celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in conjunction with the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC).
PCCA takes workforce development, damage prevention efforts to the States
The PCCA has fought for increased funding for rural broadband and electric power, fewer regulatory roadblocks, faster permitting, damage prevention, workforce development, and more. But in 2023 and now into the new year, PCCA is taking a more active role in the states, especially when it comes to workforce development and damage prevention.
Editor’s Log: Industry honors and celebrations
It’s officially awards season for the underground infrastructure industry with some amazing people, projects and technology being cited for market contributions.
Natural gas transmission projects to drive Williams’ growth in 2024
CEO Alan Armstrong said, “Looking ahead, Williams is excited to provide additional natural gas solutions to support the reliability of the U.S. power sector as it faces growing regional demand."
Itron rebrands to focus on electricity, water, gas delivery offerings
Itron is providing more intelligence at the grid edge and driving a smoother transition to cleaner energy and water delivery while transforming the way grid operators address critical challenges.
Five Star Electric to replace 150,000 feet of fiber optic cable in $67 million contract from New York Transportation Authority
The project scope of work includes the replacement of approximately 150,000 feet of fiber optic cable; interconnecting and integrating more than 360 branch sites into MTA’s network; connecting, testing and integrating existing service delivery switches at more than 150 branch sites; and integrating existing closed circuit television cameras at 125 stations to existing video management and physical security information management systems.
NW Natural Water expands water utility presence in Oregon, Arizona
NW Natural Water Company LLC has expanded further in two states with the acquisitions of Hiland Water Corp.’s water utility business in Newberg, Oregon and Truxton Canyon Water Company and Cerbat Water Company near Kingman, Arizona.
Aries Industries strengthens underground infrastructure equipment offerings with new Arizona dealer
Located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, Short Equipment Inc. offers a broad range of top-brand municipal service vehicles. Its lineup includes sewer cleaners, hydro excavators, truck jetters, street sweepers and refuse collection trucks.
Pipeline industry veteran Mark Roberts passes away at 75
Louisiana Pipeliners Association founder Mark Roberts was active in the pipeline industry for 25 years with near perfect attendance. Under his leadership, the Association raised and awarded over $2 million in scholarships to hundreds of students since its founding.
Vortex Companies redefines trenchless technology solutions with rebranded CIPP supplier launch
UNITED FELTS will embody the Applied Felts Inc. & FerraTex Solutions brands. These brands will be retired over the coming months. The MaxLiner brand will remain intact under the operation of United Felts.
Silver Hill Energy Partners acquires Bakken midstream infrastructure assets from Liberty Resources II
The acquisition includes an integrated midstream system with approximately 33 miles of gas gathering lines and 22 miles of water gathering lines.
PirTano Construction expands electrical offerings with Powerlink Electric acquisition
Mike Piraino, President of PirTano, said, "The acquisition of Powerlink will operate as a new electrical division, and brings additional service offerings and bench strength of employees as we look forward to continuing to support our customers while capitalizing on additional opportunities."
CorEnergy sells interstate natural gas pipeline system to Spire Midstream from $175 million
The MoGas System is an interstate natural gas transmission and distribution system provides service to markets in Missouri and Illinois.
Advanced Drainage Systems and RMS form strategic alliance for stormwater solutions
This collaboration will drive further advancement of sustainable stormwater solutions throughout the United States and Canada.
Vanair strengthens vehicle engine solutions with Grip Idle Management acquisition
Grip Idle Management's technology in idle management systems is designed to minimize fuel consumption, reduce engine hours, decrease emissions, and optimize overall fleet performance.
- Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Texas A&M weighs underground transit plan with Elon Musk's Boring Co. to reduce campus traffic
- Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel, Max Bore HDD system boost drilling efficiency, performance
- Federal court halts permits for 32-mile Tennessee gas pipeline project
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Elgin, Ill., joins EPA drinking water initiative to accelerate lead pipe replacement
- Dog River pipeline replacement in Oregon improves water supply with new HDPE pipe
- Leaking wastewater systems named top source of San Diego River contamination, study finds
- New Portable Welding System From Miller