Education
CGA publishes telecom white paper on preventing utility damage trends
(UI) — Based on research among telecommunications stakeholders, CGA’s new research points to the sector’s impact on the U.S. damage prevention system as a whole and recommends key actions telecom organizations can take to drive damages down.
Fiber Broadband Association to develop telecom workforce by linking technicians to potential employers
FBA members and Learning Alliance partners can leverage Talent Link to gain a direct pathway to certified fiber technicians who are qualified to safely and efficiently build the fiber broadband networks that many communities still need.
PPI releases technical document comparing polyethylene pipe grades: PE 100-RC vs. PE4710
(UI) — The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) has announced the publication of a new document that provides the technical basis for comparing PE 100-RC to PE4710 pressure pipe.
USIC collaborates to align utility locating resources with BEAD program infrastructure deployment
(UI) — USIC announced that is collaborating with state broadband leaders and internet service providers to ensure the utility locating resources required to support nationwide broadband deployment funded by $42.45 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program grants over the next five years.
Fourth annual NAXSA Colorado Trench Safety Summit breaks record attendance for second year
(UI) — More than 500 construction and safety professionals converged on the Adams County Fairgrounds near Denver on Oct. 4 with one common goal in mind: learn more about trench safety and help prevent tragedy in the workplace.
NUCA opens state-of-the-art trench rescue training facility in Urbandale, Iowa
(UI) — This state-of-the-art facility is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of industry employees who work in subsurface excavations and help prepare those in the state who are leading the rescue at any accident scene.
EPA allocates over $20 million to support water utility worker training
The water industry is facing wide-spread shortages of qualified workers due to expected retirements, needed investments in the nation’s infrastructure, and new technical and scientific skill sets required to operate and maintain these systems.
Plastics Pipe Institute launches online course for underground infrastructure professionals
The course is based on requirements of the updated industry standard AWWA C904-22 Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Tube, 1/2 Inch Through 3 Inch for Water Service, the ANSI-approved standard for PEX tubing intended to deliver potable water into homes and buildings.
Underground construction enters the virtual reality universe
(UI) — The Super Witch is incredibly popular, and at CONEXPO, the Metaverse offered a chance for people to put on the VR headset, pick up the corresponding hand controllers, and find themselves inside the cab.
Trenchless Technology Center continues to prosper, provide industry research
(UI) — The Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University had another busy year and its Industry Advisory Board (IAB) again hit an all-time high in 2023. Research activities were in full swing and in-person training even came back, with forums in Boston and Houston.
GPRS launches new safety initiative to address aging water, wastewater infrastructure
(UI) — Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC (GPRS) has announced a new safety initiative designed to help municipalities and facilities regain control of their water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) will run Oct. 23-27, 2023.
Tackle turnover with training
HammerHead Trenchless provides in-field, online or on-campus training for customers who use HammerHead and Picote products in the field.
Currently at CUIRE – Annual update of research center’s activities
(UI) — Pipe deterioration is a complex process, involving a combination of aging, chemical and environmental factors. Polymeric SAPL is a new application to structurally renew deteriorated gravity and pressure pipelines and can be applied to a wide range of concrete, masonry, corrugated metal, and steel pipelines.
AGA Chair sees future shaped by education, innovation
(UI) — Sitherwood, who plans to retire from Spire this December, sat down with Underground Infrastructure to discuss her career, her outlook for the natural gas industry and her work as the 2023 chair of the American Gas Association (AGA).
Registration open for 19th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I Utility Investigation School
(UI) — The Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) & the ASCE’S Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) have teamed to conduct the 19th ASCE UESI / BAMI-I UIS School in 2023.
Vortex Companies launch Vortex Tap Cutting Institute to improve sewer rehabilitation process
Located at the Vortex Products facility in Greenville, South Carolina, the Tap Cutting Institute features a fully functional robotics simulator to teach individuals how to cut taps without the risk of damaging pipe or liners.
Ditch Witch, Heavy Equipment Colleges of America to boost workforce development with new HDD training
Course materials cover everything from proper PPE and jobsite preparation to the importance of traffic control and equipment inspection procedures. Participants will receive hands-on training in mud mixing and drilling, along with HDD tracking and locating.
NAXSA, industry groups form OSHA alliance to enhance worker safety
The Alliance, called Partners for Safe Trenching and Excavation Operations, includes a formal Agreement among the organizations to “provide their members/associations and the public with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect workers by reducing and preventing exposure to trenching, excavation, shoring, and other ‘Focus Four’ hazards and addressing equipment related issues, as well as understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).”
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.
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.
Fiber Broadband Association expands state broadband resources with Workforce Development Guidebook
(UI) — FBA’s Workforce Development Guidebook notes that, according to the government’s calculations, 150,000 telecom jobs will be created by BEAD, while research by the Fiber Broadband Association estimates the industry will need over 205,000 new jobs in the next five years to construct, operate, and maintain these new networks in every state.
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.
HDD Association to hold free mud training school
(UI) — The recently formed Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA) will hold its first industry training session on May 18 at the Doubletree Hotel adjacent to Love Field in Dallas.
CIGMAT 2023: Infrastructure, energy, geotechnical, flooding, sustainability issues
(UI) — The 28th “Infrastructure, Energy, Geotechnical, Flooding and Sustainable Issues Related to Houston and Other Major Cities,” organized by the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston on was held back in March, at the University of Houston Hilton.
Fiber Broadband Association digs into microtrenching’s ability to close the digital equity gap
(UI) — The new Fiber Broadband Association white paper explores multiple fiber deployment styles, including microtrenching, horizontal directional drilling, plowing, conventional trenching, and missile boring.
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.
North Carolina lawmakers propose $2 billion investment plan for water, sewer projects
Rep. Dean Arp, a Union County Republican and one of the chief budget writers, said the House plan includes $3.6 billion on infrastructure investments over the next two years, along with $2 billion for local and regional water and sewer system projects.
Registration open for 17th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I Utility Investigation School
(UI) — The Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) and ASCE’S Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) Pittsburgh chapter have teamed to conduct the 17th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I UIS School in 2023.
NYU, BAMI form 18th Utility Investigation School for aspiring utility professionals
This short course will give practitioners the knowledge and tools to provide competent utility investigations in accordance with accepted national standards and to defend against claims through this knowledge and its documentation.
Volvo CE breaks ground on $6.4M training center
Volvo Construction Equipment broke ground on a new $6.4 million technician training center at the company’s North American headquarters in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
- Inside infrastructure: GIS offers best way to improve underground facility maps
- Russ Ford named 2024 MVP of underground infrastructure industry
- Groundbreaking advances made with EPBM tunnel constructed below sea level
- Learn how to never wait on concrete again
- USIC collaborates to align utility locating resources with BEAD program infrastructure deployment
- Chicago Plans to Replace Lead Water Pipes
- Editor’s Log: Who’s behind those pearls of wisdom (or that poison pen)?
- CGA’s DIRT report correlates infrastructure investment with increased excavation damage
- California approves PG&E rate increase to underground power lines for wildfire prevention
- Montana challenges EPA rule to protect water quality certifications, foster infrastructure development