Environment

WSSC, U.S. EPA Celebrate Start of D.C. Area Sewer Rehab Project

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) kicked off a landmark rehabilitation project Jan. 7, marking the first time WSSC has been awarded federal funding for a reconstruction project through the Maryland Department of the Environment.

January Newsline: EPA Cracks Down on Violations; Cat Invests in India; Stimulus Projects At Work

<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work#EPA">EPA cites 14 municipalities for stormwater violations</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work#wind">Wind farm brings power to California</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work?page=2#tarlton">Tarlton completes historic engineering feat</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work?page=3#cat">Caterpillar to invest in India</a>

EPA Stimulus Sewer/Water Infrastructure Funds Flow Slowly

Members of Congress are raising concerns about the prospective failure of cities and counties to spend appropriated stimulus funds for wastewater and drinking water projects, a concern top Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials say is justified.

Natural Gas Price & Supply Concerns Bedevil Climate Change Bill

A Senate climate change bill passed in early November by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will probably be pushed aside by a version more acceptable to Republicans and moderate Democrats.

December Newsline: Climate change costs, U.S. export performance and more

<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more?page=2#report">Report estimates climate change adaptation costs, impacts to utilities</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more?page=2#december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more#birm">Birmingham mayor found guilty</a>

EPA GHG Emission Requirements Could Affect Interstate Pipelines

Pipelines dodged one Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas (GHG) bullet temporarily but may get hit by another.

Construction of Gas Pipeline Relied Heavily on HDD to Minimize Environmental Impacts

The recently completed Line 108 Replacement Project featured the use of HDD for portions of the pipeline installation beneath two rivers and two extremely sensitive natural areas.

New York Times notes sewer overflow issues

In the underground construction industry, the fact that American sewers are overtaxed and given to overflows that endanger public health is no secret. But raising public awareness is a problem, and we're happy to see items in the general interest press like Sunday's New York Times article focusing on the issue: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23sewer.html?_r=2&hp (free registration many be required).

Geothermal Growth Offers New Options For Underground Contractors

A good case can be made that using the earth's natural energy storing capabilities is the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat and cool homes, businesses and institutional buildings.

Thompson Pump Unveils Eco-Friendly Dry-Prime Pump

Thompson Pump’s new heavy duty 4-inch eco-friendly dry-priming electric driven pump, model 4JSVC, was unveiled at the 2009 WEFTEC tradeshow in October.

JEA Takes Lead In Proactive Sewer, Water Maintenance

Most major American cities today face multiple challenges to provide basic water and sanitary services.

EPA Takes New Steps To Improve Water Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made available comprehensive reports and data on water enforcement in all 50 states.

Alternative Fuel Choices Limited For Construction Equipment

Alternative fuels, including petroleum based diesel and gasoline with additives, are perceived by many to be a key element in reducing world dependency on oil.

August Newsline: Senate panel cuts EPA budget, update on sewer debt crisis

<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis#senate">Senate panel cuts EPA budget</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis?page=2#oversight">Oversight panel sought to end sewer debt crisis</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis?page=3#epa">EPA admonishes Ohio to fix sewer overflows</a>

John Deere Executive Testifies on Green Transportation

Domenic Ruccolo of John Deere recently testified before the U.S. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming on the benefits of efficient construction equipment.

EPA awards stimulus funds for water infrastructure projects in Washington

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $41 million to the Washington State Department of Health.

EPA Announces $179 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Wastewater Infrastructure Projects in Texas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $179 million to the Texas Water Development Board in a bid to provide jobs, improve the local environment and update aging infrastructure.

First step

I’ve been hearing some encouraging housing news. Economic experts are reporting that the devastating housing meltdown the country has been experiencing for some time has just about reached its economic bottom, or is in the process of bottoming out.

Great Lakes Compact receives highest score in recent report

Watermark Initiative LLC has released a new report titled “U.S. Water Stewardship: A Critical Assessment of Interstate Watershed Agreements.”

NY awarded largest EPA grant in history

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $430 million to New York state for wastewater infrastructure projects, which the EPA says is the single largest grant in its history.

First Look: Software Compares Carbon Footprint Of Trenchless, Open-Cut Construction Methods

Vermeer Corp. has introduced a software tool for estimating the environmental impact of various underground utility construction methods.

Converting sewage to drinking water

As California’s drought worsens, Escondido city officials are considering exploring a new technology that transforms sewer water into clean drinking water.

Last Minute Bush Rule On Endangered Species Could Speed Gas Projects

A last-minute rule from the Bush administration limits the ability of federal wildlife officials and environmentalists to throw a monkey wrench into an application for construction of new gas transmission lines and LNG facilities.

Increased Sewer/Water Funding Headlines Many Changes In Washington

Sewer and drinking water funding has been a back burner issue in Washington for the past decade, as local infrastructure needs have come to a boil. But the economic stimulus package Congress will pass will include substantial funds for water infrastructure.

GTI, CrystaTech to develop clean energy technology

Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and CrystaTech have executed a five-year agreement for the development of several new clean energy technologies at GTI’s 18-acre R&D facility in Des Plaines, IL.

Climate Change Agenda Could Have FERC Selecting Pipeline Projects

Worries about potential escalating demand for natural gas from electric utilities and industrials forced to switch fuels because of climate change legislation from Congress was the major factor behind the FERC natural gas infrastructure workshop on Nov. 21.