Magazine
Newsline: Latest industry developments
Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston A construction worker was killed Wednesday, Feb. 5 after an eight-foot-deep trench he was working in collapsed in southwest Houston, according to ABC13 Eyewitness News and the Houston Fire Department (HFD). Houston fire crews responded to..
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame celebration brings out memories, friends, accomplishments and good times
Underground Infrastructure magazine and the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association, in conjunction with the HDD Reunion Organization, are proud to announce the HDD Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The honorees will be inducted during the HDD Reunion on Wednesday, March 5.
28th annual municipal sewer/water infrastructure forecast & market analysis: How long will the money flow?
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.
Inside Infrastructure: Trump executive actions offer both promise and concern for construction
Following a historic election, the lighting speed of President Donald Trump’s efforts to fast track his agenda were unprecedented. The response to the Trump agenda can only be described as vocal and divided, with promising proposals related to energy policy injecting confidence in an industry that has been attacked over the past couple of decades.
New products: Latest industry developments
Ditch Witch HDD contractors can now more efficiently complete fiber and other underground utility jobs with the new JT21 directional drill from Ditch Witch. An upgraded replacement for the JT20, the JT21 delivers up to 40-percent more downhole horsepower..
Washington watch: Last-minute Biden pipeline actions in the balance
The Biden administration’s attempts in its last month to make significant changes to pipeline regulation may be early targets for reversal for the incoming Trump administration. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was particularly active as the clock ran out, finalizing one pipeline leak detection rule and issuing its intent to define “categorical exclusions” which are proposed pipeline operational changes that would not need environmental review.
Brewer Water Department tackles lead service line inventory with vac excavation
The Brewer Water Department in Maine has adopted an innovative approach to meet the demands of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). These revisions, finalized in December 2020, require water systems to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials later in 2025.
Cold weather hydro excavation: Tips for safe digging
Jobs don’t stop when temperatures drop. Hydro excavation remains a safe and effective method for accessing underground utilities in freezing conditions. Learn key tips for maintaining efficiency and safety in cold weather.
MVP celebration approaches sell-out
Houston-based underground infrastructure contractor Mark L. Boyer has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground industry for 2025. He has been serving the Texas and surrounding states’ markets for almost 40 years.
PCCA enters 2025 with full agenda
With the federal government in tremendous flux at the start of the year, leaders of the Power & Communication Contractors Association knew they had to hit the ground running in 2025. They knew that with President Trump returning to the White House and a new GOP-led Congress, our industry would be buoyed by pro-business policies and unshackled from the over-regulation and imposed social policies of the last four years.
Tech Tips: Effective in-house root control for sewer systems
Roots infiltrating sewer systems are a major concern for many municipalities, leading to blockages, overflows, and potential EPA fines. Traditional root-cutting methods, such as spinner nozzles for light to medium roots and root saws for heavier growth, can cause pipeline deterioration over time.
SAERTEX multiCom achieves two sustainability rehabilitation milestones
Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate culture at SAERTEX multiCom and embedded in its DNA. Trenchless pipe rehabilitation using SAERTEX-LINERS makes a valuable contribution to protecting the precious resource of drinking water.
Editor’s Log: The burning bus of blame
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter delves into the challenges facing America’s underground infrastructure, from aging sewer and water systems to mismanagement and political inaction. As cities grapple with critical upgrades, the fallout from neglect—such as water crises and fire disasters—continues to mount.
Business News
Explore the latest business moves in the underground infrastructure industry, from groundbreaking tunnel construction to dealer expansions, cutting-edge pipeline detection technology, and beyond. This month’s Business column covers major projects and acquisitions, innovation milestones, and key developments shaping the field.
Business People
Explore the latest business moves in the underground infrastructure industry, from groundbreaking tunnel construction to dealer expansions, cutting-edge pipeline detection technology, and beyond. This month’s Business column covers major projects and acquisitions, innovation milestones, and key developments shaping the field.
In the know – CCTV contract administration
Many municipalities invest heavily in CCTV inspections for sewer condition assessment and face challenges throughout the collection process that can be traced back to avoidable issues in contract administration. Efficient administration is crucial for successful CCTV inspection contracts, yet the essentials are often learned through trial and error.
Rehab News: Vortex Companies' acquisition expands capabilities, reach
Vortex Companies LLC has acquired Tri-State Utilities (Tri-State) and Pipe Vision from National Underground Group, Inc., a portfolio company of ORIX Capital Partners, the private equity arm of ORIX Corporation USA.
PPI president highlights benefits of plastic pipelines
David Fink was active for more than 20 years in the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) before becoming president of the Dallas-based organization in January 2020. Fink saw a bright future for the plastics pipe industry and a growing role for its products across an expanding range of underground applications. He now works diligently to make that vision come true.
Special tracks, training & competition headline UIC 2025
We are gearing up for Underground Infrastructure magazine’s 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), March 4-6 in Houston. Attend UIC and be part of a transformative event designed to inspire, educate, and connect infrastructure professions across the industry. From groundbreaking sessions to exclusive networking opportunities, this year’s conference promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
New Products - January 2025
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights CASE Construction Equipment's limited edition 580 Super N Construction King backhoe loader and Caterpillar's new advanced Cat D8 dozer, showcasing the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.
Fending off water freeze in combination sewer cleaners
Winter delivers a multitude of challenges for sewer cleaner operators, and protecting essential equipment from the ravages of freezing temperatures is among the top priorities. For owners of combination sewer cleaners, the potential for costly damage due to frozen water is a significant worry.
AI's impact on pipeline construction: Transforming productivity and safety
Artificial Intelligence is all the rage. Nearly all of the discussion is how efficiently it can perform repetitive tasks, forecasting, etc. There are fears, as well, that AI will displace humans and their jobs.
Newsline January 2025
OSHA cites Maine contractor in fatal trench collapse; Phillips 66 to acquire $2.2 billion EPIC NGL pipeline assets; Texas contractor penalized for repeated trench safety violations; Duke Energy undergrounds 48% of Florida power lines, plans expansion; and more in the latest issue of Underground Infrastructure's Newsline!
Washington Watch: Trump regulatory changes afoot for pipelines
Trump’s regulatory changes could impact pipeline approvals, with shifts in key environmental laws. Expected revisions to NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and methane regulations could accelerate or delay projects, depending on the new administration’s stance.
Editor’s Log: Where credit is due
As 2025 begins, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act remains a focal point, with officials vying for credit. Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the act's impact, bipartisan origins, and the immense work still needed to rebuild America’s infrastructure.
Shape the future of underground infrastructure, attend UIC 2025
Picture a gathering where groundbreaking innovations, state-of-the-art technologies, and industry experts converge to redefine the future of underground infrastructure. That’s exactly what awaits you at the 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), happening Tuesday, March 4, through Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Transferring technology from control studies to field applications
The Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT), a joint university-industry consortium, is not only focused on performing highly challenging research, but also communicating and educating the leaders from various large counties, cities, transportation departments, construction and oil industries, and engineers and university students, with the new innovative technologies, models.
New products: Latest industry developments
McElroy McElroy, a leading designer and manufacturer of plastic pipe fusion equipment, highlighted its digital innovations at INFUSION24, the company’s annual industry conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “For years, McElroy has prioritized advancing its digital offerings to complement its industry-le..
Newsline: Latest industry developments
USDA allocates $194M for rural water and sewer projects, economic growth The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $194 million in grants and loans to support 118 projects across rural and Tribal communities in 14 states and Puerto Rico. These investments aim to boost economic oppor..
First Look: Liquid mud-drying compound turns drilling mud into easily disposable solid
(UI) — Since 2017, Right Turn Supply has been a premier provider of drilling fluids and expert solutions to a variety of industries, including horizontal directional drilling – and is not new to innovation.
- 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
- Kinder Morgan moves forward with $1.7 billion natural gas pipeline project in Katy, Texas
- 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
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project