Magazine

New HDPE composite pipe replaces welded steel at potash mine

To update the brine transfer line at its Rocanville potash production facility in Saskatchewan, Canada, Nutrien, a Canadian fertilizer company, selected a steel-reinforced, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe.

Permitting reforms seen as crucial to Northeast, nation’s energy woes

The state of Massachusetts earlier in 2024 joined its fellow New England states, along with Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for coordinating their activities to improve interregional transmission planning and development.

Editor's Log: The anticipated return of pipelines

The underground infrastructure sector anticipates significant changes with Trump’s return, especially for pipeline construction, as easing regulations and renewed support signal a potential boom. Underground Infrastructure will spotlight these shifts at its upcoming conference.

HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame Class of ’25 announced

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.

Mark Boyer named 2025 MVP of underground infrastructure industry

Long-time Houston-based underground infrastructure contractor Mark L. Boyer has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry for 2025.

Mexico plans to accelerate development of underground infrastructure

Mexico plans to accelerate the development of its underground energy infrastructure, thanks to the ever-growing trend of nearshoring, which requires more quality infrastructure to guarantee a reliable energy supply for companies interested in expansion to the country.

California's largest RNG plant opens, transforming landfill gas into clean energy

Ameresco, Republic Services and PG&E have officially opened California's largest landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant at the Keller Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg, Calif.

CGA report underscores progress, challenges of buried utilities damage prevention

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, recently published its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report.

AGA’s Sames bids farewell after 20 years

After nearly 20 years, Christina Sames is stepping away from her role as senior vice president of Operations & Engineering for the American Gas Association (AGA).

Newsline November 2024

Honolulu Proposes Sewer Fee Increases to Improve Wastewater Infrastructure; Fort Collins to Control Floodwater With $42 Million Storm Pipe Project; Deer Creek Sanitary Tunnel Named Project of the Year by ASCE Chapter; and more!

New Products

In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights Franklin’s FPS Submersible Wastewater Pump portfolio, Yanmar’s new line of compact track loaders, and Vermeer’s new MX150 mixing system. Discover the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.

Top federal court slaps FERC’s hands-on project approvals

Two recent federal appeals court decisions make it unlikely that 2024 and beyond will see an improvement in that statistic, even as interstate pipeline building becomes more important, given increased demand from electric generators, data centers and auto electrification.

OSHA proposed rule on heat exposure raises ire from construction industry

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule in July that would affect all employers nationwide and require, among other things, a written heat injury and illness prevention plan, substantial heat-injury-related precautions, training and regular, comprehensive program reviews and updates.

Utility & communications construction: Investment trends and sector growth update

Strong investment by investor-owned utilities, the federal government, states and municipalities have led to quality project opportunities that brought significant growth to the contractors serving those markets.

First look: Software program assists contractors with 811 process

Earlier this year, my husband and I had a fence replaced, and we failed to call 811 before the workers began digging. We didn’t even think about it – and we’re not the only ones.

Editor’s Log: When money has no limits

Power generation is rapidly emerging across North America – indeed, the world – as the primary factor that, in the near future, will impact not only our economy, but further development of modern civilization.

IPEX expands trenchless offering with cost-efficient, large-size NovaForm PVC liner

NovaForm is a styrene-free, expand-in-place structural liner for rehabilitating trenchless sewer and stormwater culverts. This liner combines long-term strength with flexibility, allowing it to handle some of the most challenging installation conditions.

Federal court rejects four new pipeline safety rules

Not only has the DC Federal Court of Appeals upended FERC decisions, it has now injected itself into Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) decisions.

A construction observer’s guide: From manhole rehabilitation to project management insights

A construction observer is the system owner’s representative on a construction project. Their primary responsibility is to thoroughly understand the project plans and specifications and be present on-site during construction to ensure adherence to these plans and specifications, safeguarding the owner’s best interests.

Water, Sewer Damage Awareness Week 2024 is providing education, strategies to industry communities

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) 2024 is planned for Oct 21-25. This year, key stakeholders in the water and wastewater industry from across the country are gearing up to receive free educational presentations tailored to provide industry-leading practices and strategies to protect and maintain the water and wastewater systems that we all rely on.

Eliminating pipe obstructions with vibrating nozzles

In sanitary sewer and storm lines, scale, grout, mortar residue and mineral deposits as well as cementitious particulates can accumulate over time and harden to the pipe wall or floor.

Newsline October 2024

EarthGrid, EnerTech to invest $18 billion in underground projects; Tennessee requires $3 billion for wastewater infrastructure repairs by 2027; Clack-A-Mole TBM progresses on Oregon outfall tunnel; and more!

Eagle Claw drill bit marks 20 years of innovation in HDD

The journey of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) from the oil and gas sector to the construction industry has been quite remarkable. Initially adopted with great success, HDD has seen significant improvements due to advancements in walk-over locating technology and steering capabilities in various ground conditions.

First look: Compact reclaimer introduced to HDD utility market

In response to the growing challenges faced by horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contractors, Vermeer has introduced the R125 reclaimer, a compact mud recycling system designed to support utility-sized drills.

Editor’s log: ‘Shocking’ news

After Houston had yet another hurricane smash through the city shortly after the Fourth of July, widespread power outages in the millions that lasted, in some cases, for weeks, resulted in heavy criticism of the area’s power grid.

Best practice of injection grouting in municipal sewers

Injection grouting is often recognized as the "original" trenchless technology of our industry. The first mainline pipe joints were sealed in 1962 in Cottonwood Falls, KS, and we have never looked back!

Vermeer launches compact MX150 mixing system for HDD operations

Vermeer has introduced the MX150, a compact mixing system designed for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. The MX150, equipped with a 7-hp (5.2-kW) Kohler gas engine, delivers a maximum flow of 150 gallons per minute (gpm) to ensure faster fluid mixing times, optimizing productivity in confined job sites.

Buried Asset Management Congress opens registration

The 2024 Global Buried Asset Management Congress (GBAMC) will offer an exceptional platform for professionals across the underground infrastructure sector. Scheduled for Nov. 14-16, in the Omni Severin Hotel, Indianapolis, this event promises to deliver many industry highlights.

New Products

In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights Hitachi’s Super Long Front excavator, CASE’s new electric backhoe and mini excavator models, and CAT’s upgraded wheel loaders with innovative traction control. Discover the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.

Business News

Discover the latest innovations and industry collaborations in underground construction.