Magazine
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.
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.
FERC rejects effort to regulate Williams’ gathering line
(UI) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) just gave a big boost to interstate pipelines that are considering new connections between shale fields and customers.
Joe Schotthoefer: NASSCO Standard Bearer
(UI) — Joe Schotthoefer, vice president of operations at Doetsch Environmental Services, reflects on his journey from field technician to NASSCO leader, highlighting the importance of collaboration, community, and setting standards for underground infrastructure.
Editor’s Log: Wild Ride
(UI) — 2024 was a year of accomplishment, a year of desperation and a year of hope. That’s a tough yet unique way to define one year, but that’s how I see it.
Celebrating 30 years: Explore the next era of UIC
Imagine a conference where innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, and industry pioneers come together under one roof to shape the future of underground infrastructure. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), Tuesday, March 4, to Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
Construction firms deploy world’s largest pipe plug at Universal Studios
Universal Studios, a leader in the entertainment industry, is well-known for its iconic theme parks and attractions. Its latest venture in Orlando, Fla., Universal Epic Universe, is an upcoming theme park under construction and scheduled to open in 2025.
2024 Large horizontal directional drilling rigs census
When a project calls for horizontal directional drilling (HDD), it’s important to use a qualified contractor and the right equipment for the specific needs, especially when it involves a large rig. This annual census, compiled by Underground Infrastructure, serves as a valuable resource in the selection process and, ultimately, project success.
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).
New Products - November 2024
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights Vermeer's MX150 mixing system, John Deere's next generation of SmartGrade technology, and Yanmar's newly launched TL65RS compact track loaders. Discover the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.
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.
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- West Virginia approves $67 million for water, sewer projects
- Mark Boyer named 2025 MVP of underground infrastructure industry