Regulatory
2024 water infrastructure bill gains Senate approval for key U.S. projects
The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance key water infrastructure projects across the nation, including West Virginia.
California governor signs bills to improve sewer systems, expand access to clean water
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at addressing failing sewer systems in California communities, such as East Orosi. The new law gives the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) greater authority to intervene where sewer services are inadequate.
Enbridge agrees to reapply for key permit, stalling Line 5 tunnel project
The Army Corps of Engineers has extended its environmental review, pushing the project’s potential start date to 2026. Enbridge must now apply for a new water resources permit incorporating updated wetland data before moving forward.
Texas trench fatalities rise despite OSHA safety regulations
(UI) — Trench collapses continue to be a leading cause of preventable worker deaths in Texas, despite existing safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
The Environmental Protection Agency recently established new federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS, requiring states to adopt these standards to maintain regulatory control over their water systems.
Federal government must address construction workforce shortage with better policies, survey finds
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro.
Virginia’s Loudoun County to weigh in on Dominion Energy’s transmission line plans
The State Corporation Commission (SCC) will hold a public hearing in Loudoun County on Sept. 5, to gather testimony on Dominion Energy Virginia’s proposed Aspen-Golden and Apollo-Twin Creeks electric transmission line projects.
Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns
FERC has given a preliminary green light to East Tennessee Natural Gas to build 122 miles of 30-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline, providing about 300,000 dekatherms per day of firm natural gas transportation to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston Fossil Plant.
Washington Watch: Congress stalls on pipeline safety bill as PHMSA nears key rule decisions
(UI) — As Congress heads toward the end of this session, presumably in late September, the two, different bipartisan pipeline safety bills passed by two House committees appear to be going nowhere fast.
EPA blames state for Jackson water crisis, cites inadequate oversight
The EPA has released a critical report highlighting the Mississippi State Department of Health’s failures in overseeing Jackson’s water system, which contributed to the 2022 water crisis impacting 150,000 residents.
Biden administration streamlines environmental review process to fix aging natural gas pipes
The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced that current and future recipients of its Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grants (NGDISM) will be able to take advantage of a new, streamlined federal environmental review process for communities to fix older, leak prone natural gas pipes.
OSHA fines El Paso contractor in deadly trench collapse, citing repeated safety lapses
OSHA determined that CMD Endeavors Inc. failed to provide a proper protective system for a pipe layer working in an excavation. As a result, a trench collapsed, causing a piece of asphalt to fall and severely injure the worker, who later died in a hospital.
Illinois governor signs bill implementing two-year pause on CO2 pipeline construction
Governor JB Pritzker has signed the SAFE CCS Act, establishing new safety standards for carbon capture in Illinois and implementing a two-year pause on CO2 pipeline construction.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company faces new tunneling violation in Austin
The complaint, lodged by Bastrop resident Chap Ambrose, alleges that The Boring Company initiated tunneling at the Gigafactory in Austin without the necessary permits.
Lakehaven Water and Sewer District settles penalty for sewage spills
(UI) — The Lakehaven Water and Sewer District has paid $40,000 to resolve violations of its water quality permit as part of a settlement agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology.
OSHA investigation launched after worker found unconscious in Kansas City, Mo., sewer pipe
A construction worker in Missouri was hospitalized in critical condition on July 8 after he was discovered unresponsive in a sewer pipe. Emergency responders arrived at Old Santa Fe Road and located the man inside a 15-foot manhole.
Survey reveals concerns over PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water
A recent survey conducted by water treatment provider Culligan sheds light on widespread concerns among Americans regarding the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water.
Arizona authorizes $5 billion for infrastructure with “historic” Colorado River water rights legislation
The settlement authorizes $5 billion to acquire, build, and maintain essential water development and delivery projects, including a $1.75 billion distribution pipeline. In total, the Tribes would be guaranteed access to over 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water, and specific ground water rights and protections.
FERC approves Transco's Texas-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project expansion
The project, estimated at $91.8 million, aims to expand the capacity of the existing Transco pipeline in Texas and Louisiana, enhancing energy infrastructure reliability and diversification along the Gulf Coast.
Tyco Fire Products to pay $750 million in proposed PFAS settlement impacting public water systems
Tyco Fire Products LP has agreed to a $750 million settlement in a class action lawsuit overseen by Angeion Group, addressing claims related to Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) impacting public water systems across the United States.
Judge blocks Department of Labor's expanded Davis-Bacon rule
(UI) — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Labor's new rule expanding the Davis-Bacon Act, siding with the Associated General Contractors of America in their lawsuit.
Washington Watch: Pipeline customers press pricing reduction initiatives
Pipeline customers have stimulated a two-pronged political attack on interstate pipeline pricing directed at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Congress.
Calgary declares state of emergency over water pipeline repairs
The city is grappling with a severe shortage of water caused by a recent breach in its main water pipeline, prompting urgent appeals from Mayor Gondek to immediately reduce water consumption.
Biden administration invests $242 million in Western water infrastructure amid severe drought
The Department of the Interior announced a $242 million investment as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aimed at enhancing water storage and reliability in Western communities.
Oregon utility regulator rejects PacifiCorp’s bid to limit wildfire liability in lawsuits
Oregon utility regulators have rejected a request from PacifiCorp that sought to limit its liability in wildfire lawsuits. Under the proposal, PacifiCorp would only have been responsible for paying out actual economic damages in lawsuit awards.
Massachusetts senators secure wins in water infrastructure bill
The bipartisan legislation, which authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects vital for the nation's water infrastructure, includes several crucial provisions addressing local needs in Massachusetts.
Guam contractor faces $1 million fine over repeated trench safety violations, OSHA investigation reveals
Giant Construction Corp., a Tamuning contractor, is under fire with over $1 million in penalties after federal inspectors discovered trench workers exposed to fatal hazards.
Colorado’s Larimer County commissioners greenlight Thornton water pipeline project
On May 8, Larimer County commissioners unanimously granted approval for Thornton City's 10-mile pipeline project, marking a breakthrough after years of contentious debate and legal battles.
Nassau County legislators approve $15 million sewer infrastructure investment
The Nassau County Legislature's Rules Committee unanimously voted on May 6 to allocate nearly $15 million for sewer system upgrades within the 11th Legislative District, announced Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.
Court affirms FERC approvals for gas pipeline expansion in Louisiana and Mississippi
A U.S. appeals court has upheld federal endorsements for a natural gas pipeline expansion initiative in Louisiana and Mississippi, dismissing claims from environmental advocates regarding inadequate scrutiny of its environmental impact.
- Fatal Shawnee trench collapse linked to Oklahoma contractor’s repeated safety violations, OSHA reports
- Construction worker dies after being found unconscious in trench box
- Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
- Explosion in underground PG&E vault leaves one dead in Richmond, Calif.
- Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Elgin, Ill., joins EPA drinking water initiative to accelerate lead pipe replacement
- GasTracker Accurately Locates Plastic Gas Pipes
- Florence, S.C., to fund $537 million sewer, water upgrade with bonds and 5% rate hike
- Union County, Ga., breaks ground on $20.5 million fiber broadband expansion project