Stormwater
Fire in Mexico City's storm drain highlights underground infrastructure strain amid water shortage
Amid a severe drought in central Mexico, water authorities grapple with mounting challenges, including a recent fire in one of Mexico City's storm drains, highlighting the strain on underground infrastructure. Struggling to address the water scarcity, authorities have decided to halt water extraction from the Valle de Bravo reservoir, home to an upscale lakeside community.
North Carolina allocates $25 million to mitigate flooding with upgraded stormwater infrastructure
The State of North Carolina allocated $25 million to the Golden LEAF Foundation to establish the Flood Mitigation Grant Program to provide up to $2,000,000 per project to various branches of local government.
Memphis to upgrade stormwater infrastructure with $10 million WIFIA loan
With this WIFIA loan, the City of Memphis will complete 13 projects, including planning, design, and construction for the rehabilitation of pipes, culverts, drains, drainage ditches, and detention basins.
Georgia officials table proposed “rain tax” that would fund stormwater infrastructure upgrades in Cobb County
Stormwater infrastructure in Cobb County features 50 year-old piping that causes frequent leaks, flooding and sinkholes. Budget constraints and maintenance bottlenecks exacerbate the problem.
Oregon OSHA fines Portland company after workers rendered unconscious in stormwater sewer
(UI) — The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Portland environmental and emergency services company $118,800 for breaching job safety standards aimed at safeguarding workers in confined spaces.
Georgia’s Cobb County proposes new stormwater management fee to tackle aging infrastructure
Cobb County is grappling with the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, prompting officials to consider innovative solutions. In response, they are suggesting the introduction of a stormwater utility fee, projected to range from $2 to $4 monthly for the average homeowner.
Toronto considers separate stormwater charge for residents to fund infrastructure improvement projects
Currently, stormwater management costs are wrapped into residents’ water rate. The proposal would see that charge separated from the water rate. The stormwater service charge would be a flat rate based on property water meter size.
Massachusetts awards grants for innovative stormwater management programs
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has allocated over $360,000 to support local cities and towns in meeting stormwater management requirements.
27 U.S. stormwater disasters in 2023 cost $88 billion, Advanced Drainage Solutions reports on World Water Day
According to an ADS survey conducted by The Harris Poll in late 2023, more than half of the respondents (51%) are concerned about the current infrastructure in place to manage stormwater within their communities.
Pennsylvania secures funding to upgrade aging stormwater infrastructure
The infrastructure beneath Susquehanna Avenue are in poor condition due to age and material deterioration. Thousands of ft of decayed clay sewer piping contribute to infiltration into the sewage collection system.
Texas launches $1 billion water fund as first step in addressing water woes
While Texas enjoys a significant budget surplus, its water woes persist, underscoring the need for innovative solutions beyond mere financial injections. Recognizing this, lawmakers have established the Texas Water Fund, earmarking $1 billion for water infrastructure.
Louisiana secures $69.4 million for upgrading drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems
The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Louisiana $69.4 million from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.
North Carolina to invest $238 million in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater projects
North Carolina is set to allocate $238 million towards water infrastructure projects. The funding will support 114 projects aimed at improving drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
Canada's Oak Bay to receive $8.8 million sewer system overhaul
Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in Oak Bay is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a combined investment exceeding $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments, alongside contributions from the District of Oak Bay.
Atlanta progresses underground sewer infrastructure project to mitigate flooding
To meet the requirements of an EPA-issued Consent Decree, Atlanta DWM has contracted a multidisciplinary team to design and construct solutions that help control surface water, detain stormwater flows to the combined sewer system, and provide temporary underground storage to protect public health and property.
“Unprecedented” storms stress but don’t break Los Angeles sewer infrastructure
During the recent storms that battered Los Angeles County, floodwater caused temporary overloads to sewers. However, none of these overflows resulted from aging infrastructure or inadequate sewer maintenance.
Maine governor fast-tracks $50 million infrastructure resilience plan
Governor Janet Mills plans to invest $50 million in the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund to help Maine communities rebuild in the wake of the recent devastating storms and ensure their infrastructure can withstand the impacts of extreme storms in the future.
Washington's Department of Ecology proposes $386 million clean water investment plan
The Department of Ecology in Washington state has proposed $386 million in grants and loans for 134 high-priority clean water projects. These projects aim to upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and address nonpoint pollution across the state.
Grant Road widening project in Tucson, Ariz., to include extensive sewer, water infrastructure upgrades
The widening of Grant Road involves water main replacement work, sewer main additions, cross roadway box culverts and storm drains, and a large 96-inch diameter culvert for storm runoff mitigation.
Pennsylvania's water infrastructure gets boost with $194 million investment
The federal funding supports 28 critical water projects in the state—addressing issues like lead pipe replacement, system rehabilitation, service upgrades, and environmental contamination reduction across drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
Maryland's ambitious flood mitigation project set to break ground in Ellicott City
The Extended North Tunnel, designed to carry 26,000 gallons of stormwater per second through a mile-long, 18-foot diameter tunnel, is a crucial element in the multimillion-dollar initiative to mitigate flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Advanced Drainage Systems and RMS form strategic alliance for stormwater solutions
This collaboration will drive further advancement of sustainable stormwater solutions throughout the United States and Canada.
EPA to establish National Stormwater Centers of Excellence with $3 million grant program
Once selected, the Stormwater Centers of Excellence will develop and enhance stormwater best practices by conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches; providing technical assistance to state, Tribal and local governments; and collaborating with regional institutions.
Swinerton Builders penalized for Clean Water Act stormwater violations
A complaint filed with the settlement alleges that during its construction of solar farms near American Falls, Idaho, Lafayette, Alabama, and Perry and White Counties, Illinois, Swinerton failed to use proper stormwater controls, did not conduct regular site inspections by qualified personnel and did not accurately report and address stormwater issues.
Valdosta, Ga., faces sanitary sewer crisis as 100,000 gallons spill into Withlacoochee River
A sewer line collapse sent 100,000 gallons of sewage into a ditch draining into a river, the city of Valdosta said in a statement on Jan. 12. The incident highlights the pressing need for the city's utility department to address aging infrastructure.
Albemarle, N.C., secures $17 million state funding for water and sewer upgrades
According to WSOC-TV, the city of Albemarle is set to enhance its water systems with a substantial $17 million funding allocation from the North Carolina State budget.
CIGMAT focuses on challenging research, technology transfer, information sharing
Established in 1984, at the University of Houston, the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) is dedicated to fostering improved understanding of grouting materials and their applications.
Erie's Gannon University awarded over $300,000 for stormwater infrastructure upgrade
Gannon University, in Erie, Penn., is set to bolster its stormwater infrastructure, thanks to a $308,098 grant announced by state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie.
Gainesville, Ga., halts sewer spill into Lake Lanier, addresses issue promptly
The Gainesville Department of Water Resources has successfully intervened to contain a sewage overflow into Lake Lanier
Florida governor allocates $30 million for Caloosahatchee River water quality projects
Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded more than $30 million in state funding to support six water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River Watershed. These projects will help address excess nutrients, which are known to contribute to increased algal blooms, by investing in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action
- Ditch Witch 1030
- Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
- Federal judge finds Flint, Mich, in contempt over lead water pipe crisis