Sewer

Rehab technology: 10 expert tips to ensure safe sewer cleaning

(UI) — Municipalities must safely clean and maintain many miles of sewer line annually to eliminate blockages and prevent sanitary sewer overflows, which are regulated by the EPA. However, the use of high-pressure equipment in underground sewers can be dangerous, unless operators are well-trained and fully understand the hazards.

City of Newburgh completes first underground tunnel, part of $32 million sewer improvement project

This phase of the project is being completed by a specially designed tunnel boring machine (TBM) capable of “micro tunneling” – an innovative, remote-operated trenchless construction method that allows for simultaneous excavation and pipe laying with minimal disruption to residents.

Jackson’s federally appointed water manager to take control over sewer system

U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate said at a hearing that he plans on placing Jackson’s sewer system under the authority of Ted Henifin, who was appointed in November to address the city’s water troubles.

Spain to invest $2.4 billion in drought measures, including wastewater infrastructure and desalination plants

Ribera said $1.5 billion would go toward building the infrastructure to double the use of treated wastewater in urban areas and constructing new desalination plants to increase the national supply of drinking water.

Pittsburgh water rates could increase nearly 60% over next 3 years

(UI) — In order to continue funding its plans for infrastructure upgrades, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has submitted a request to state regulators for a rate increase of over 60% over the upcoming three years.

DOJ probe finds Alabama ignored sewer issues in impoverished communities

The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday said an environmental justice probe found Alabama engaged in a pattern of inaction and neglect regarding the risks of raw sewage for residents in an impoverished Alabama county and announced a settlement agreement with the state.

Tech Tips: Manhole inspection technologies

(UI) — If you attend a wastewater conference or read any sewer industry magazine, you will undoubtedly see multiple technologies for inspecting sewer manholes or underground structures. Each one has its main salespoints or technologies, but what are they providing you? How can you utilize these technologies to streamline and improve your inspection program?

Limiting SSOs with superior sewer maintenance tools, techniques

(UI) — Most municipalities are fully aware that preventing sewer overflows is a national enforcement priority for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), yet many struggle to stay compliant. Too often, when municipalities are short-staffed and must maintain miles of sewer line, they end up simply responding to emergencies.

Tennessee announces $232 million in additional funding for water infrastructure

(UI) — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced 102 grants totaling $232,709,981 of which TDEC is administering in the form of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure grants.

Big changes ahead for Midland's sewage system: 8,000 feet of pipe set for renovation

(UI) — Earlier this month, W. Sugnet Road was closed to through-traffic from W. Main Street to Valley Drive in Midland, Texas, as construction kicked off on a multiyear sewer pipe upsizing project through the Concept 5 Sewer Improvement Plan.

Orlando’s Richard Howard brought global view, acclaim to innovative public works program

During Richard Howard's tenure, Orlando’s Public Works department was increasingly known for its innovative, sometimes experimental and largely successful approaches to wastewater and stormwater management.

Pearland city officials approve plan to rehabilitate 20,000 feet of sewer pipes

(UI) — A sanitary sewer restoration contract for $2.88 million from Texas Pride Utilities was unanimously approved last month by the Pearland City Council for the Barry Rose and Old Town Site neighborhoods.

CITCO Water announces partnership with Trivest

(UI) — CITCO Water provides an end-to-end solution for critical municipal water and wastewater needs and maintains a unique mix of recession resistant infrastructure repair, replacement, and upgrade products combined with mission critical water treatment chemicals and related technical expertise.

City installs new storm sewers and water mains in Dongan Hills, Staten Island

(UI) — The $4.17 million capital project replaced water mains and sewers and rebuilt streets and sidewalks spanning over nine blocks in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, near Ocean Breeze Park.

New Orleans to store 56,000 gallons of stormwater in new park

The park will hold approximately 56,000 gallons of stormwater, easing pressure on New Orleans’ decaying drains and pump system. Dubbed the Bayou St. John Green Infrastructure project, the new park’s stormwater capacity is equivalent to 1,100 household bathtubs.

83 projects awarded $585 million to improve aging water infrastructure, advance drought resilience

(UI) — The Biden-Harris administration has awarded nearly $585 million in funding to 83 projects across 11 states to increase drought resilience and improve water delivery systems.

Stantec tapped to support Jackson, Miss., water improvements

(UI) — Stantec has been selected by JXN Water LLC to lead the analysis and design of improvements to the water distribution system serving the residents of Jackson, Mississippi.

Governor Hochul to invest over $70 million in critical water infrastructure projects across New York

(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $70 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State on April 5. The Suffolk County Water Authority will receive $16.2 million in funding for 11 drinking water projects.

Iowa’s water infrastructure rated “mediocre” by engineering group

(UI) — The Iowa section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released the 2023 Report Card for Iowa’s Infrastructure on Tuesday, with the state’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure receiving a grade of “C” and “C-.” Its energy and stormwater infrastructure received a grade of “C+” and “D+.” According to the report, a C is considered “mediocre,” while a D is “poor.”

Illinois American Water agrees to acquire Granite City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility

(UI) — The sale would bring approximately 26,000 new wastewater treatment customer connections to Illinois American Water, including about 10,500 direct and an additional 15,500 indirect customers in surrounding communities.

Puerto Rico, USVI to receive $108 million to upgrade water systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive a total of nearly $108 million to improve drinking water infrastructure across the U.S. territories.

Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska granted $248 million to upgrade drinking water infrastructure

(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska will receive a total of roughly $248 million for essential drinking water infrastructure upgrades. Missouri is slated to get $106.4 million, Iowa roughly $79.8 million and Nebraska is expected to receive $46 million.

Shimmick to secure contract for Chattanooga’s $58 million stormwater management project

(UI) — The $58 million project would provide inline stormwater storage capacity to protect the city and surrounding communities from stormwater overflows during peak storm events, ensuring the area is equipped to manage sewage and is also expected to create more than 75 jobs during construction.

Indiana American Water files rate request driven by $875 million wastewater investment

(UI) — Indiana American Water filed a rate adjustment request on March 31 with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission reflecting $875 million in water and wastewater system investments to be made through 2025.

North Carolina lawmakers propose $2 billion investment plan for water, sewer projects

Rep. Dean Arp, a Union County Republican and one of the chief budget writers, said the House plan includes $3.6 billion on infrastructure investments over the next two years, along with $2 billion for local and regional water and sewer system projects.

Pennsylvania American Water agrees to acquire Towamencin’s sewer assets for $104 million

(UI) — Pennsylvania American Water has entered an agreement to purchase all the assets related to the wastewater system of the Towamencin Municipal Authority, the company said on March 24.

$231 million infrastructure project replaces water mains, sewers in Manhattan, NYC

(UI) — The Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Design and Construction installed 18,000 feet of water mains and replaced over 5,000 feet of sewers for the $231 million infrastructure project.

Aries Industries expands central US market reach with new multi-location dealer

(UI) — Aries Industries, the industry leader in state-of-the-art equipment for inspection and maintenance of underground infrastructure, has strengthened its central U.S. market reach with the addition of a multi-location dealer serving four states.

United Nations: 46% of the world population lacks access to basic water sanitation

The biggest source of pollution is untreated wastewater. “Globally, 80% of wastewater is released to the environment without any treatment, and in many developing countries, it’s pretty much 99%.”

Gradiant acquires water and wastewater management company MPES

(UI) — Gradiant, a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment, has announced that it has acquired Muscat Projects & Engineering Services (MPES), a leading full-service water and wastewater management company in Oman.