Sewer
Challenges of repairing rural water lines in urbanizing areas
To make repairs, the BCWA team has primarily relied on trackhoes (backhoe loaders) and mini excavators. However, in some environments, using these common equipment fleet staples of most rural water associations can potentially cause additional damage that will need to be addressed.
Mississippi plans sewer expansion as EPA extends wastewater initiative to 150 underserved communities
Mound Bayou’s town engineer is finalizing a facility plan for the MS CWSRF funding application by the state’s February 2024 deadline. The facility plan is the next step in the MS CWSRF process for funding a project and will include the proposed sewer extension project from Mound Bayou to the residents of Dunlap.
Funding still flowing despite economic headwinds, challenges
The last two years in America’s municipal infrastructure industry have seen tremendous increases in project activities driven primarily by significant boosts in government funding. If you happened to be a consulting engineer, contractor or manufacturer/supplier, business has been good. Now, 2024 has the potential to be a great year for many in infrastructure.
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.
Manila, Utah, secures $3.5 million for sewer improvements
Manila, Utah, has secured $3.5 million in funding aimed at improving its sewer system infrastructure, following the approval of grants and low-interest loans by the Permanent Community Impact Board.
New York to invest $49 million for statewide water infrastructure projects
The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to over $37 million in low-cost short-term financing and previously announced grants to modernize critical drinking water and sewer systems. This infusion of funding will help significantly improve water quality, protect drinking water, and promote economic development in local communities.
EPA begins sewer line inspections, drinking water sampling in Hawai’i following wildfires
These sewer line inspections will allow the County of Maui to prioritize the emergency repairs needed to protect the wastewater treatment plant from excess infiltration of salt water through damaged sewer pipes.
Federal audit finds ‘a lot of work remains’ in Puerto Rico’s hurricane and earthquake recovery
For example, officials from Puerto Rico’s Aqueduct and Sewer Authority said they anticipate that they will only be able to complete about half of the agency’s planned projects.
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.
EPA expands technical assistance program to improve wastewater infrastructure nationwide
To date, the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap initiative has helped provide communities with no-cost technical assistance that helps identify affordable options for accessing wastewater infrastructure.
Lowell, Mass., to invest $195 million in sewer upgrades in settlement over water pollution
Lowell, Mass., has settled with the EPA and Massachusetts, agreeing to invest $195 million in sewer upgrades to reduce sewage discharges into the Merrimack River.
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.
Jackson, Miss. sewer system on the mend under interim manager’s leadership
The report indicated that “significant progress has been made” in bringing the city’s failing sewer system into compliance with federal law, including repairing 90 main breaks in the last quarter of 2023. Additionally, more than 125,000 ft. of sewer line was inspected and repaired.
DEQ awards nearly $270,000 to four drinking water and wastewater systems across Idaho
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the award of $267,500 to four drinking water and wastewater systems to help the facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades.
EPA to clean up underground storm sewer system in Michigan
EPA’s cleanup plan involves excavating and removing six manhole vaults and a 2,110-foot segment of concrete pipe along with stone bedding and backfill materials.
Guam Waterworks Authority to invest $400 million in sewer infrastructure following Clean Water Act violations
Sewer system upgrades will include practices to improve climate change resiliency of pump stations and to consider EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities initiative, including the Resilient Strategies Guide for Water Utilities.
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.
Great Lakes consortium receives $15 million to develop advanced wastewater cleanup technology
The National Science Foundation has given a consortium of Great Lakes-area universities and tech companies $15 million to develop ways to extract harmful substances from wastewater.
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.
FEMA approves $2.9 million for Fleming Neon, Ky., sewer system repairs
FEMA has approved $2,916,375 for Fleming Neon, in Letcher County, to permanently repair the city’s sewer system, which was damaged by the 2022 Eastern Kentucky Floods.
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.
EPA, Navajo Tribal Utility agree to $100M wastewater treatment, sewer piping plan
NTUA violated its Clean Water Act permits by regularly discharging wastewater that had not been treated to the required permit standards, and by failing to properly operate and maintain the facilities’ sewer systems to prevent sewage spills.
- North America 2024 Pipeline Construction Outlook: New LNG Terminals Lead Call for More Pipelines
- Challenges of repairing rural water lines in urbanizing areas
- 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
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- Nevada high court empowers water authority to shape underground resource management
- New York State OKs $57.8 million underground transmission line linking Nanuet to West Nyack
- Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
- Federal judge finds Flint, Mich, in contempt over lead water pipe crisis