Sewer
Tampa advances $2.9 billion PIPES program with $31.5 million wastewater upgrade
Tampa’s Wastewater Department has completed a new state-of-the-art sludge dewatering facility as part of the city's largest-ever investment in infrastructure
How to reduce fatbergs in sewer systems
Fatbergs, a true enemy of urban plumbing, are monstrous masses consisting primarily of non-flushable household and personal items found in the underbelly of urban sewer systems.
Pennsylvania secures $7.9 million in funding for lead line replacements, wastewater repairs
The funds will support the replacement of lead service lines in Pittsburgh and repairs to the wastewater collection system in Exeter, Berks County.
Pennsylvania American Water and Towamencin to cancel wastewater system sale
Pennsylvania American Water (PAW) and Towamencin Township have announced plans to terminate the sale of the township’s wastewater system.
EPA offers $30 million in grants to support rural water systems, improve water quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, particularly those in rural communities, as well as private well owners working to improve water quality.
Emergency sewer repair prompts closures along Marina Bay Drive in League City, Texas
A leak was discovered in a 50-year-old sewer force main near Clear Creek High School, requiring immediate action to prevent disruptions to sewage service for much of the city's east side.
Newburgh, N.Y., completes $31 million sewer project using microtunneling for underground pipeline
The project installed 8,700 feet of new sewer pipes and used microtunneling for over 2,000 feet of underground pipeline to improve capacity and reduce pollution in the Hudson River.
Laredo, Texas, launches $30 million project to expand wastewater capacity
The project will see the construction of a 7,000-foot tunnel, designed to improve the system’s ability to move up to 10 million gallons of wastewater per day.
Manhattan, Ill., kicks off critical water and sewer infrastructure project
This project aims to improve essential public services by installing new water and sewer lines to support the Manhattan Fire Protection District's operations and prepare for the construction of a new Public Works Facility.
Sanitary sewer line replacement scheduled for Bunker Hill and Greenbay in Houston
All work will occur underground or within the city’s Right of Way (ROW), with no expected need to access private property unless necessary, and residents will receive advance notice if this happens.
Sewer backup prevention initiative launches in Cook County, Illinois
Homeowners looking to protect their homes from flooding can still apply for the Village’s Residential Sewer Backup Prevention Program, which offers grant funding for the installation of overhead sewers or backflow prevention devices.
Queens, NY, completes $106 million Phase 2 sewer upgrade in Maspeth
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the NYC Department of Design and Construction have completed a $106 million infrastructure project in Maspeth, Queens, marking the second phase of a three-part initiative to establish a new drainage network in central Queens.
CivilGEO unveils GeoSTORM stormwater modeling software
CivilGEO, a civil engineering design software company, has launched GeoSTORM, a new stormwater modeling software designed to streamline the creation, analysis, and review of both urban and rural stormwater models.
Wisconsin Whey Protein settles for $350,000 over wastewater violations
Wisconsin Whey Protein Inc. has agreed to pay $350,000 and install a new cooling system to resolve violations of state wastewater and stormwater laws at its Darlington cheese and whey plant.
Jacobs secures contract for California wastewater operations
Jacobs has been awarded a five-year contract to manage the wastewater treatment and reclamation facility for the Lincoln-Sewer Management District 1 Wastewater Authority in California.
California’s EVMWD secures $102 million grant for septic-to-sewer conversion projects
The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) has secured $102 million in grant funding to support its septic-to-sewer conversion projects in the Sedco Hills and Avenues communities.
Underground Infrastructure Business Highlights: Key Developments and Insights
Explore the latest business moves in the underground infrastructure industry, from groundbreaking tunnel construction to dealer expansions, cutting-edge pipeline detection technology, and beyond. This month’s Business column covers major projects and acquisitions, innovation milestones, and key developments shaping the field.
Datumate launches Gannt Viewer feature for critical civil engineering projects
With the new Gantt Viewer, a construction manager can manage tasks such as utility relocations, foundation work, and paving. For example, if a sewer installation is delayed due to site conditions, the manager can update the Gantt chart and communicate changes to all stakeholders, ensuring the project remains on schedule.
Best practice of injection grouting in municipal sewers
Injection grouting is often recognized as the "original" trenchless technology of our industry. The first mainline pipe joints were sealed in 1962 in Cottonwood Falls, KS, and we have never looked back!
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.
New York’s College Point completes $139 million upgrade: Water mains and sewers revamped
A $139 million infrastructure project in College Point, Queens, has been completed, upgrading over 14 miles of water mains and sewers, along with street improvements.
Tampa, Fla., prepares wastewater infrastructure as Hurricane Helene approaches
The City of Tampa's Wastewater Department is preparing more than 200 pumping stations, utilizing portable generators to prevent further damage during power outages ahead of Hurricane Helene.
EPA earmarks $49 million in funding for rural, tribal wastewater infrastructure improvements
Many rural, small, and Tribal systems face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. EPA’s grant funding will be used to assess the most pressing water challenges in communities.
Midland, Texas, faces road closures amid utility infrastructure overhaul
As of this week, Colorado Street between Texas Avenue and Wall Street has been closed for Atmos Energy's utility upgrades. North County Road 1160 is also closed from East County Road 90 to the Highway 80 frontage road to facilitate sewer line installations.
Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week highlights infrastructure challenges
Water and Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) returns October 21-25, focusing on raising awareness and providing strategies for managing water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
Tennessee needs over $3 billion by 2027 to repair aging wastewater infrastructure, report finds
The state's aging infrastructure and increasing population are key challenges. Many sewage treatment plants suffer from inadequate maintenance or upgrades. Local governments lack the funds for necessary improvements.
Work begins on Wahikuli Subdivision sewer design following 2023 Maui wildfires
Through a FEMA Mission Assignment, EPA was asked to provide support with planning and designing a proposed gravity sewer system for the Wahikuli subdivision, which comprises approximately 230 properties currently serviced by individual wastewater systems, including cesspools and septic systems.
Colorado's Wolf Creek Pass tunnel drainage project begins
The project involves upgrading the current drainage system beneath the eastbound lane, installing manholes for easier maintenance, and replacing damaged concrete panels. Delineators will also be added near the new drainage structures.
Michigan awards $267 million to rebuild state water infrastructure
Michigan has awarded over $267 million in grants to cities, villages, and townships across the state to improve water infrastructure and protect public health.
Tampa, Fla., modernizes stormwater infrastructure to combat flooding
The City of Tampa is modernizing its stormwater infrastructure to tackle increasing localized flooding in its coastal, low-lying areas.
- Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
- Lynchburg, Va., breaks ground on largest-ever Blackwater CSO tunnel project
- Texas A&M weighs underground transit plan with Elon Musk's Boring Co. to reduce campus traffic
- Wyo-Ben’s Max Gel, Max Bore HDD system boost drilling efficiency, performance
- Federal court halts permits for 32-mile Tennessee gas pipeline project
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Elgin, Ill., joins EPA drinking water initiative to accelerate lead pipe replacement
- Dog River pipeline replacement in Oregon improves water supply with new HDPE pipe
- Leaking wastewater systems named top source of San Diego River contamination, study finds
- New Portable Welding System From Miller