Sewer
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.
Atlantic City reaches settlement with EPA for stormwater management violations
The city corrected the violations and will pay a $20,000 penalty. The city further agreed to a $60,000 project to make the system more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Construction mishap releases thousands of gallons of sewage into Washington’s Lake Whatcom
A construction incident on Sept. 11 led to a sewage leak into Lake Whatcom, with estimates ranging between 25,000 and 50,000 gallons of raw sewage spilling into the water.
Aging sewer pipes to be replaced on Mercer Island, Enatai in Washington
The project will update pipelines that carry wastewater from the North Mercer Island pump station to the Sweyolocken pump station in Bellevue, ensuring reliable sewer service for at least 50 more years.
San Diego sewer upgrade nears completion, potholing to confirm underground utilities
Upcoming work will replace sewer mains and laterals on three streets in San Diego. Crews will also conduct potholing to verify the locations of underground pipes and utility lines.
Alabama earmarks $615 million of $2.1 billion ARPA funds for water, sewer infrastructure projects
Nearly $573 million of this has already been obligated to almost 500 projects, with additional agreements pending. Local governments are contributing $663 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment to over $1 billion.
Sinkhole in Texas town accrues over $800,000 in sewer rehabilitation costs
While emergency repairs cost over $30,000, the city identified even further damage, involving over 1,700 ft of iron pipe and 14 manholes. Now, SMC MUD is planning more sewer rehabilitation projects to prevent further emergency services.
Chautauqua Lake sewer expansion in New York to start this fall
The South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District has officially approved a $16.9 million bid by J.D. Northrup Construction Inc. to expand the sewer district from Stow to Prendergast Creek, on the south side of Chautauqua Institution.
Crews begin trenchless repair of 70-year-old sewer main in Lakeland, Fla.
The city of Lakeland Wastewater Collection Division has begun repairing a 70-year-old sewer main along North Crystal Lake Drive between Smithfield Avenue and Lowery Avenue.
Rhode Island launches statewide stormwater system upgrades with $3.2 million investment
These projects focus on improving stormwater management and reducing flooding in various Rhode Island towns like Middletown, Newport, Burrillville and others.
Lynchburg, Va., to begin sewer pipe root control maintenance, aiming to prevent overflows
Lynchburg Water Resources and contractor Duke’s will begin chemically treating roughly 9,000 feet of sanitary sewer pipes across the city on Sept. 3 to manage root intrusion.
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- OSHA fines Calif. company for violations that led to fatal trench collapse
- Greenpeace must pay $667 million to Energy Transfer over pipeline protests, jury finds
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds