December 2024 Vol. 79 No. 12

(UI) — 2024 was a year of accomplishment, a year of desperation and a year of hope. That’s a tough yet unique way to define one year, but that’s how I see it.

(UI) — Since 2017, Right Turn Supply has been a premier provider of drilling fluids and expert solutions to a variety of industries, including horizontal directional drilling – and is not new to innovation.

(UI) — As evidence mounted in the 1970s and 1980s about the detrimental effects of lead on the nervous system, Congress banned the use of lead in water pipes in 1986. By 1991, federal regulators began requiring water authorities to monitor lead levels in drinking water.

(UI) — Joe Schotthoefer, vice president of operations at Doetsch Environmental Services, reflects on his journey from field technician to NASSCO leader, highlighting the importance of collaboration, community, and setting standards for underground infrastructure.

For the first time, the famous Horizontal Directional Drilling Reunion will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on March 5, 2025, in conjunction with the annual Underground Infrastructure Conference.

Vermeer has introduced the D24 horizontal directional drill (HDD), which has been specifically designed for urban contractors' evolving needs in utility construction. This 24,000-pound-class drill replaces the D23x30 S3 in the Vermeer utility drill lineup.

(UI) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) just gave a big boost to interstate pipelines that are considering new connections between shale fields and customers.

On Nov. 5, Donald Trump was elected America’s 47th president, after what is considered one of the biggest political comebacks in recent history.

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.

Discover the latest innovations and industry collaborations in underground construction.

USDA allocates $194M for rural water and sewer projects, economic growth  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $194 million in grants and loans to support 118 projects across rural and Tribal communities in 14 states and Puerto Rico. These investments aim to boost economic oppor..

McElroy  McElroy, a leading designer and manufacturer of plastic pipe fusion equipment, highlighted its digital innovations at INFUSION24, the company’s annual industry conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  “For years, McElroy has prioritized advancing its digital offerings to complement its industry-le..