February 2025 Vol. 80 No. 2

In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter delves into the challenges facing America’s underground infrastructure, from aging sewer and water systems to mismanagement and political inaction. As cities grapple with critical upgrades, the fallout from neglect—such as water crises and fire disasters—continues to mount.

Jobs don’t stop when temperatures drop. Hydro excavation remains a safe and effective method for accessing underground utilities in freezing conditions. Learn key tips for maintaining efficiency and safety in cold weather.

The Brewer Water Department in Maine has adopted an innovative approach to meet the demands of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). These revisions, finalized in December 2020, require water systems to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials later in 2025.

With the federal government in tremendous flux at the start of the year, leaders of the Power & Communication Contractors Association knew they had to hit the ground running in 2025. They knew that with President Trump returning to the White House and a new GOP-led Congress, our industry would be buoyed by pro-business policies and unshackled from the over-regulation and imposed social policies of the last four years.

Houston-based underground infrastructure contractor Mark L. Boyer has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground industry for 2025. He has been serving the Texas and surrounding states’ markets for almost 40 years.

Roots infiltrating sewer systems are a major concern for many municipalities, leading to blockages, overflows, and potential EPA fines. Traditional root-cutting methods, such as spinner nozzles for light to medium roots and root saws for heavier growth, can cause pipeline deterioration over time.

The Biden administration’s attempts in its last month to make significant changes to pipeline regulation may be early targets for reversal for the incoming Trump administration. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was particularly active as the clock ran out, finalizing one pipeline leak detection rule and issuing its intent to define “categorical exclusions” which are proposed pipeline operational changes that would not need environmental review.

Underground Infrastructure magazine and the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association, in conjunction with the HDD Reunion Organization, are proud to announce the HDD Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The honorees will be inducted during the HDD Reunion on Wednesday, March 5.

Following a historic election, the lighting speed of President Donald Trump’s efforts to fast track his agenda were unprecedented. The response to the Trump agenda can only be described as vocal and divided, with promising proposals related to energy policy injecting confidence in an industry that has been attacked over the past couple of decades.

Underground Infrastructure provides its forecast and market analysis of the U.S. municipal sewer/water infrastructure sector. This survey polls U.S. municipalities about their top concerns and issues, 2025 infrastructure spending plans and much more.

Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate culture at SAERTEX multiCom and embedded in its DNA. Trenchless pipe rehabilitation using SAERTEX-LINERS makes a valuable contribution to protecting the precious resource of drinking water.

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.

Stay up to date with key leadership changes and industry appointments in the underground infrastructure sector. Each issue highlights professionals taking on new roles and driving innovation in the field.

Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston  A construction worker was killed Wednesday, Feb. 5 after an eight-foot-deep trench he was working in collapsed in southwest Houston, according to ABC13 Eyewitness News and the Houston Fire Department (HFD).   Houston fire crews responded to..

Ditch Witch    HDD contractors can now more efficiently complete fiber and other underground utility jobs with the new JT21 directional drill from Ditch Witch. An upgraded replacement for the JT20, the JT21 delivers up to 40-percent more downhole horsepower..