March 2025 Vol. 80 No. 3

In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter delves into the growing tension between fiber optic installations and aging underground infrastructure in Katy, Texas. As the city halts fiber projects over repeated water line strikes, Carpenter explores the broader implications for utility safety, contractor responsibility, and the need for better locating practices nationwide.

The Underground Infrastructure Conference celebrated its 30th anniversary with a return to Houston, home to the original show in 1995. But unlike that first event, which was held in a hotel, UIC 25 was located at the George R. Brown Convention Center and netted more than 30-percent attendance growth from 2024.

Excavations are integral to underground infrastructure construction, but they pose significant dangers for workers when improperly planned or managed. On average, more than 20 workers die from trench cave-ins each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Mears Group overcomes South Florida’s coral rock drilling challenges with Vermeer’s Bit Boss system, enhancing HDD efficiency in dense urban environments like Miami and Coral Gables.

At UIC 2025, Williams Co. VP Glenn Koch outlined how underground infrastructure and natural gas storage are critical to meeting surging U.S. energy demand, driven by data centers and peak-day power needs.

AGI Construction founder Mark Albert reflects on his tenure as DCA president, emphasizing new leadership pathways, committee engagement, and the future of the natural gas pipeline industry.

Despite widespread awareness of 811 requirements, damage to underground utilities remains high. This article urges contractors to consistently use state OneCall centers and provides a full directory for safe digging compliance.

Specially designed nozzles are helping contractors and municipalities get the most out of recycled water sewer trucks, increasing jetting productivity and reducing downtime caused by clogs.

Canada intends to speed implementation of its ambitious plans for massive development and renovation of its underground infrastructure, in order to raise its efficiency and achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2050.

EPA CMOM, as well as local and state regulatory agencies, urge collection system inspections, and two of the more difficult assets to inspect and maintain are wastewater force mains and siphons. Luckily, today there are currently more options than ever to better manage these assets.

Texas city halts fiber projects after damaging 16 water lines; Trump administration to redirect billions from fiber to satellite Internet; HYLAN expands into gas and pipeline infrastructure nationwide; Fort Worth begins two-year sewer main replacement downtown; trench collapse kills two workers in Maryland; — all in the latest issue of Underground Infrastructure’s Newsline!

In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure spotlights Vermeer’s AutoTension feature for HDD rigs, GMP’s AccelAir 3 fiber-blowing machine, and Subsite’s new UtiliView app — all designed to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and boost productivity in underground utility work.

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.