May 2026 Vol. 81 No. 5
Business
Business People: Latest industry developments
In Memorium
Joseph Castronovo, P.E., leader and pioneer in the world of water and wastewater buried pipelines, died March 20, at age 85.
He is remembered for his contributions over more than 40 years to the American society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) Pipelines Division and, ultimately, his pioneering role in the creation of its Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI). He earned the highest accolade as a Pipelines Engineer by being awarded the Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award in 2013.
After enlisting in the US Navy and serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida, in Gainesville. He began his professional career in May 1974 with Black, Crow and Eidness – which would later become a part of CH2M HILL – and spent 32 years there.
He later worked at HDR, and AECOM, where he was instrumental in the program management of the Integrated Pipeline (IPL), a 150-mile water transmission line, ranging in diameters of 84-to-108 inches.
Castronovo's primary area of expertise was the design and construction of large-diameter pipeline systems. His work focused on material selection, subaqueous crossings, trenchless installation methods, water distribution systems, condition assessments, rehabilitation efforts, and pumping infrastructure.
While actively involved with the ASCE Pipeline Division, he served on multiple technical and administrative committees, contributed to technical conferences, participated on the executive committee, and was involved with the ASCE Technical Advisory Committee. He later served as a senior advisor to the Executive Committee. Prior to his passing, he was a Member of the Past Presidents Council of UESI.
Among his most meaningful contributions were mentoring young civil engineers and encouraging their involvement in the Pipelines Division; participating in major large-diameter and long-distance raw water projects in Nevada, Florida, and Texas; and gaining international experience through projects in Kuwait, Ukraine, Honduras, and Australia.
UTC
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) named Stephanie Arnold as the new pipeline safety director.
Arnold has decades of experience in safety, compliance, and engineering. She currently serves as the statewide process safety management compliance manager at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, leading a team focused on inspections and safety at highly hazardous facilities. She has also held leadership roles in health, safety, and environmental management in both the public and private sectors, including work with refinery operations and regulatory compliance.
Arnold holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Birmingham and is a certified chartered engineer. She is also a longtime member of the Washington State Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric utilities, telecommunications companies, natural gas and water companies, solid waste collection companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.
PPI
The Plastics Pipe Institute recognized the following as Members of the Year, for their outstanding support and contributions to the association and the industry.
Building & Construction Division
Rick Stock, GF Uponor, Apple Valley, MN
Drainage Division
Craig Douglass, Fratco, Monticello, IN
Energy Piping Systems Division
Dell Doyle, Dow Chemical, Midland, MI
Municipal & Industrial Division
- Gerry Groen, P. Eng., Infra Pipe Solutions, Ltd., Ontario, Canada
- Matt Haun, Performance Pipe, Plano, TX
Matt Haun
- Heath Casteel, Performance Pipe, Plano, TX
Heath Casteel
Power & Communications Division
Dallas Geddes, Dura-Line LLC, Knoxville, TN
Honorary Lifetime Member Award
White Jee, President, JEE Consulting Services LLC
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry and is dedicated to promoting plastic as the materials of choice for pipe and conduit applications. PPI is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource publishing data for use in the development and design of plastic pipe and conduit systems. Additionally, PPI collaborates with industry organizations that set standards for manufacturing practices and installation methods.
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