Damage Prevention & Safety
PUC cracks down on One Call violations tied to underground utilities
Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission issued more than $232,000 in penalties and education requirements tied to underground utility damage violations reviewed during its December enforcement meeting.
Wastewater spill repairs complete after structural failure on Houston’s south side
Houston Public Works closed out repairs after a Goodyear Drive structural failure released about 100,000 gallons of wastewater into Sims Bayou. Crews contained the incident quickly, and continued monitoring shows no meaningful water-quality impacts while the city confirms drinking-water systems were unaffected.
Deadly trench collapse in Goodyear, Ariz., triggers state fines for contractors
Arizona safety regulators fined two construction companies after a July trench collapse in Goodyear killed a worker, citing failures in trench protection and site inspections.
PHMSA seeks record fine after pipeline failure spills 1.1 million gallons
PHMSA has proposed a record $9.6 million civil penalty against Panther Operating Company following a 2023 failure of the Main Pass Oil Gathering pipeline that spilled more than 1 million gallons of crude oil.
Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
A structural failure in a southeast Houston wastewater line released more than 100,000 gallons of sewage, prompting boil-water guidance for nearby private well users while city tap water remains safe.
Land movement blamed for rupture of 34-inch SoCalGas transmission line
A ruptured 34-inch natural gas transmission line near Interstate 5 in Castaic, California, was likely caused by significant land movement, according to a preliminary investigation by SoCalGas. The incident prompted freeway closures and shelter-in-place orders as crews isolated and repaired the line in a known landslide-prone corridor.
Engineering firm tapped to probe Baltimore’s underground utility fires
Baltimore has hired an engineering firm to investigate recurring underground utility fires, as officials cite aging conduit systems and public safety risks downtown.
Washington Watch: Chances are good for new pipeline safety bill
Momentum is building on Capitol Hill for the next federal pipeline safety reauthorization. With bipartisan bills advancing in both the House and Senate, lawmakers appear poised to move a largely consensus-driven package that updates One-Call programs, damage prevention grants and long-delayed PHMSA rulemakings.
Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
A catastrophic break in Waterbury’s aging water system left about 60% of the city without water, shutting down restaurants, canceling school, and prompting a full-scale emergency response. With one high-pressure main ruptured and the backup line offline for repairs, crews are racing to stabilize the severely impacted system.
Underground gas line strike triggers Bay Area explosion, injures six amid utility work
A construction crew struck an underground gas line in Ashland, California, triggering a massive explosion that destroyed homes and injured six people. PG&E confirmed the leak occurred before workers isolated the damaged line.
Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
One worker was killed and two others injured after a trench collapsed during a pipe installation project in Clermont County, Ohio on Friday, Dec. 5. Emergency crews faced unstable soil and a lack of trench protection as they worked to free the trapped crew. OSHA has opened an investigation.
Alberta excavating firm fined $100,000 after trench collapse injures worker
HCL Site Services Ltd. of Vegreville, Alberta, was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to an Occupational Health and Safety violation following a 2022 trench collapse that seriously injured a worker on a sewer line project in Viking.
Underground safety advocate leads key training at 2026 UIC Conference
(UI) — Industry safety expert Dennis Piven will lead three must-attend sessions at the 2026 Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio, emphasizing confined space safety, cost-saving best practices, and real-world safety discussions for underground utility professionals.
Nevada congresswoman questions dropped fines for Boring Co. after firefighter injuries in Las Vegas
Rep. Dina Titus has asked Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo to explain why his administration dropped a $425,000 fine against The Boring Co. after firefighters were injured during a Las Vegas tunnel training incident.
Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
A trench collapse at a sewer construction site in Yarmouth, Massachusetts left one worker dead and two injured, prompting a major rescue response and renewed scrutiny of excavation safety practices. Local, state, and federal agencies are now investigating the cause of the failure.
ASU researchers use robotics, AI to revolutionize pipeline inspection safety
Arizona State University engineers are developing advanced robotics and AI to inspect aging fuel pipelines, targeting unpiggable segments and improving safety for communities nationwide.
Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
Elon Musk's Boring Company has been fined nearly $500,000 after improperly discharging drilling fluids into Las Vegas municipal manholes during its Vegas Loop tunnel project, prompting cleanup of more than 2,400 gallons of waste and raising infrastructure-integrity concerns.
Ontario contractor fined $80,000 for unsafe excavation that ruptured gas pipelines
A North York contractor was fined $80,000 after unsafe excavation damaged two gas pipelines, cutting service to dozens of homes. Ontario’s safety authority says the incidents highlight growing risks from improper digging around underground utilities.
PHMSA proposes broad pipeline safety rule changes to reduce costs, allow new technology
The changes aim to reduce costs, streamline permitting, and allow expanded use of drones and satellite patrols. Industry groups support the direction, while environmental advocates raise concerns about reduced oversight.
Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
Tulsa residents are being advised to inspect their sewer lines after local plumbers uncovered multiple cases of underground damage linked to recent boring work. The incidents, which resulted in sewage backups and costly repairs, highlight the risks of improper directional drilling and the need for proactive sewer inspections and safe excavation practices.
Worker killed after 50-ft fall at Gateway Tunnel construction site in NYC
A construction worker was killed after a fall while working on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project, part of the Hudson River Tunnel expansion linking Penn Station to new rail tubes. According to multiple news outlets, authorities are investigating the incident, which has halted all construction on the site pending review.
Senate panel backs bipartisan bill to boost pipeline safety and leak detection
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has advanced a bipartisan bill from Sen. Gary Peters to boost PHMSA funding, expand leak detection research, and strengthen cybersecurity protections for U.S. pipelines.
Iowa counties petition U.S. Supreme Court over pipeline safety authority
Story and Shelby counties in Iowa have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review their case challenging federal preemption of local pipeline safety ordinances — the latest development in a multiyear legal dispute involving Summit Carbon Solutions and its planned carbon sequestration pipeline across the state.
Subcontractor strike causes major sewer main break in Greensboro, Md.
A subcontractor strike on a major sewer main caused a wastewater spill in Greensboro, Maryland, prompting emergency repairs and an environmental response.
CGA report shows utility damages rising, nearly 200,000 incidents in 2024
The 2024 CGA DIRT Report shows nearly 200,000 utility damages last year, with incidents rising instead of declining. Industry leaders warn stronger enforcement, mapping, and training are needed to protect underground infrastructure.
Quick-thinking inspector pulls crews from collapsing trench in Washington
A Washington inspector halted sewer work in Ridgefield after witnessing trench walls collapse around crews nearly 20 times. Officials say quick action likely prevented tragedy and highlights trench safety risks.
DOT awards $86 million to states for pipeline safety oversight
DOT has announced $86 million in grants for state pipeline safety programs, supporting inspections of more than 85% of the U.S. pipeline network.
AMPP welcomes House passage of PIPES Act, emphasizing pipeline safety and corrosion control
The U.S. House has passed the bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025, reauthorizing PHMSA’s pipeline safety programs. The bill strengthens standards for corrosion control, excavation damage prevention, workforce training, and hydrogen pipeline safety.
Excavation industry mourns loss of NAXSA founder and trench safety pioneer Dave Nicoli
The excavation industry is mourning the loss of Dave Nicoli, CEO of DP Nicoli and founding member of NAXSA, who passed away at age 70. Remembered as a pioneer in trench safety and shoring, Nicoli leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and a commitment to saving lives through safer excavation practices.
Washington contractor slapped with fine after unsafe trench nearly collapses
A Washington excavating company faces $140,500 in fines after a state inspector intervened to stop a trench collapse that nearly buried workers in Ridgefield. Regulators cited the firm for multiple willful trench safety violations, including failing to use protective systems, inadequate ladders and ignoring collapse warnings.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines