Damage Prevention & Safety
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.
MSA Safety launches new multigas detector for confined space, underground safety
MSA Safety has unveiled its ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector at NSC 2025 in Denver. Designed for confined space monitoring in underground infrastructure, oil and gas, utilities and construction, the device enhances real-time safety management and data connectivity across worksites.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company halts Vegas Loop tunneling after worker injury
A worker suffered a “crushing injury” inside a Boring Company tunnel near the Las Vegas Strip, prompting officials to pause work on the Vegas Loop project while the incident is investigated.
Vannguard teams up with Trivest as part of growth strategy
“We are excited by the Trivest partnership and their experience in essential services and underground infrastructure, as well as their reputation for supporting founder-owned businesses,” said Vannguard CEO Randy Bern.
Cupertino, Calif., water main break floods homes, prompts boil advisory
A ruptured water line flooded several Cupertino homes, forcing evacuations and prompting a boil advisory. San Jose Water says a contractor struck the line, and cleanup continues.
$337 million granted to N.C. to repair Helene infrastructure damage
Nearly a year after Category 4 Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout North Carolina, the Environmental Protection Agency has provided a total of $337 million to assist in recovery efforts. Of this amount, $276 million is designated for bolstering water infrastructure resilience.
Illinois EPA grants $40 million for PFAS removal in small communities
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has launched a new grant program dedicating over $40 million to help tackle issues related to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and manganese in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities.
Inspectors charged with faking gas pipeline safety tests in New York
Two inspectors have been charged with wire fraud for allegedly faking hundreds of gas pipeline safety tests in New York City and Westchester County. Prosecutors say the fraudulent inspections put public safety at risk.
CGA report shows utility damage rates climbing, calls for stronger enforcement
The Common Ground Alliance’s 2024 DIRT Report shows buried utility damages are climbing, with late locates and recurring errors driving risk. CGA warns stronger enforcement and industry-wide changes are needed.
Trump PHMSA aims to ease pipeline safety rules
The Trump administration has started down a path, which could be a slow one given the agency’s past performance, to ease the burden of safety rules on the gas pipeline industry.
Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
A hydrogen sulfide gas leak claimed the lives of three Houston-area workers on Wednesday, as they were working on sewer repairs in Trinity County. CBS 19 News and Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace reported that the gas leak was contained to a manhole, and after ensuring safety, first responders were able to recover the victims.
Toronto landscaper pleads guilty in striking Enbridge gas pipeline
Ontario-based Orin Landscaping Inc. has pleaded guilty to striking and damaging a natural gas pipeline operated by Enbridge. This marks the second guilty plea this year for pipeline strikes in Ontario. The company was found guilty of an offence under Ontario Regulation 210/01 of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
Employer in fatal Mobile, Ala., sewer accident had prior OSHA safety citations
OSHA is investigating the deaths of two Alabama sewer workers whose employer was previously cited for failing to provide fall protection and hazard communication training during a 2023 manhole project.
Massive water main break in Chicago suburb leads to sky-high geyser
A 48-inch water main was hit by a construction crew in Chicago's Norwood Park Township, sending a huge geyser of water shooting into the sky, CBS News Chicago reported. The incident happened earlier this week, when an engineering firm drilling in the area accidentally hit the water main and caused it to burst.
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- U.S. water reuse boom to fuel $47 billion in infrastructure spending through 2035
- $2.3 billion approved to construct 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf gas pipeline
- Major water pipe break in Puerto Rico hits over 165,000 customers
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- Utah city launches historic $70 million tunnel project using box jacking under active rail line
- Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized