Environment
Judge weighs permit challenge to Enbridge’s $450 million Line 5 reroute
An administrative law judge is reviewing challenges to state permits for Enbridge’s $450 million Line 5 pipeline reroute, a 41-mile project designed to move the line around the Bad River tribe’s reservation in northern Wisconsin.
Azuria grants first license for EPA-approved trenchless CTPS pipeline rehab
Azuria Water Solutions has granted its first license for Close Tolerance Pipe Slurrification (CTPS), the only EPA-approved trenchless method for asbestos-cement pipeline replacement, to Basaraba Excavating in North Dakota. The partnership promises safer, cost-effective, and sustainable water infrastructure renewal.
Newsom's Delta Tunnel project faces setback as fast-track bills die in legislature
California’s Delta Conveyance Project suffered a major setback last week after two fast-track bills died in committee. Gov. Newsom’s $60–100 billion water tunnel has faced growing opposition over costs, environmental risks and community impacts.
Newsom’s Delta Conveyance Project wins crucial endorsement
California Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative to expedite the Delta Conveyance Project received a significant boost this week with an endorsement from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), the largest irrigation district in the U.S.
Honolulu wastewater bonds earn AA+ rating, opening door for sewer infrastructure upgrades
Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services will issue $223 million in green wastewater bonds after earning an AA+ rating from S&P and a positive outlook from Fitch, securing funds for critical sewer infrastructure upgrades on Oʻahu.
Austin approves $260 million for water funding despite environmental concerns
During the recent Austin City Council meeting, $260 million in funding for the Austin water utility was approved despite strong community opposition. Critics expressed concerns over the lack of transparency regarding specific funded projects, stating that the provided information was too vague and didn't align with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
New UK partnership will deploy over 90,000 sewer monitors to improve system resilience
Netmore Group has entered into a partnership with Detectronic, a UK-based environmental and engineering company with a focus on helping utilities and industrial clients prevent flooding and reduce pollution.
Line 5 Tunnel Project faces scrutiny over 'lacking' environmental impact assessment
Michigan environmental groups have called for a more comprehensive review of the Line 5 Tunnel proposal, citing concerns that the state is not fully assessing its environmental impact. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) confirmed that their analysis does not include the effects of tunneling through the Straits of Mackinac.
Canada city works to fast-track $100 million water pipeline amid years-long drought
The City of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, is actively pursuing a plan to expedite the development of a water pipeline, estimated to cost around $100 million, due to an ongoing and severe drought that threatens the city's primary drinking water source.
Public comment period closing for proposed 208-mile Miss. gas pipeline
According to Mississippi Today, residents have until Tuesday, August 5 to intervene in Kinder Morgan's proposed 208-mile-long gas pipeline that would span most of the state. An application for FERC approval was previously submitted in June.
NY Environmental Dept. to review two previously rejected pipeline projects
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is conducting a second review of two natural gas pipeline propositions. Both pipelines in question were denied previously denied permits by the DEC. Strong opponents of the projects claim the pipelines could compromise water quality throughout the state.
EGLE opens public comment phase for Line 5 tunnel project
Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has opened a public comment period for the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac. According to WLNS 6 News, members of the public can submit comments until Aug 29, with the EGLE launching a full review of the project this week.
Judge approves construction for key portion of $485 million pipeline in Larimer County, Colo.
A state judge in Colorado has ruled in favor of the City of Thornton to construct a portion of its water pipeline project through Larimer County. Nonprofit group Save the Poudre had previously filed a lawsuit seeking to stop pipeline construction through the county, citing environmental concerns.
Williams’ Northeast gas pipeline revived as New York reopens review process
New York regulators are reexamining the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline after previously denying permits. Williams' gas project could reshape the state’s energy infrastructure as federal and state policies collide.
Over 1,600 lead lines replaced by Greater Cincinnati Water Works over the past year
Greater Cincinnati Water Works has replaced more than 1,600 lead service lines over the past year, a record number for the utility that exceeds the amount replaced last year by 30%, according to WVXU News. The utility is working hard to meet U.S. EPA regulations that require at least 10% of remaining lead lines to be replaced every year starting in 2028.
Iowa city completes $100 million in sewer upgrades decades ahead of schedule
The city of Waterloo, Iowa has met the requirements of a federal consent decree issued in 2016 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Iowa. Originally expected to take up to 30 years, the city has met all obligations in just 10 years by investing more than $100 million in upgrades to its wastewater treatment system and sewer infrastructure.
New tool allows tribal, local governments to model lead line replacement costs for free
Developed under the leadership of Anthony Ross, former EPA Flint Emergency Coordinator, the Lead Service Line Replacement Cost Calculator (LSLRCC) empowers users to accurately plan and budget for replacing an estimated 9.2 million lead service lines nationwide.
Veolia lands SFPUC contract to transform wastewater into decarbonized energy
Veolia, through its Water Technologies & Solutions business unit, has earned a $34 million contract to supply biogas upgrading technology for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) Southeast Treatment Plant.
Zeldin’s EPA moves to shield utilities, shift PFAS costs to polluters
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced new steps to tackle PFAS contamination, including testing, discharge limits, and a liability framework to hold polluters accountable.
Work paused on NYC’s massive tunnel repair as drought triggers contract overhaul
The $2 billion effort to fix a leak in New York City’s Delaware Aqueduct, which supplies water to millions, is now expected to finish after 2027 due to drought-related delays and contract revisions.
Ardmore-ADEM sewer overhaul project wins EPA’s PISCES award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently honored the Town of Ardmore for its partnership with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Tennessee officials that led to the financing of the planned overhaul of Ardmore’s long overburdened sewer system.
Army Corps eyes fall 2025 for Line 5 Tunnel permit decision
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it expects to make a permit decision on the Line 5 Tunnel Project in fall 2025, with a draft environmental review set for release May 30 and public comments accepted through June.
Clock ticking on Canandaigua, N.Y., plan to remove toxic chemicals from water
Senator Schumer is urging the EPA to end delays and approve $1.75 million in funding for Canandaigua, N.Y.'s drinking water upgrade. The project, vital for 40,000 residents in Ontario and Wayne counties, targets harmful DBP chemicals linked to cancer and organ damage.
U.S. Army Corps moves to expedite Line 5 tunnel under Trump’s emergency order
The proposed tunnel for an oil and gas pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac has faced continued opposition from environmental groups. President Trump issued an order declaring an “energy emergency” in the early days of his second administration, calling on projects such as Line 5 to move forward at rapid pace.
Mexico sewer rehab project is diverting untreated wastewater into Tijuana River
A sewer rehabilitation project in Mexico is resulting in untreated sewage being diverted into the Tijuana River at a rate of about five million gallons per day since April 8, according to The Coronado Times. Mexico is working to activate a lift station, to help remove wastewater, and U.S. agencies are assisting to expedite the work.
Bellevue, Wash., sewer upgrade is first project of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification
King County’s major sewer upgrade in Bellevue, Wash., is the first infrastructure project of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification. The current sewer line in the Coal Creek Natural Area, installed in the 1960s, is nearing its capacity to serve surrounding communities. The new pipeline will largely bypass the natural area while much of the existing pipeline will be safely decommissioned and left in place to minimize disruption.
Nicholas Construction to upgrade California’s Mojave River Pipeline with new screen system
Nicholas Construction Inc. has been awarded a nearly $6.3 million contract to build the Mojave River Pipeline Traveling Screen Project, aimed at improving water delivery efficiency and enhancing regional groundwater recharge.
Report outlines strategies to strengthen water infrastructure in underserved communities
Many low-income and rural communities face deteriorating water infrastructure, leading to leaks, contamination, and unreliable access to clean water. In some areas, outdated systems waste billions of gallons of water annually, while families struggle to afford costly repairs and upgrades.
Greenpeace must pay $667 million to Energy Transfer over pipeline protests, jury finds
A jury announced on Wednesday that Greenpeace is required to pay nearly $667 million in damages to Energy Transfer, a Texas-based pipeline company, due to the environmental group's involvement in protests against construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016-2017.
Supreme Court backs San Francisco in Clean Water Act case, limits EPA authority on sewage discharge
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in favor of San Francisco on March 4, 2025, ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot hold the city accountable for water quality conditions it cannot control.
- Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Funding approved for $1.3 billion, 60-mile water reuse system in southern Utah
- Is the Boring Company tunneling blind in Nashville? Experts warn rock tests fall short