Environment
Natural Gas Price & Supply Concerns Bedevil Climate Change Bill
A Senate climate change bill passed in early November by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will probably be pushed aside by a version more acceptable to Republicans and moderate Democrats.
December Newsline: Climate change costs, U.S. export performance and more
<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more?page=2#report">Report estimates climate change adaptation costs, impacts to utilities</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more?page=2#december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more#birm">Birmingham mayor found guilty</a>
EPA GHG Emission Requirements Could Affect Interstate Pipelines
Pipelines dodged one Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas (GHG) bullet temporarily but may get hit by another.
Construction of Gas Pipeline Relied Heavily on HDD to Minimize Environmental Impacts
The recently completed Line 108 Replacement Project featured the use of HDD for portions of the pipeline installation beneath two rivers and two extremely sensitive natural areas.
New York Times notes sewer overflow issues
In the underground construction industry, the fact that American sewers are overtaxed and given to overflows that endanger public health is no secret. But raising public awareness is a problem, and we're happy to see items in the general interest press like Sunday's New York Times article focusing on the issue: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23sewer.html?_r=2&hp (free registration many be required).
Geothermal Growth Offers New Options For Underground Contractors
A good case can be made that using the earth's natural energy storing capabilities is the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat and cool homes, businesses and institutional buildings.
Thompson Pump Unveils Eco-Friendly Dry-Prime Pump
Thompson Pump’s new heavy duty 4-inch eco-friendly dry-priming electric driven pump, model 4JSVC, was unveiled at the 2009 WEFTEC tradeshow in October.
JEA Takes Lead In Proactive Sewer, Water Maintenance
Most major American cities today face multiple challenges to provide basic water and sanitary services.
EPA Takes New Steps To Improve Water Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made available comprehensive reports and data on water enforcement in all 50 states.
Alternative Fuel Choices Limited For Construction Equipment
Alternative fuels, including petroleum based diesel and gasoline with additives, are perceived by many to be a key element in reducing world dependency on oil.
August Newsline: Senate panel cuts EPA budget, update on sewer debt crisis
<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis#senate">Senate panel cuts EPA budget</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis?page=2#oversight">Oversight panel sought to end sewer debt crisis</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis?page=3#epa">EPA admonishes Ohio to fix sewer overflows</a>
John Deere Executive Testifies on Green Transportation
Domenic Ruccolo of John Deere recently testified before the U.S. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming on the benefits of efficient construction equipment.
EPA awards stimulus funds for water infrastructure projects in Washington
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $41 million to the Washington State Department of Health.
EPA Announces $179 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Wastewater Infrastructure Projects in Texas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $179 million to the Texas Water Development Board in a bid to provide jobs, improve the local environment and update aging infrastructure.
First step
I’ve been hearing some encouraging housing news. Economic experts are reporting that the devastating housing meltdown the country has been experiencing for some time has just about reached its economic bottom, or is in the process of bottoming out.
Great Lakes Compact receives highest score in recent report
Watermark Initiative LLC has released a new report titled “U.S. Water Stewardship: A Critical Assessment of Interstate Watershed Agreements.”
NY awarded largest EPA grant in history
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $430 million to New York state for wastewater infrastructure projects, which the EPA says is the single largest grant in its history.
First Look: Software Compares Carbon Footprint Of Trenchless, Open-Cut Construction Methods
Vermeer Corp. has introduced a software tool for estimating the environmental impact of various underground utility construction methods.
Converting sewage to drinking water
As California’s drought worsens, Escondido city officials are considering exploring a new technology that transforms sewer water into clean drinking water.
Last Minute Bush Rule On Endangered Species Could Speed Gas Projects
A last-minute rule from the Bush administration limits the ability of federal wildlife officials and environmentalists to throw a monkey wrench into an application for construction of new gas transmission lines and LNG facilities.
Increased Sewer/Water Funding Headlines Many Changes In Washington
Sewer and drinking water funding has been a back burner issue in Washington for the past decade, as local infrastructure needs have come to a boil. But the economic stimulus package Congress will pass will include substantial funds for water infrastructure.
GTI, CrystaTech to develop clean energy technology
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and CrystaTech have executed a five-year agreement for the development of several new clean energy technologies at GTI’s 18-acre R&D facility in Des Plaines, IL.
Climate Change Agenda Could Have FERC Selecting Pipeline Projects
Worries about potential escalating demand for natural gas from electric utilities and industrials forced to switch fuels because of climate change legislation from Congress was the major factor behind the FERC natural gas infrastructure workshop on Nov. 21.
Melfred Borzall’s Red Tools Going Green
For over 60 years, Melfred Borzall’s directional drilling and horizontal earth boring tools have been identified by their signature red color. Now, those red tools are turning green.
Fuel Talk
Energy paints a complicated picture. Everybody’s got an opinion, but most are centered around getting prices back down; especially for gasoline but also for gas and electric. And the construction industry is caught in the middle.
- 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
- Is the Boring Company tunneling blind in Nashville? Experts warn rock tests fall short
- 450-mile, 42-in. Permian-to-Gulf gas pipeline approved for 2028 service