Excavation
Civil penalties issued for pipeline excavation damage incident in Lake Tahoe, Nev. area
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has formally issued civil penalties to Great Basin Transmission Company and Aspen Developers Corp. for a pipeline excavation damage incident that occurred in October 2024. The civil penalties were issued as part of the PUCN’s enforcement of Nevada’s “Call (811) Before You Dig” law.
NYC’s DEP completes excavation phase for underground tank to prevent sewage overflow into area canal
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the early completion of excavation for an 8-million-gallon underground tank that will intercept and store combined sewage that would otherwise overflow into the Gowanus Canal during rainstorms.
PG&E raises 811 awareness during April's National Safe Digging Month
Digging without knowing the location of underground lines dangerous, it can also result in expensive repairs and inconvenient outages. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining with others across the country during National Safe Digging Month to help raise awareness of the importance of calling 811 before you dig.
Vermeer launches Verifier™ G1 to simplify utility detection for crews
Vermeer has introduced the Verifier™ G1 utility locator, a reliable and straightforward solution designed for utility contractors, utility owners and municipalities. The Verifier G1 locator eliminates complex menus and settings, enabling crews to locate utilities quickly and confidently.
Understanding the ‘competent person’ and this critical role
Excavations are integral to underground infrastructure construction, but they pose significant dangers for workers when improperly planned or managed. On average, more than 20 workers die from trench cave-ins each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
Authorities are investigating an incident on Interstate 95 in Henrico County after an excavator struck a southbound overpass near E. Parham Road on March 11.
Turning awareness into action: 811 call centers
Despite widespread awareness of 811 requirements, damage to underground utilities remains high. This article urges contractors to consistently use state OneCall centers and provides a full directory for safe digging compliance.
Brewer Water Department tackles lead service line inventory with vac excavation
The Brewer Water Department in Maine has adopted an innovative approach to meet the demands of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). These revisions, finalized in December 2020, require water systems to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials later in 2025.
Cold weather hydro excavation: Tips for safe digging
Jobs don’t stop when temperatures drop. Hydro excavation remains a safe and effective method for accessing underground utilities in freezing conditions. Learn key tips for maintaining efficiency and safety in cold weather.
Pittsburgh Water approves $12.1 million contract for lead pipe replacement
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has awarded a $12.1 million contract to Wilson Excavating for its 2024 Neighborhood Lead Service Line Replacement project. The contract mandates the use of SWORDFISH lead pipe inspection technology before pipe replacement.
Hyundai launches HX90A, its first nine-ton compact excavator
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has added its first nine-ton compact excavator, the HX90A, to its excavator lineup. Weighing 20,040 lb. (9,090 kg) and powered by a Yanmar engine that provides 65 net hp (48.5 kW) at 2,400 rpm, the HX90A is ideal for digging and trenching for a wide range of jobsite applications.
Excavation begins for stormwater detention basin project in Flagstaff, Ariz.
The Wedge Detention Basin is designed to manage excess stormwater runoff, preventing it from overwhelming the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin will collect stormwater and gradually release it back into the city's stormwater management system when safe.
Pennsylvania 811 hits milestone with one millionth dig notification
Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., dba Pennsylvania 811, recently hit a milestone with its one millionth dig notification received for the year on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 1516.
Excavation begins for Ontario Line’s first downtown subway tunnels
Excavation has started near Exhibition Station for the Ontario Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site. This 16-meter-deep shaft will mark the starting point for two TBMs that will create twin tunnels spanning approximately six kilometers—the first downtown subway tunnel project in Toronto in over 60 years.
Volvo CE expands excavator lineup with mid-size models
Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced two new mid-size crawler excavators to its North American lineup: the EC260 and EC300. These models replace the EC250 and previous EC300, offering improved performance and efficiency.
5 ways to extend hydro excavator life
Construction season has arrived, and hydro excavators are a critical tool for unearthing utility lines without damaging them, trenching and various other applications. A high return on this machinery investment requires giving time and attention to proper care of your safe digging equipment.
HD Hyundai expands excavator line with new 82-ton, 100-ton models
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has introduced two new large-frame excavators to its HX crawler excavator lineup: the 82-ton HX800A L and the 100-ton HX1000A L.
CASE debuts electric backhoe loader, adds new EV models
CASE has launched the industry’s first electric backhoe loader, the 580EV, alongside two new electric models, the CX25EV mini excavator and the CL36EV compact wheel loader.
OSHA fines El Paso contractor in deadly trench collapse, citing repeated safety lapses
OSHA determined that CMD Endeavors Inc. failed to provide a proper protective system for a pipe layer working in an excavation. As a result, a trench collapsed, causing a piece of asphalt to fall and severely injure the worker, who later died in a hospital.
HD Hyundai launches new compact-radius crawler excavator
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has introduced the HX355A LCR, a 35.5-ton compact-radius excavator, to its lineup of full-sized crawler excavators.
Enbridge to excavate pipelines for Clean Water Act compliance under proposed consent decree
The proposed Eighth Modification mandates Enbridge to investigate circumferential crack features in four pipelines, deploying specialized inspection tools and initiating a new excavation program.
DEVELON introduces DX100W-7 mini wheel excavator for urban job sites
Navigating cramped urban job sites is challenging for equipment operators. DEVELON's new DX100W-7 mini wheel excavator offers a compact and agile solution, reaching speeds up to 24 mph.
Volvo debuts advanced excavator series with major upgrades
Volvo CE has launched a new range of excavators that boasts up to 15% greater fuel efficiency, enhanced productivity, increased safety, and several operator-friendly features.
Michigan invests over $958 million in lead service line removals
Since 2023, DWSD has completed over 5,300 excavations to determine lead line presence and replaced over 4,000 lines. Currently, lead service lines are being replaced in 15 of Detroit’s neighborhoods, with crews and contractors replacing over 150 lines a week.
Pro-Vac strengthens Texas presence with Hydromax acquisition
(UI) — Pro-Vac, a leading provider of essential underground infrastructure services, announced that it has acquired Hydromax, a leading provider of hydro excavation services in South Texas.
EPA to clean up underground storm sewer system in Michigan
EPA’s cleanup plan involves excavating and removing six manhole vaults and a 2,110-foot segment of concrete pipe along with stone bedding and backfill materials.
First look: First electric vacuum excavator introduced
(UI) — After the first lithium-ion battery hand tool for the building trades was introduced in 2005, a representative of a major distributor called it the most significant advance in tools in the last 20 years.
Yanmar celebrates 30 years of zero tail swing ViO excavators working safely in tight locations
(UI) — With the launch of the ViO series in 1993, Yanmar Compact Equipment popularized the zero tail swing excavator concept – revolutionizing the ability to work safely in confined locations.
Rent vs. buy: Which offers the best ROI for mini excavators?
(UI) — Mini excavators’ compact size and versatility make them a popular choice for the construction industry. There is a large variety of attachments available, allowing them to tackle almost any task on the job site. Although choosing from so many different models and configurations can be a challenge, one of the biggest decisions contractors may face is whether to rent or buy the mini excavator.
Excavation workers hit gas line in La Pine, Ore., subdivision
(UI) — In La Pine, Oregon, an excavation crew working in a newly developed subdivision had an incident where they accidentally hit a two-inch natural gas line. This led to a gas leak that raised concerns among nearby residents, resulting in advisories to shelter in place and avoid outdoor open flames until the repairs were completed.
- Intrepid Fiber breaks ground on fiber optic network in Superior, Colo.
- Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
- Shrewsbury, Mass., expands sewer inspections and cleaning efforts
- Construction worker killed in trench collapse near Prosperity, S.C.
- Two workers rescued after hours trapped in Mich. trench collapse
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- Final construction phase kicks off for Indianapolis deep rock tunnel
- WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project
- Illinois overhauls Peoples Gas pipeline program, mandates focus on high-risk pipes
- Ameren Illinois to invest $140 million in natural gas pipeline replacement program