Inspection
The water in Mississippi’s capital is safe to drink, city officials say
Jackson has struggled with water problems for decades. Most of the city lost running water for several days in August and September after heavy rainfall exacerbated problems at the city’s main water treatment plant.
Republican lawmakers propose plan to combat PFAS pollution in Wisconsin
Republican legislators have proposed a sweeping new plan to address PFAS pollution that would create grants for local governments, limit regulators’ ability to delay projects on polluted property and mandate studies on how to treat contaminated water.
Wisconsin environmental regulators settle wastewater lawsuit with large dairy farm
One of Wisconsin’s largest dairy operations has settled with state environmental regulators, which calls for the company to eventually stop spreading liquid manure in exchange for avoiding groundwater monitoring requirements.
Researchers develop safety monitoring system for construction sites
(UI) — University of Houston computer scientists have developed a new system to keep construction workers safe at job sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 4,764 workers died on the job in 2020. Employees in construction and extraction occupations accounted for 20% of those deaths.
Iowa’s water infrastructure rated “mediocre” by engineering group
(UI) — The Iowa section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released the 2023 Report Card for Iowa’s Infrastructure on Tuesday, with the state’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure receiving a grade of “C” and “C-.” Its energy and stormwater infrastructure received a grade of “C+” and “D+.” According to the report, a C is considered “mediocre,” while a D is “poor.”
EPA releases 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment
(UI) — The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that the EPA conduct a survey and assessment every four years to examine the needs for infrastructure improvements and maintenance at public water systems. The 7th DWINSA estimates that $625 billion will be needed for infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years — a 32% increase from the $472.6 billion projected in 2022.
Military members file claims for fuel in Hawaii Navy drinking water
A Navy sailor, an Army colonel and an Army major are the first active-duty military members taking the initial step toward suing the U.S. government over jet fuel that contaminated drinking water in Hawaii.
Construction entities call for punishment for pipeline attacks, improved mapping in pipeline safety
(UI) — The Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) and the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) have published a letter urging Congress to take action to address the enduring problem of physical attacks on critical energy infrastructure.
Mayor: Water pressure should return to NJ city after break
Officials say water pressure should gradually return to a small New Jersey city across the Hudson River from Manhattan stricken by a water main break that left most residents with no water service or low water pressure.
PG&E curtails plan to bury over 3,500 miles of power lines in effort to reduce wildfires
(UI) — In order to reduce the risk of wildfires in the western United States, California-based electric utility and natural gas supplier PG&E Inc. has scaled back its plans to lay over 3,600 miles of power lines underground through 2026. Beginning in June, PG&E will be tried for manslaughter in connection with fire fatalities allegedly resulting from its overhead power lines, which were blamed for the deadliest wildfire in California history in 2018.
Tech Tips: Solving Infiltration Problems After Structural Rehabilitation
(UI) — The process of sewer system Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) removal requires a holistic approach to truly be effective. Specifically, all four points of infiltration must be addressed to achieve ultimate success. These four points are manholes, mainline joints, service connections and service laterals.
Ayyeka introduces new sewer overflow data management technology
(UI) — Ayyeka’s latest product, Storm Scope, addresses the endless issues connected to combined sewer overflow data management. The Storm Scope software platform collects and organizes data from remote locations, transforming distant landscapes into manageable assets.
Electro Scan UK to assess 31 miles of sewer condition using leak detection technology
(UI) — Electro Scan (UK) Ltd. has been awarded an additional 50 km (31 miles) of sewer condition assessment project for Southern Water, working under framework contractor Cappagh Browne. Last year Electro Scan carried out their first large project for British-based Southern Water covering 51 km (31 miles) of sewer condition assessment.
Updated ASCE manhole guidelines focus on inspection, rehabilitation methods
(UI) — ASCE’s Manual of Practice, Manhole Inspection and Rehabilitation, Third Edition, MOP 92, provides a valuable update to reflect current and complete inspection, as well as grading protocol that offers logical step-by-step guidance for maintaining and improving the longevity of manhole systems.
Avanti adds grouts to growing NSF certified product line
(UC) – Avanti International’s AV-150 Acrylate Gel and AV-278 Low Vis Hydro are now certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) as tested and certified as complying with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 - Drinking Water System Components.
Pennsylvania’s wastewater infrastructure rated “poor” by engineering group
The Pennsylvania Council of the American Society of Civil Engineers released the 2022 Report Card for Pennsylvania's Infrastructure on Tuesday, where 15 categories of infrastructure received an overall grade of a “C-”. Specifically, the state’s water infrastructure received a grade of “D”. According to the report, a C is considered “mediocre” while a D is “poor.”
AECOM launches sewer system inspection software
(UC) — The PipeInsights platform augments conventional CCTV inspections using advanced machine learning algorithms to provide automated defect detection and recommend optimal maintenance decisions.
NTSB opens public docket for investigation into fatal Coolidge, Ariz. pipeline rupture
(UC) — The National Transportation Safety Board opened the public docket Thursday as part of its ongoing investigation of the fatal, Aug. 15, 2021, natural gas transmission pipeline rupture and fire near Coolidge, Arizona.
Moving PACP Data Between Systems
After many successful Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) inspection projects end, there is a large amount of collected data that some PACP-certified professionals, engineers and utility workers do not understand.
Kontrol Technologies launches technology for early viral detection in wastewater systems
The Kontrol BioWater technology will be designed with the goal of being the first real-time, in the cloud, detection technology for virus in wastewater.
EPA Joins Review of Lead Water Lines in Clarksburg, West Virginia
Federal regulators have joined West Virginia officials in reviewing lead service lines in Clarksburg for elevated levels of the toxin in drinking water.
Analysis: Laura Reminds of Louisiana’s Fragile Water Systems
The high water and flooding in Louisiana from Hurricane Laura last month brought into sharp relief the fragility of the state's water systems, three years after the state's drinking water infrastructure received nearly a failing grade.
Ulliman Schutte, Brown and Caldwell Awarded Sewer Rehabilitation Contract in D.C.
Ulliman Schutte and Brown and Caldwell have been awarded a contract by DC Water to rehabilitate a key component of Washington D.C's sewer system.
Enbridge Finds Gaps in Protective Coating on Michigan Pipeline
Canadian pipeline company Enbridge reported it has discovered four spots on its subsea oil pipeline in Michigan's Straits of Mackinac where the protective coating has eroded away exposing the bare metal of the pipe.
Electro Scan Completes Trial Project for new Pipeline Inspection Technology
Electro Scan announced that it has completed a trial project of its new pipeline inspection technology with Sydney Water, Australia’s largest water utility.
Ameren Illinois Plans Natural Gas Pipeline Upgrades
Ameren Illinois said it will replace 12 miles of aging natural gas pipeline in two Illinois locations for a combined cost of $64 million as part of its planned system upgrades around the state.
HDR Publishes Guide for Condition Assessment, Rehabilitation of Water/Wastewater Infrastructure
HDR has developed Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation Guide, a 40-page booklet that outlines tools and technologies for inspection, assessment and renewal of water and wastewater infrastructure.
Rising Demand for Sewer Inspection Drives Growing Crawler Camera Sales
A new market report projects worldwide demand for crawler cameras will continue to grow at a brisk pace, describing them as the "future of pipeline inspection systems" due to their efficiency, accuracy and low cost.
Hoffman Southwest Expands Nationally Via Tri-State Acquisition
Hoffman Southwest acquired Chesapeake, Virginia-based Tri-State Utilities in a transaction that creates a national presence through the combination of two major underground infrastructure firms on the East and West coasts.
First Look: Utilizing Inertial Navigation Technology for 3D Mapping, Locating, Management
Over the last two decades, significant advances have been made in the quality and application of inertial navigation technology targeted at mapping underground pipe and duct assets. This article provides information on pipeline technologies that are available to map a minimum internal diameter (ID) of 1.6-inch to larger sizes. The pipeline mapping system offers a range of solutions that can map any pipe, regardless of its material, depth or type of utility.
- 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
- 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
- Charlottesville, Va., to begin work on 24-inch water line for Rivanna River crossing
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds