Magazine
Stopping hydrate plugs: How operators can pinpoint pipeline blockages and restore flow
Hydrate plugs can halt pipeline operations and raise safety risks. This guide explains how high-frequency pressure analytics and AI help operators locate obstructions quickly, target remediation, and cut downtime in midstream systems.
HDD Reunion to celebrate pioneers at 2026 Hall of Fame induction in San Antonio
The 2026 HDD Reunion will be held Jan. 28 at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio, featuring the formal induction of the HDD Hall of Fame class and a panel discussion with industry pioneers celebrating decades of innovation in horizontal directional drilling.
Nueces River Authority plans 178-mile pipeline, desalination project for South Texas
To meet growing demand across 22 counties, the Nueces River Authority is developing a Gulf Coast desalination plant on Harbor Island and a 178-mile conveyance pipeline expected to deliver up to 450 million gallons of water per day to South Texas by 2029.
Underground safety advocate leads key training at 2026 UIC Conference
(UI) — Industry safety expert Dennis Piven will lead three must-attend sessions at the 2026 Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio, emphasizing confined space safety, cost-saving best practices, and real-world safety discussions for underground utility professionals.
UI Awards 2026 finalists announced, winners to be honored at UIC in San Antonio
Underground Infrastructure has named the 2026 UI Awards finalists across HDD, water, sewer, asset management and fiber, with MVP + UI Honors to be presented at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio.
Navajo-Gallup project brings long-awaited water infrastructure to New Mexico
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is bringing long-awaited clean water infrastructure to Navajo Nation communities in New Mexico and Arizona. The $143 million project includes more than 35 miles of pipeline, multiple HDD crossings, and new storage tanks, with completion targeted for 2029.
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.
Mexico accelerates $6.7 billion water infrastructure plan amid U.S. water disputes
Mexico is fast-tracking more than $6.7 billion in water infrastructure projects to address severe droughts and rising tensions with the United States over shared water resources.
UIC 2026 to feature new technical sessions, awards and HDD reunion in San Antonio
The event features new educational sessions, hands-on exhibits, the combined MVP + UI Honors Awards, and the annual HDD Reunion, bringing together industry leaders, engineers, and contractors for two focused days of learning and networking. Registration is open now at UI-Conference.com.
Underground Infrastructure unveils 2026 MVP and UI Awards finalists
Underground Infrastructure magazine has announced finalists for the 2026 MVP and UI Awards, including the 30th anniversary of the Most Valuable Professional Award. Winners will be honored at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio.
Avanti earns certification for four additional injection grouts used in drinking water systems
The Water Quality Association has certified four more Avanti injection grouts for use in drinking water systems, expanding the company’s NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-approved product line. The certification ensures safe, reliable solutions for municipal and industrial water infrastructure.
Newsline: Latest industry developments
$283 million Black Creek sewer upgrade expands Toronto sewers Canada’s federal government has announced a $283 million investment to expand and modernize Toronto’s Black Creek sewer system, one of the city’s largest wastewater infrastructure upgrades in decades. According to the Government of C..
SAWS’ Andrea Beymer to deliver UIC sewer/water keynote address
Andrea Huizar Beymer, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), will headline the upcoming Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC) with a keynote address that highlights transformative innovation in the water and wastewater industry. ..
Inside Infrastructure: Water infrastructure financing and a federal commitment
It seems whenever the federal government looks to cut spending on American infrastructure, programs that fund water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure are put on the chopping block earlier, rather than later.
Canada eyes new pipelines to boost energy security, cut U.S. reliance
Canada is moving ahead with new pipeline projects to boost energy security and cut reliance on U.S. imports. Recent expansions like Trans Mountain and Coastal GasLink highlight growing investment in domestic and LNG export capacity.
Baraboo, Wis., turns to HDD, HDPE conduit for emergency fiber network
In Baraboo, Wis., HDD and HDPE conduit played a critical role in expanding the city’s emergency fiber network. Local manufacturer Teel Plastics supplied 12,000 feet of conduit for a fire and EMS project, keeping the installation on schedule and protecting the city’s historic downtown.
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.
Sonar technology gives sewer inspections a clearer view below the waterline
In this month’s Tech Tips, NASSCO highlights how sonar technology is transforming sewer inspections by revealing conditions below the waterline that CCTV misses, improving maintenance planning and rehabilitation design.
Editor’s Log: Everybody’s talking about LNG
Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter examines how surging LNG demand is reshaping pipeline construction, export capacity and global energy markets, with the U.S. and Canada racing to meet rising needs.
New tools boost underground infrastructure crews: HDD rigs, fusion clamps and AR rentals
The latest tools for underground infrastructure include TT Technologies’ new HDD rig, IPEX’s electrofusion clamps and fittings, and United Rentals’ AR planning tools — all designed to improve efficiency and reliability on job sites.
Pipeline debates, safety risks and megaprojects dominate latest underground infrastructure news
From New York’s revived pipeline fight to Houston’s proposed $760 million flood tunnels, underground infrastructure remains at the center of energy, safety and resilience debates. This roundup highlights key developments across the U.S. and Canada impacting pipelines, tunneling, and utility projects.
Promoting research, development and training in underground infrastructure construction, renewal technologies
The Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has been actively involved in advancing technologies such as trenchless rehabilitation methods, underground infrastructure renewal and supporting government and industry in innovation within this field.
Put the money where the pipe is: Optimizing wastewater pipeline rehabilitation projects
Utilities are under pressure to stretch limited wastewater funding while tackling aging pipelines and sewer overflows. This article outlines how smarter bid packaging and contractor efficiency can maximize rehabilitation budgets and reduce costs.
Race for AI dominance renews focus on natural gas and pipeline capacity
Industry advocate Eben Wyman explains how the surging power needs of AI data centers are bringing natural gas back into the spotlight, and why expanded pipeline infrastructure and permitting reform are key to meeting demand.
The value of water: Why scarcity is shaping infrastructure’s future
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the rising challenges of water scarcity—from droughts and declining groundwater to new mega-pipelines and desalination projects—and what they mean for underground infrastructure.
Florida utilities turn to polymer concrete to combat sewer corrosion
Florida municipalities are adopting polymer concrete structures to replace failing precast sewer infrastructure corroded by hydrogen sulfide. Early pilot projects proved corrosion-proof results, leading to widespread adoption across the state.
Increasing productivity in sewer vac maintenance: Tools, techniques, teamwork
Sewer departments across the U.S. are finding new ways to boost productivity. From smarter scheduling and advanced sewer vac equipment to preventative maintenance and crew training, small improvements are helping utilities get more done with limited resources.
UIC 2026 set for San Antonio with revamped schedule, awards and expo
UIC 2026 will return to San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 27–28, reimagined as a two-day event with expanded education, technical theaters, and networking opportunities. The Underground Infrastructure Awards will also debut alongside the UCTA MVP luncheon.
Business people: Leadership moves at Bobcat, DEVELON and more
This edition of Business People highlights key executive appointments and promotions across the underground infrastructure and equipment sectors, including new leadership roles at Bobcat and DEVELON.
Business news: Vermeer alliance, NAXSA safety push, PODS data upgrade, Hultec expansion
This month’s Business news highlights key industry moves, including Vermeer’s new alliance with Sharewell HDD, NAXSA’s nationwide Shore Up for Safety Week, PODS’ SCADA Link module release, Hultec’s new Texas facility, AWWA’s updated C901 standard, Hyundai’s equipment merger plans, McElroy’s congressional visit, and Bobcat’s workplace recognition.
- 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
- Potomac River Tunnel project enters construction phase beneath Washington, D.C.
- 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