Features
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.
MVP celebration approaches sell-out
Houston-based underground infrastructure contractor Mark L. Boyer has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground industry for 2025. He has been serving the Texas and surrounding states’ markets for almost 40 years.
PCCA enters 2025 with full agenda
With the federal government in tremendous flux at the start of the year, leaders of the Power & Communication Contractors Association knew they had to hit the ground running in 2025. They knew that with President Trump returning to the White House and a new GOP-led Congress, our industry would be buoyed by pro-business policies and unshackled from the over-regulation and imposed social policies of the last four years.
Tech Tips: Effective in-house root control for sewer systems
Roots infiltrating sewer systems are a major concern for many municipalities, leading to blockages, overflows, and potential EPA fines. Traditional root-cutting methods, such as spinner nozzles for light to medium roots and root saws for heavier growth, can cause pipeline deterioration over time.
In the know – CCTV contract administration
Many municipalities invest heavily in CCTV inspections for sewer condition assessment and face challenges throughout the collection process that can be traced back to avoidable issues in contract administration. Efficient administration is crucial for successful CCTV inspection contracts, yet the essentials are often learned through trial and error.
PPI president highlights benefits of plastic pipelines
David Fink was active for more than 20 years in the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) before becoming president of the Dallas-based organization in January 2020. Fink saw a bright future for the plastics pipe industry and a growing role for its products across an expanding range of underground applications. He now works diligently to make that vision come true.
Special tracks, training & competition headline UIC 2025
We are gearing up for Underground Infrastructure magazine’s 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), March 4-6 in Houston. Attend UIC and be part of a transformative event designed to inspire, educate, and connect infrastructure professions across the industry. From groundbreaking sessions to exclusive networking opportunities, this year’s conference promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Fending off water freeze in combination sewer cleaners
Winter delivers a multitude of challenges for sewer cleaner operators, and protecting essential equipment from the ravages of freezing temperatures is among the top priorities. For owners of combination sewer cleaners, the potential for costly damage due to frozen water is a significant worry.
AI's impact on pipeline construction: Transforming productivity and safety
Artificial Intelligence is all the rage. Nearly all of the discussion is how efficiently it can perform repetitive tasks, forecasting, etc. There are fears, as well, that AI will displace humans and their jobs.
Shape the future of underground infrastructure, attend UIC 2025
Picture a gathering where groundbreaking innovations, state-of-the-art technologies, and industry experts converge to redefine the future of underground infrastructure. That’s exactly what awaits you at the 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), happening Tuesday, March 4, through Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Transferring technology from control studies to field applications
The Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT), a joint university-industry consortium, is not only focused on performing highly challenging research, but also communicating and educating the leaders from various large counties, cities, transportation departments, construction and oil industries, and engineers and university students, with the new innovative technologies, models.
First Look: Liquid mud-drying compound turns drilling mud into easily disposable solid
(UI) — Since 2017, Right Turn Supply has been a premier provider of drilling fluids and expert solutions to a variety of industries, including horizontal directional drilling – and is not new to innovation.
Joe Schotthoefer: NASSCO Standard Bearer
(UI) — Joe Schotthoefer, vice president of operations at Doetsch Environmental Services, reflects on his journey from field technician to NASSCO leader, highlighting the importance of collaboration, community, and setting standards for underground infrastructure.
Celebrating 30 years: Explore the next era of UIC
Imagine a conference where innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, and industry pioneers come together under one roof to shape the future of underground infrastructure. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), Tuesday, March 4, to Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
Construction firms deploy world’s largest pipe plug at Universal Studios
Universal Studios, a leader in the entertainment industry, is well-known for its iconic theme parks and attractions. Its latest venture in Orlando, Fla., Universal Epic Universe, is an upcoming theme park under construction and scheduled to open in 2025.
2024 Large horizontal directional drilling rigs census
When a project calls for horizontal directional drilling (HDD), it’s important to use a qualified contractor and the right equipment for the specific needs, especially when it involves a large rig. This annual census, compiled by Underground Infrastructure, serves as a valuable resource in the selection process and, ultimately, project success.
New HDPE composite pipe replaces welded steel at potash mine
To update the brine transfer line at its Rocanville potash production facility in Saskatchewan, Canada, Nutrien, a Canadian fertilizer company, selected a steel-reinforced, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe.
Permitting reforms seen as crucial to Northeast, nation’s energy woes
The state of Massachusetts earlier in 2024 joined its fellow New England states, along with Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for coordinating their activities to improve interregional transmission planning and development.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame Class of ’25 announced
Underground Infrastructure magazine and the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association, in conjunction with the HDD Reunion Organization, are proud to announce the HDD Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The honorees will be inducted during the HDD Reunion on Wednesday, March 5.
Mark Boyer named 2025 MVP of underground infrastructure industry
Long-time Houston-based underground infrastructure contractor Mark L. Boyer has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry for 2025.
Mexico plans to accelerate development of underground infrastructure
Mexico plans to accelerate the development of its underground energy infrastructure, thanks to the ever-growing trend of nearshoring, which requires more quality infrastructure to guarantee a reliable energy supply for companies interested in expansion to the country.
California's largest RNG plant opens, transforming landfill gas into clean energy
Ameresco, Republic Services and PG&E have officially opened California's largest landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant at the Keller Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg, Calif.
CGA report underscores progress, challenges of buried utilities damage prevention
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, recently published its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report.
AGA’s Sames bids farewell after 20 years
After nearly 20 years, Christina Sames is stepping away from her role as senior vice president of Operations & Engineering for the American Gas Association (AGA).
OSHA proposed rule on heat exposure raises ire from construction industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule in July that would affect all employers nationwide and require, among other things, a written heat injury and illness prevention plan, substantial heat-injury-related precautions, training and regular, comprehensive program reviews and updates.
Utility & communications construction: Investment trends and sector growth update
Strong investment by investor-owned utilities, the federal government, states and municipalities have led to quality project opportunities that brought significant growth to the contractors serving those markets.
First look: Software program assists contractors with 811 process
Earlier this year, my husband and I had a fence replaced, and we failed to call 811 before the workers began digging. We didn’t even think about it – and we’re not the only ones.
IPEX expands trenchless offering with cost-efficient, large-size NovaForm PVC liner
NovaForm is a styrene-free, expand-in-place structural liner for rehabilitating trenchless sewer and stormwater culverts. This liner combines long-term strength with flexibility, allowing it to handle some of the most challenging installation conditions.
A construction observer’s guide: From manhole rehabilitation to project management insights
A construction observer is the system owner’s representative on a construction project. Their primary responsibility is to thoroughly understand the project plans and specifications and be present on-site during construction to ensure adherence to these plans and specifications, safeguarding the owner’s best interests.
Water, Sewer Damage Awareness Week 2024 is providing education, strategies to industry communities
Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) 2024 is planned for Oct 21-25. This year, key stakeholders in the water and wastewater industry from across the country are gearing up to receive free educational presentations tailored to provide industry-leading practices and strategies to protect and maintain the water and wastewater systems that we all rely on.
- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- $227 million Garnet Valley water project advances, set to create 73,000 jobs in Nevada
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish
- Construction underway for $1.4 billion, 60-mile water pipeline in Chicago
- HDD industry faces challenges as cities push back on fiber drilling disruptions
- Gehl and Mustang offer world’s largest skid loader
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish
- $227 million Garnet Valley water project advances, set to create 73,000 jobs in Nevada