Features
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.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame celebration brings out memories, friends, accomplishments and good times
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.
28th annual municipal sewer/water infrastructure forecast & market analysis: How long will the money flow?
Underground Infrastructure provides its forecast and market analysis of the U.S. municipal sewer/water infrastructure sector. This survey polls U.S. municipalities about their top concerns and issues, 2025 infrastructure spending plans and much more.
Inside Infrastructure: Trump executive actions offer both promise and concern for construction
Following a historic election, the lighting speed of President Donald Trump’s efforts to fast track his agenda were unprecedented. The response to the Trump agenda can only be described as vocal and divided, with promising proposals related to energy policy injecting confidence in an industry that has been attacked over the past couple of decades.
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.
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.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines