Magazine
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.
New Products - January 2025
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights CASE Construction Equipment's limited edition 580 Super N Construction King backhoe loader and Caterpillar's new advanced Cat D8 dozer, showcasing the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.
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.
Newsline January 2025
OSHA cites Maine contractor in fatal trench collapse; Phillips 66 to acquire $2.2 billion EPIC NGL pipeline assets; Texas contractor penalized for repeated trench safety violations; Duke Energy undergrounds 48% of Florida power lines, plans expansion; and more in the latest issue of Underground Infrastructure's Newsline!
Washington Watch: Trump regulatory changes afoot for pipelines
Trump’s regulatory changes could impact pipeline approvals, with shifts in key environmental laws. Expected revisions to NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and methane regulations could accelerate or delay projects, depending on the new administration’s stance.
Editor’s Log: Where credit is due
As 2025 begins, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act remains a focal point, with officials vying for credit. Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the act's impact, bipartisan origins, and the immense work still needed to rebuild America’s infrastructure.
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.
New products: Latest industry developments
McElroy McElroy, a leading designer and manufacturer of plastic pipe fusion equipment, highlighted its digital innovations at INFUSION24, the company’s annual industry conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “For years, McElroy has prioritized advancing its digital offerings to complement its industry-le..
Newsline: Latest industry developments
USDA allocates $194M for rural water and sewer projects, economic growth The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $194 million in grants and loans to support 118 projects across rural and Tribal communities in 14 states and Puerto Rico. These investments aim to boost economic oppor..
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.
FERC rejects effort to regulate Williams’ gathering line
(UI) — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) just gave a big boost to interstate pipelines that are considering new connections between shale fields and customers.
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.
Editor’s Log: Wild Ride
(UI) — 2024 was a year of accomplishment, a year of desperation and a year of hope. That’s a tough yet unique way to define one year, but that’s how I see it.
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.
Editor's Log: The anticipated return of pipelines
The underground infrastructure sector anticipates significant changes with Trump’s return, especially for pipeline construction, as easing regulations and renewed support signal a potential boom. Underground Infrastructure will spotlight these shifts at its upcoming conference.
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).
New Products - November 2024
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights Vermeer's MX150 mixing system, John Deere's next generation of SmartGrade technology, and Yanmar's newly launched TL65RS compact track loaders. Discover the latest advancements designed to enhance jobsite performance and sustainability.
Newsline November 2024
Honolulu Proposes Sewer Fee Increases to Improve Wastewater Infrastructure; Fort Collins to Control Floodwater With $42 Million Storm Pipe Project; Deer Creek Sanitary Tunnel Named Project of the Year by ASCE Chapter; and more!
- 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