Regulatory
New Holland Tier 4 Solutions
New Holland announced its solution to meet the Tier 4 interim emissions standards, which will be effective in 2011.
New Jobs Bill Has Infrastructure Funding Provision; pipeline safety issues crop up; GHG reporting
It looks like Congress will give cities and counties some new flexibility in funding drinking water and sewer projects. The Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010 (H.R. 4849) that passed in the House, 246 - 178 on March 24, has a provision which allows states to issue private activity bonds for water projects without counting the value of those bonds toward state caps.
New Congressional Inquiries On Hydraulic Fracturing
Congressional concern about "fracing" took another step forward when the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent letters to eight companies asking for details on the chemicals they use during horizontal drilling of shale gas deposits. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), chairman of the committee, implied in a memorandum to committee members that the "Big Three" of fracing may have violated a voluntary memorandum of agreement they signed with the EPA in 2005.
Underground Market Faces Tier 4 Equipment Adjustments In 2011
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Interim Tier 4 emission standards for off-road equipment powered by diesel engines of 175 to less than 750 horsepower will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2011. From that date through Tier 4’s final implementation in 2014, the equipment marketplace will begin to change for equipment manufacturers and dealers and their customers.
Budget Proposals Increase For Water Infrastructure
President Obama's fiscal 2011 budget proposal (for the year starting Oct. 1, 2010) contains significant sums for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds in spite of pressure to reduce non-defense, non-entitlement spending.
EVA Construction Rules In Effect; More Sewer/Water Stimulus Funds Coming?
The biggest issue for the underground construction industry in 2010 is not whether Congress and the Obama administration will unveil a second round of infrastructure spending, but whether that second helping of funds for sewers and drinking water systems will find its way into financial bloodstreams faster than the first injection did.
February Newsline: EPA, MSD water talks continue; White House Jobs Summit pushes water division project and more
<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/february-newsline-epa-msd-water-talks-continue-white-house-jobs-summit-pushes-water-division-project?page=2#epa">EPA, MSD continue talks over water violations</a>; <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/february-newsline-epa-msd-water-talks-continue-white-house-jobs-summit-pushes-water-division-project?page=2#white">White House Jobs Summit inspires new push for water diversion project</a>; <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/february-newsline-epa-msd-water-talks-continue-white-house-jobs-summit-pushes-water-division-project?page=3#storm">EPA releases guidance to better manage stormwater</a>; <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/february-newsline-epa-msd-water-talks-continue-white-house-jobs-summit-pushes-water-division-project?page=4#qwest">Qwest, Level 3 telecoms spends less</a>; <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/february-newsline-epa-msd-water-talks-continue-white-house-jobs-summit-pushes-water-division-project?page=5#report">Report says wireless,telecom in transition</a> and more
WSSC, U.S. EPA Celebrate Start of D.C. Area Sewer Rehab Project
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) kicked off a landmark rehabilitation project Jan. 7, marking the first time WSSC has been awarded federal funding for a reconstruction project through the Maryland Department of the Environment.
January Newsline: EPA Cracks Down on Violations; Cat Invests in India; Stimulus Projects At Work
<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work#EPA">EPA cites 14 municipalities for stormwater violations</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work#wind">Wind farm brings power to California</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work?page=2#tarlton">Tarlton completes historic engineering feat</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/january-newsline-epa-cracks-down-violations-cat-invests-india-stimulus-projects-work?page=3#cat">Caterpillar to invest in India</a>
FERC Strategic Plan Stiffs Natural Gas
Anyone looking for an acknowledgement in the new FERC strategic plan that the commission is focused on expanding pipeline infrastructure need not waste his time reading the 50-page document FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff issued in mid-October.
EPA Stimulus Sewer/Water Infrastructure Funds Flow Slowly
Members of Congress are raising concerns about the prospective failure of cities and counties to spend appropriated stimulus funds for wastewater and drinking water projects, a concern top Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials say is justified.
Editor's Log: Christmas Wishes
This December brings one of the most disconcerting periods we’ve ever faced as an industry. There are so many factors impacting the underground infrastructure market that it is hard to grasp all the implications, let alone find solid direction for which to set course in 2010.
Natural Gas Price & Supply Concerns Bedevil Climate Change Bill
A Senate climate change bill passed in early November by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will probably be pushed aside by a version more acceptable to Republicans and moderate Democrats.
December Newsline: Climate change costs, U.S. export performance and more
<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more?page=2#report">Report estimates climate change adaptation costs, impacts to utilities</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more?page=2#december-newsline-climate-change-costs-us-export-performance-and-more#birm">Birmingham mayor found guilty</a>
EPA GHG Emission Requirements Could Affect Interstate Pipelines
Pipelines dodged one Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas (GHG) bullet temporarily but may get hit by another.
New York Times notes sewer overflow issues
In the underground construction industry, the fact that American sewers are overtaxed and given to overflows that endanger public health is no secret. But raising public awareness is a problem, and we're happy to see items in the general interest press like Sunday's New York Times article focusing on the issue: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23sewer.html?_r=2&hp (free registration many be required).
Editor's Log: Energy Sanity
During the 2008 national elections, there was much rhetoric about leadership. Unfortunately, in regards to the energy industry, that leadership has failed miserably with no indication of sanity any time soon.
JEA Takes Lead In Proactive Sewer, Water Maintenance
Most major American cities today face multiple challenges to provide basic water and sanitary services.
INGAA Pushes For Limiting ESA Consultation Procedures
Pipeline and other construction industries are pressing the federal government to make it easier for projects to pass muster with the Endangered Species Act.
EPA Takes New Steps To Improve Water Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made available comprehensive reports and data on water enforcement in all 50 states.
Alternative Fuel Choices Limited For Construction Equipment
Alternative fuels, including petroleum based diesel and gasoline with additives, are perceived by many to be a key element in reducing world dependency on oil.
The Price Of Free Money
I read recently that a bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing to raise about $10 billion a year for the rehabilitation of sewer and water systems. The funding sources?
Congress Closer To Approving SRF Boost In 2010
The Senate Appropriations Committee is likely to approve a $3.6 billion for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds in fiscal 2010, which begins Oct. 1.
August Newsline: Senate panel cuts EPA budget, update on sewer debt crisis
<a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis#senate">Senate panel cuts EPA budget</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis?page=2#oversight">Oversight panel sought to end sewer debt crisis</a> <a href="http://www.undergroundconstructionmagazine.com/august-newsline-senate-panel-cuts-epa-budget-update-sewer-debt-crisis?page=3#epa">EPA admonishes Ohio to fix sewer overflows</a>
John Deere Executive Testifies on Green Transportation
Domenic Ruccolo of John Deere recently testified before the U.S. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming on the benefits of efficient construction equipment.
EPA awards stimulus funds for water infrastructure projects in Washington
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $41 million to the Washington State Department of Health.
EPA Announces $179 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Wastewater Infrastructure Projects in Texas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $179 million to the Texas Water Development Board in a bid to provide jobs, improve the local environment and update aging infrastructure.
FERC pushes two projects forward, TransCanada files application for Bison
FERC moved closer to approving construction of one of the three big Oregon LNG projects as well as a major new pipeline in the Southeast.
Questions Arise On SRF Stimulus Funding
Questions are beginning to arise from states and localities about the requirements for spending the water infrastructure funds in the stimulus bill, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
PHMSA Worries About Pipeline Safety, Senate Bill Worries Pipeline Industry
Six months after giving pipelines the green light to use high stress pipelines more widely, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is now highlighting safety concerns with new pipelines operating at 80 percent of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS).
- 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
- Two workers rescued after hours trapped in Mich. trench collapse
- Trump calls for Keystone XL pipeline revival, but developer has moved on
- 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