Sewer Construction
Challenges of repairing rural water lines in urbanizing areas
To make repairs, the BCWA team has primarily relied on trackhoes (backhoe loaders) and mini excavators. However, in some environments, using these common equipment fleet staples of most rural water associations can potentially cause additional damage that will need to be addressed.
Funding still flowing despite economic headwinds, challenges
The last two years in America’s municipal infrastructure industry have seen tremendous increases in project activities driven primarily by significant boosts in government funding. If you happened to be a consulting engineer, contractor or manufacturer/supplier, business has been good. Now, 2024 has the potential to be a great year for many in infrastructure.
Canada's Oak Bay to receive $8.8 million sewer system overhaul
Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in Oak Bay is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a combined investment exceeding $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments, alongside contributions from the District of Oak Bay.
Manila, Utah, secures $3.5 million for sewer improvements
Manila, Utah, has secured $3.5 million in funding aimed at improving its sewer system infrastructure, following the approval of grants and low-interest loans by the Permanent Community Impact Board.
Federal audit finds ‘a lot of work remains’ in Puerto Rico’s hurricane and earthquake recovery
For example, officials from Puerto Rico’s Aqueduct and Sewer Authority said they anticipate that they will only be able to complete about half of the agency’s planned projects.
Lowell, Mass., to invest $195 million in sewer upgrades in settlement over water pollution
Lowell, Mass., has settled with the EPA and Massachusetts, agreeing to invest $195 million in sewer upgrades to reduce sewage discharges into the Merrimack River.
Washington's Department of Ecology proposes $386 million clean water investment plan
The Department of Ecology in Washington state has proposed $386 million in grants and loans for 134 high-priority clean water projects. These projects aim to upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and address nonpoint pollution across the state.
DEQ awards nearly $270,000 to four drinking water and wastewater systems across Idaho
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the award of $267,500 to four drinking water and wastewater systems to help the facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades.
Grant Road widening project in Tucson, Ariz., to include extensive sewer, water infrastructure upgrades
The widening of Grant Road involves water main replacement work, sewer main additions, cross roadway box culverts and storm drains, and a large 96-inch diameter culvert for storm runoff mitigation.
Pennsylvania's water infrastructure gets boost with $194 million investment
The federal funding supports 28 critical water projects in the state—addressing issues like lead pipe replacement, system rehabilitation, service upgrades, and environmental contamination reduction across drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
Valdosta, Ga., faces sanitary sewer crisis as 100,000 gallons spill into Withlacoochee River
A sewer line collapse sent 100,000 gallons of sewage into a ditch draining into a river, the city of Valdosta said in a statement on Jan. 12. The incident highlights the pressing need for the city's utility department to address aging infrastructure.
Albemarle, N.C., secures $17 million state funding for water and sewer upgrades
According to WSOC-TV, the city of Albemarle is set to enhance its water systems with a substantial $17 million funding allocation from the North Carolina State budget.
FEMA approves $2.9 million for Fleming Neon, Ky., sewer system repairs
FEMA has approved $2,916,375 for Fleming Neon, in Letcher County, to permanently repair the city’s sewer system, which was damaged by the 2022 Eastern Kentucky Floods.
Amherst County advances $3.8 million sewer project design for residential expansion in Virginia
The Amherst County Service Authority (ACSA) is advancing plans for the Gateway Sanitary Sewer Project, a critical utility initiative aimed at supporting a new residential community along Virginia 163 in Madison Heights, near the Virginia 210 intersection
Florida governor allocates $30 million for Caloosahatchee River water quality projects
Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded more than $30 million in state funding to support six water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River Watershed. These projects will help address excess nutrients, which are known to contribute to increased algal blooms, by investing in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
Sewage spill of 14,400 gallons in Durham, N.C., raises environmental concerns
(UI) — A post-Christmas sewage mishap unfolded in Durham, North Carolina, leading to an overflow of approximately 14,400 gallons of untreated wastewater from a sewer line, the City of Durham Department of Water Management reported.
PM completes large-diameter spray pipe rehab
(UI) — When PM Construction began a project in mid-March 2023 to rehabilitate two sewer pipes beneath the service road at Beltway 8 and Memorial, in Houston, the company had a November deadline. Working 24 hours a day, every day of the week, the project wrapped up in July – more than three months ahead of schedule.
Navy reports break in 8-inch sewer line, releasing over 1,000 gallons in Pearl Harbor
The U.S. Navy disclosed on Dec. 15 that a rupture in an 8-inch sewer line near Hickam housing on Dec. 14 resulted in the discharge of 1,050 gallons of untreated wastewater, Hawai’I Public Radio reported.
Philadelphia, Montgomery County to benefit from $7.5 million sewer, stormwater investment
(UI) — Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes has approved over $7.5 million for water infrastructure improvement projects in Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
Governor Hochul allocates $479 million for 156 local water projects in New York
(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $479 million in grants for critical water infrastructure projects. The funding, announced on Dec. 12, is projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $1.3 billion and create 24,000 jobs across the state.
Sewer expansion project set to commence next week in Provincetown, Mass.
(UI) — In a significant step towards bolstering its infrastructure, the coastal town of Provincetown, Massachusetts, is gearing up for Phase 6A of its sewer expansion project, set to kick off next week on Nov. 27.
Bouygues Construction wins $819 million contract for Potomac River sewer control tunnel in D.C.
(UI) — The tunnel project designed to control combined sewer overflows and to improve water quality in the Potomac River in Washington D.C. The contract value is $819 million.
Pennsylvania American Water files rate request driven by $1 billion in investment
(UI) — If approved, the company's proposed rates would raise the average monthly water bill by around $17 for residential customers, reduce the monthly wastewater bill for sanitary sewer service by about $5, and increase the monthly wastewater bill for combined sewer service by approximately $4.
Canada, British Columbia invest over $10 million in water and sewer infrastructure projects
(UI) — The governments of Canada and British Columbia, alongside the municipalities of Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, and the District of Mackenzie, are investing over $10 million into three transformative water and wastewater projects.
Century-old sewer system in Manning, S.C., to receive $10 million overhaul
Manning, a city with a charter dating back to 1861, has earmarked nearly $20 million for a substantial upgrade of its underground infrastructure. Set to commence in 2024, the primary focus of this effort is the city's sewer system, with an estimated project cost exceeding $10 million.
Wash. receives $20 million in funding for water infrastructure upgrades
(UI) — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has announced nearly $2.6 million in grants and nearly $18 million in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund water and wastewater disposal projects across Washington state.
AECOM to engineer Metro Vancouver's Stoney Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade
(UI) — AECOM has been selected by Metro Vancouver to provide engineering services for the design and construction of the Stoney Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade project.
Senate Democrats examine Pennsylvania's urgent water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure challenges
(UI) — Pennsylvania state senators recently conducted a crucial public hearing at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to address pressing issues concerning water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure that impact communities across the state.
Asset management: Working with Duke’s ‘like having a crystal ball’
(UI) — When optimizing sewer and wastewater treatment systems, it can be overwhelming to look at more than 100 miles of sewer pipe funneling heavy flow during a rain event and wonder where that excess flow is coming from.
PENNVEST awards over $37 million to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
(UI) — State Senator Wayne Fontana has announced over $37 million in PENNVEST grants and low-interest loans to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) for water infrastructure upgrades.
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
- Ditch Witch West sells first Bulldog trencher to speed up undergrounding work along West Coast
- Centuri awarded nearly $400 million for U.S. gas infrastructure work
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- 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
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints
- Pasadena, Calif., undergrounding project could take 500 years to finish