Sewer
Preparing brick masonry manholes for bonded rehabilitation systems
Brick masonry manholes made from clay or shale brick and laid with portland-cement mortar are still used in North America. Although typically historical, they are often found in manhole rehabilitation projects.
Trump decision may cut 90% of federal funding for W. Va. water and sewer projects
A recent proposal from the Trump administration could cut federal funding for clean and drinking water programs in West Virginia by 89%, the Mountain State Spotlight reported. For fiscal year 2025, the EPA has earmarked an initial $35.6 million for West Virginia through the two programs. But under the proposed cut, the state’s annual funds for the programs could fall to under $4 million.
Elkhart, Ind., breaks ground on $37 million project to curb sewer overflows, add 10-mile pipe
Elkhart has launched a $37 million infrastructure project to tackle sewer overflows, featuring a 1.7-million-gallon CSO tank, a new lift station, and a 10-mile sewer pipe aimed at protecting waterways during heavy rain events.
Amarillo to begin $16 million fix on collapsed 4,000-foot sewer line near school
Amarillo is moving forward with repairs to a collapsed 4,000-foot sewer line near Hillside Elementary, a long-abandoned pipe that first failed in 2014. The $16 million project follows a legal settlement and aims to restore safe, functional sewer infrastructure.
University of Kentucky wins award for 25-million-gallon stormwater harvesting system
The University of Kentucky’s Utilities and Energy Management team earned a Grand Award for its stormwater harvesting system, which captures and reuses up to 25 million gallons annually to help power the Central Utility Plant.
TxDOT breaks ground on massive drainage tunnel to reduce flooding in Austin
The Texas Department of Transportation has launched construction on a 6.5-mile drainage tunnel and pump station system in Austin to prevent flooding along I-35. The multi-phase project is a key part of the I-35 Capital Express Central initiative.
Huntsville, Ala., plans sewer rate hike to cover $150 million in upgrades
According to Fox54 News, the City of Huntsville, Ala., is proposing a sewer rate increase to help pay for $150 million in upgrades to its aging wastewater system. The rate increase would be the first in two decades.
$77 million Western Trunk sewer line project begins in Lakeland, Fla.
The city of Lakeland, Florida, Water Utilities Department kicked off construction earlier this month for its largest infrastructure project to date, according to LkldNow. Construction crews have begun work to upgrade the Western Trunk Gravity Sewer line, which handles approximately 3.5 million gallons of wastewater per day.
Gasoline found in Mendenhall sewer system disrupts treatment in Juneau, Alaska
A gasoline spill discovered in the Mendenhall sewer system disrupted wastewater treatment operations in Juneau, Alaska, prompting an ongoing investigation and a public call for information; officials warn of environmental and infrastructure risks.
Salem, Mass., begins sewer and water infrastructure upgrades across downtown
Salem, Mass., is carrying out sewer and water system upgrades downtown through June, funded in part by a Catalyst Fund grant, with lane closures and temporary water shutdowns expected.
Fort Wayne, Ind., tunnel project uses Vortex inserts to protect sewer system
Fort Wayne City Utilities is constructing a five-mile-long tunnel deep beneath the city to reduce combined sewer overflows into local rivers. Part of its Tunnel Works program, the project includes nine drop shafts, five of which feature IPEX’s Vortex Flow Inserts designed to minimize odors, prevent corrosion and improve wastewater quality before treatment.
Editor’s Log: Easy come, easy go
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the fleeting nature of federal infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, warning that recent budget proposals could undermine years of progress unless states and cities step up to meet the challenge.
Staten Island completes $84 million storm sewer upgrade in Sandy-hit New Dorp Beach
NYC completes $84 million underground storm sewer project in Staten Island’s New Dorp Beach, adding over 1.6 miles of drainage upgrades in Superstorm Sandy-affected area.
Des Moines, Iowa, eliminates final combined sewer overflow into Des Moines River
Des Moines and the WRA have eliminated the final combined sewer overflow into the Des Moines River, completing a major wastewater upgrade under a state mandate.
Tyler Water Utilities to relocate 5,000 feet of sewer, water lines ahead of highway project
In collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Tyler Water Utilities will relocate approximately 1,800 linear feet of water line and 3,200 linear feet of sewer line to the edge of the existing right-of-way to clear the path for road crews to begin work along Old Henderson Highway.
Veolia lands SFPUC contract to transform wastewater into decarbonized energy
Veolia, through its Water Technologies & Solutions business unit, has earned a $34 million contract to supply biogas upgrading technology for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) Southeast Treatment Plant.
Ardmore-ADEM sewer overhaul project wins EPA’s PISCES award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently honored the Town of Ardmore for its partnership with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Tennessee officials that led to the financing of the planned overhaul of Ardmore’s long overburdened sewer system.
$51 million settlement adds to delays on Hartford, Conn., 41-million-gallon sewer tunnel
Hartford, Connecticut’s massive South Hartford Conveyance and Storage Tunnel project is now expected to cost $335 million and won’t be completed until 2026 after a legal dispute over groundwater conditions delayed progress.
Manchester, N.H. awards contract for tunnel project to address sewer overflows
Methuen Obayashi Joint Venture has been awarded a contract for the city of Manchester, New Hampshire’s Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project, the Union Leader reported. The Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel is a 2.25-mile tunnel that once built, will measure 12.5 feet in diameter and run 30- to 80-feet underground.
Nebraska communities unite to build regional wastewater system, opening path for growth
Sarpy County and five cities in Nebraska completed the first phase of a major wastewater project, overcoming geographic barriers to expand sewer service and unlock regional development.
Editor’s Log: Miles and miles to go
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter examines the persistent challenges facing major cities like Chicago in managing stormwater and sewer infrastructure, highlighting why even billions in federal funding still leave critical gaps.
UI Awards 2025: Top projects, technologies honored during Underground Infrastructure Conference
UI Awards 2025 recognized leading underground infrastructure achievements, including major sewer, fiber, water and rehabilitation projects, at the annual awards dinner during the Underground Infrastructure Conference.
Hoboken, N.J., installs new stormwater pumps in $100 million flood resiliency effort
Hoboken and the North Hudson Sewerage Authority installed five new stormwater pumps at ResilienCity Park, a major step in a $100 million effort to modernize sewer systems, mitigate flooding, and build climate resiliency.
Arkansas commits $575 million to strengthen statewide water, sewer infrastructure
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs legislation to invest $575 million in Arkansas water and wastewater infrastructure, supporting rural systems and long-term funding through 2043.
Charleston County, S.C. deploys trenchless tech for pipe repair, sinkhole prevention
Charleston County Public Works has successfully applied trenchless technology as a no-dig solution to fix aging stormwater pipes around the South Carolina county, and prevent sinkholes with minimal disruption, ABC4 News reported.
Albany, N.Y., approves $175 million for statewide water, sewer upgrades
New York State approves over $175 million in water and sewer infrastructure funding for projects across the state, supporting community upgrades, job creation, and long-term system improvements.
Massachusetts awards $1.24 billion for water, wastewater infrastructure projects
Massachusetts awarded $1.24 billion in loans and grants to fund 67 water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the state, supporting clean water, PFAS remediation, and energy efficiency improvements.
Mexico sewer rehab project is diverting untreated wastewater into Tijuana River
A sewer rehabilitation project in Mexico is resulting in untreated sewage being diverted into the Tijuana River at a rate of about five million gallons per day since April 8, according to The Coronado Times. Mexico is working to activate a lift station, to help remove wastewater, and U.S. agencies are assisting to expedite the work.
Dubuque, Iowa, plans $130 million sewer expansion; residents could see higher bills
Dubuque is moving forward with a $130 million plan to expand sewer capacity in the Catfish Creek sewershed. The upgrades aim to prevent overflows and support future growth, but could raise residential utility bills by 9%.
Bellevue, Wash., sewer upgrade is first project of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification
King County’s major sewer upgrade in Bellevue, Wash., is the first infrastructure project of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification. The current sewer line in the Coal Creek Natural Area, installed in the 1960s, is nearing its capacity to serve surrounding communities. The new pipeline will largely bypass the natural area while much of the existing pipeline will be safely decommissioned and left in place to minimize disruption.
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion