Technology
ITpipes secures $20 million to transform water infrastructure management with AI, cloud solutions
ITpipes leverages AI and machine learning for automated condition assessment to provide quality inspection records for decision-making. ITpipes offers cloud-based tools housed in a single inspection repository. By leveraging Environmental Systems Research Institute mapping for visualization, these tools help cities transition from reactive to proactive pipeline planning.
GDC awards first tunnel boring contract for NY-NJ project for $465 million
The Palisades Tunnel Project will construct the first mile of 5,100-foot twin tunnels on the New Jersey side, including boring, lining with waterproof concrete, and creating the Hudson County Shaft for Tunnel Boring Machine removal.
Leica introduces DD300 CONNECT for improved underground utility detection
By detecting the position of underground utility networks, the DD300 CONNECT aims to improve worker safety and prevent damage to underground infrastructures.
Azuria Water Solutions acquires trenchless utility firm Oxbow Construction
Azuria Water Solutions, the leader in technology-enabled water solutions, has announced the acquisition of Oxbow Construction, a trenchless utility company based in Troutdale, Oregon.
Emergency rehabilitation brings back Baltimore’s Back River outfall interceptor
Baltimore's Back River Outfall Interceptor underwent emergency rehabilitation due to severe damage and deterioration. The project involved advanced techniques and collaboration between Boyer Inc. and Ulliman Schutte Construction to restore the 1907 structure.
CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
A pioneer in trenchless rehabilitation and boring/tunneling, Robert "Bob" Affholder passed away Friday, July 26.
GDC secures $16 billion for Hudson Tunnel project, set to create 95,000 jobs
The Gateway Development Commission has finalized the funding needed for the Hudson Tunnel Project, securing a total of $16 billion. The HTP, a major underground infrastructure project, will replace and expand the aging rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River.
Milwaukee to build $13 million facility for advanced wastewater tech testing
The $13 million lab will test new wastewater treatment technologies and is expected to significantly impact public health and drinking water quality worldwide.
Editor’s log: The road to rehab intensifies
The 1970s marked a revolution in underground infrastructure with the birth of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) technology, allowing pipe repairs without excavation. This innovation, alongside other trenchless methods, has transformed the industry and continues to drive efficient solutions for aging infrastructure.
Leica Geosystems launches new underground utility locator
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, announced the launch of the Leica DD300 CONNECT utility locator and Leica DA300 signal transmitter, a combined, ready-to-use solution for versatile and reliable underground utility detection.
Pennsylvania township receives $6 million to rehabilitate 25,000 feet of sewer main
The $5.8 million project involves rehabilitating or replacing nearly 25,000 feet of sewer main with new sanitary sewer pipes and manholes. It is scheduled to begin on October 1 and be completed by May 30, 2025.
VIAVI Solutions launches NITRO Fiber Sensing asset management solution for critical infrastructure
VIAVI Solutions Inc. launched NITRO Fiber Sensing, an integrated real-time asset monitoring and analytics solution for critical infrastructure ranging from oil, gas and water pipelines to electrical power transmission, border/perimeter security and data center interconnects.
Bay Village, Ohio, begins sewer testing to improve system
Duke’s Root Control Inc. has been contracted to carry out the testing in six areas selected based on historical data, recent surveys, and the Ohio EPA's work with the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Bechtel to oversee tunnel construction in $12.7 billion BART Silicon Valley extension
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has awarded Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation a contract to manage construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II extension.
Construction begins on new water pipeline project in Kyle, Texas
At over 20 miles in length, Segment C marks the final segment of the Alliance Water transmission system to begin construction and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2025.
Rehab Technology selection guide
This comprehensive listing provides an invaluable resource in researching availability and specifications of key rehabilitation equipment/materials for the underground infrastructure industry.
Tech Tips: Documenting quality lateral lining installations
(UI) — With CIPP lining of mainline sewers becoming more and more accepted by system owners and utilities, greater attention is being paid to the opportunities to reduce infiltration and inflow (I&I) by utilizing CIPP lining for laterals.
Judge blocks Department of Labor's expanded Davis-Bacon rule
(UI) — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Labor's new rule expanding the Davis-Bacon Act, siding with the Associated General Contractors of America in their lawsuit.
Orinda rehab project uses eco-friendly geopolymer to restore aging culverts
Orinda used GeoTree Solutions’ GeoSpray 61 geopolymer mortar to rehabilitate aging culverts, protecting local streams and drinking water. The eco-friendly solution allowed for quick stream flow reinstatement with minimal environmental impact.
New Products
Discover the latest innovations in construction equipment with McElroy's Tritan 560, integrating advanced features for enhanced efficiency and safety on the job site, alongside CASE's expanded lineup empowering crews with new models and upgrades.
United Felts launches new UV CIPP portfolio for trenchless sewer rehabilitation
This portfolio combines the strengths of United GRP and EnviroCure UV, offering comprehensive solutions for varied sewer rehabilitation needs with the unmatched benefits of UV-cured technology.
SewerAI raises $15 million to modernize North American sewer infrastructure with AI
Using SewerAI's platform, customers have been able to double the linear feet of inspections they're able to perform each day while increasing data quality and shortening turnaround times.
Henderson, Nev., to implement Arcadis digital asset management system for 500,000 water assets
Arcadis will support the migration of information from the City's legacy system to Enterprise Decision Analytics (EDA). The Arcadis team will load, configure, and build lifecycle models for their 500,000 water and wastewater assets with detailed strategies for reservoirs, HVAC, sewer mains, potable water laterals, and meters.
Jacobs to develop data-driven sewer strategy for Omaha
Jacobs was selected by the City of Omaha, Nebraska, in the U.S. to develop a real-time control decision support system for the city's wastewater collection network. Jacobs will provide design services and data solutions to develop a strategy that maximizes the use of existing assets while reducing combined sewer overflows.
Digital twin technology to help utilities navigate water management challenges, Info-Tech reports
With escalating global water concerns and the increasing urgency for effective water management, water utilities must accelerate their digital transformation efforts, says global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group, in a recently published industry resource.
Chandler, Ariz., set to rehabilitate largest sewer line along Price Road
Chandler city officials have greenlit two contracts to overhaul the city's largest sewer interceptor, a massive 66-inch pipe running along Price Road. The conduit handles approximately half of Chandler's daily treated wastewater.
Macomb County uses drones, artificial intelligence to detect underground pipe defects in Michigan
The Flybotix drone and SewerAI software, costing $100,000, replace a more expensive and slower process. The drone captures high-quality video of underground pipes, which AI then analyzes to identify defects. This method removes human subjectivity, ensuring consistent data.
CIPP rehabilitation of pressurized pipelines
It is well known that CIPP has been around for over 50 years, primarily being used to rehabilitate gravity sewer pipelines. In the 1980s CIPP was introduced for low pressure sewer applications, and late in the 1990s began to emerge for water main and higher-pressure force main rehabilitations.
Newton, Iowa, advances sanitary sewer rehabilitation project
Identified through video camera inspections, sections of the city's sewer mains were found to be in dire need of repair, particularly in areas affected by groundwater infiltration or obstructed flow due to tree roots.
British Colombia to invest $34 million in underground utility improvements with trenchless technology
Innovative approaches are being employed to reduce costs and minimize disruptions, such as the use of trenchless repair technology for the Burtch Sanitary Trunk upgrade project. The rehabilitation project will repair 2.7 km of sanitary sewer pipe using Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) technology.
- OSHA cites Florida contractors for trench safety violations at sewer and excavation sites
- Biden-Harris administration invests $849 million in aging water infrastructure, drought resilience
- Cadiz to reuse steel from terminated Keystone XL pipeline for California groundwater project
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- West Virginia approves $67 million for water, sewer projects