Sewer
Essential Utilities to invest $1.4 billion annually through 2028 to upgrade critical infrastructure nationwide
Essential plans to invest an expected $1.3 billion in 2024, and an annual average of approximately $1.4 billion through 2028. These strategic investments directly address the need for modernization and sustainability across Essential’s nine-state service area, ensuring compliance, reducing outages and safeguarding the environment.
Illinois invests $205 million to upgrade state-wide water infrastructure
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John J. Kim announced the investment of nearly $205 million through water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 (January – March 2024).
$630 billion needed over 20 years to improve water infrastructure across the nation, EPA report finds
The 2022 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey represents the most recent comprehensive and robust report on wastewater, stormwater, and other clean water infrastructure needs in the U.S., and shows that at least $630 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to protect our nation’s waterbodies.
EPA allocates $39 million for Bloomington and Normal, Ill., wastewater infrastructure upgrade
This funding injection is aimed at fortifying the district’s Wastewater System Modernization and Rehabilitation Program, crucial for bolstering public health safeguards and environmental sustainability while spurring economic advancement.
EPA to invest $41 million to improve stormwater infrastructure across the country
Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. This grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in small and/or financially distressed and disadvantaged communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Alaska declares state disaster as flooding from ice breakup floods sewer system
A state emergency management update Friday said some homes and the airstrip access road had been inundated with water, and that the sewage system was shut down due to flooding. Bottled water was flown in. Additionally, a water pump damaged by ice last week was repaired by Friday.
Granite secures $25 million contract for infrastructure project near Ontario International Airport
Granite will be responsible for upsizing and retrofitting domestic water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems at the east end of the runway of the Ontario International Airport.
Nassau County legislators approve $15 million sewer infrastructure investment
The Nassau County Legislature's Rules Committee unanimously voted on May 6 to allocate nearly $15 million for sewer system upgrades within the 11th Legislative District, announced Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.
Federal government sues San Francisco over unauthorized stormwater, sewer system discharges
According to the federal complaint, San Francisco’s sewer system discharges of billions of gallons of combined sewage each year onto the beaches of San Francisco and into San Francisco Bay and its tributaries.
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.
Sandy, Ore., expands sewer capacity following EPA approval
Sandy, Oregon, has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a significant increase in its wastewater system's capacity, marking a crucial milestone for the city's infrastructure development.
Davis, W.Va. secures $5 million grant to revamp decades-old sewer infrastructure
Davis, a town nestled in Tucker County, West Virginia, is set to modernize its aging wastewater system thanks to a $5 million grant announced by Senator Joe Manchin.
Pro-Vac strengthens Texas presence with Hydromax acquisition
(UI) — Pro-Vac, a leading provider of essential underground infrastructure services, announced that it has acquired Hydromax, a leading provider of hydro excavation services in South Texas.
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.
Tampa, Fla., to embark on “historic” infrastructure overhaul
The city of Tampa, Fla., announced its “biggest infrastructure overhaul in its history.” The investment includes stormwater improvement projects, hundreds of miles of new or repaired water and wastewater pipes, and much more.
Pennsylvania allocates $7.5 million for stormwater, sewer upgrades in Northampton
Bethlehem Township and Bangor Borough, in Pennsylvania’s Northampton County, are receiving $7.5 million, collectively, to make significant upgrades to their respective stormwater and sewer systems. The money is part of a greater $274 million granted to the state by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Grundfos launches new wastewater submersible pumps for municipal water utilities
The Grundfos SE range 48 1.5-15Hp pumps are available with efficient single-channel or SuperVortex impellers allowing for free passage of solids up to 4 inches. This advanced technology greatly reduces the risk of clogging and ensures maximum uptime and low operating costs for vital wastewater facilities.
Underground infrastructure overhaul planned for Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, N.M.
A critical piece of underground infrastructure at the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is about to get a makeover.
Tyler City Council updated on sewer system rehabilitations under Consent Decree
The City Council of Tyler, Texas, recently received a comprehensive update from Pipeline Analysis LLC regarding the ongoing and future rehabilitation plans for the city's sewer system as mandated by the Consent Decree.
$274 million investment to improve water quality across Pennsylvania
This investment, facilitated through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, will fund 30 projects focusing on drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source issues.
Houston urged to allocate $20 million for vital sewer line repairs in marginalized communities
Groups such as the Northeast Action Collective, West Street Recovery, and Bayou City Waterkeeper have highlighted the significant health hazards posed by leaks in private sewer lines, particularly affecting residents in Northeast Houston.
Kansas allocates $3 million for Riley County water infrastructure
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Water has announced a $3 million investment into Riley County’s water infrastructure. The funds will be used to improve wastewater systems at University Park and the Keats community in Riley County.
Sewer maintenance: Myth-busting, best-practice training
Sewer maintenance is an ongoing challenge for cities and municipalities. Moreover, gaps in best-practice training can cost public works departments unnecessary time and expense in labor, water and energy costs when cleaning sewer lines.
Editor’s Log: And the smiles never stopped
In late March, UI wrapped another successful Underground Infrastructure Conference. Per usual, a wealth of information and market intelligence was gathered from remarkable speakers and experts in a variety of fields including sewer installation and rehabilitation, fiber optics, power, horizontal directional drilling, and safety.
Ishpeming, Mich., commences construction on $16 million sewer infrastructure project
The City of Ishpeming has commenced construction on its over $16 million sewer infrastructure project. The comprehensive scope of this endeavor involves the replacement or rehabilitation of approximately 25,000 feet of sewer main.
East Bay cities, municipal utility for violating 2014 Clean Water Act settlement with sewer overflows
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board announced that the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and six East Bay cities will be assessed $372,876 in penalties for violating settlement terms designed to prevent untreated sewage from entering San Francisco Bay.
Trenchless Technology provider Vortex Companies appoints veteran employee as COO
As one of Vortex's first employees when the company opened its doors in 2015, Ryan Graham has steadily risen through the ranks, most recently serving as Senior Vice President for Vortex Services.
Charleston Water System settles huge lawsuit over sewer system damage caused by non-flushable wipes
CWS brought suit in January 2021 against major U.S. companies seeking injunctive relief to remedy costly and ongoing damage to sewer systems and treatment facilities due in significant part to the inability of allegedly “flushable” wipes to break down, often clogging wastewater infrastructure and causing sewer overflows that damage the environment.
Woolpert implements Rapid Ready asset management system for California utility provider
Rapid Ready will provide standardized maintenance and tracking for WCW’s lifecycle management assets, including manholes and sewer pipes, as well as service requests, maintenance activities, and costs in an organized fashion that supports reporting and process improvements.
EPA fines California's East Bay cities, utilities over sewage discharges
The EPA and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board have announced fines totaling $372,876 for sewage discharge violations in the East Bay. Penalties target EBMUD and six cities for failing to prevent untreated sewage from entering San Francisco Bay.
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- Hudson Tunnel Project set to generate 95,000 jobs during construction phase, report says
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Charleston Water System settles huge lawsuit over sewer system damage caused by non-flushable wipes
- Ditch Witch 1030
- 24th Annual Directional Drilling Survey
- Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- House passes Rep. Duarte's legislation to streamline water permitting processes in the Valley