Underground Construction articles from October 2007

Underground Construction archives from October 2007

Overlooked.(Editor's Log)
October 1, 2007... A flurry of national activity, calls for action, Congressional hearings, candidate posturing and position statements, terrified commuters--all are the result of the frenetic reactions to the horrible bridge collapse in Minneapolis late last...

Boston's telecom regulator has big plans.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... In a report from the Boston Business Journal, new telecommunications regulator, Sharon Gillett, has outlined new plans since taking over the new Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable in May. Her goals include: * Expand...

Trans Mountain pipeline expands.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... Kinder Morgan Canada has begun construction on the approximately $443 million (CAN) Anchor Loop project, the second phase of the Trans Mountain pipeline system expansion that will increase capacity on Trans Mountain from about 260,000 to...

San Diego to spend $1 billion on sewage system improvements.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... San Diego expects to spend $1 billion over the next six years to upgrade its sewer system under a consent decree with federal agencies finalized on July 31. The settlement is the third and final one between the city, the U.S. Justice Dept. and...

Alaska gas-line applications extended.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has extended the application deadline for owner companies seeking to build a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope of Alaska from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30. A state spokesperson says the extension is in response to comments...

New U.S. EPA stormwater program too slow.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... A new U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, issued May 31, reveals that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made little progress in implementing stormwater pollution requirements for urban communities. According to...

NASSCO spec guide now available.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The National Association of Sewer Services Companies (NASSCO) has released its latest revision to the Specifications Guidelines. The new SG-12.0.8/07 replaces the SG-11-1.5/05 that was previously issued in May 2005....

Fiber-optic services sparks controversy.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... The Portland Business Journal reports that the city of Portland, OR, is deciding whether it will add fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) systems that would provide businesses and residents with another high-speed Internet and cable choice. However,...

Joint venture pipeline proposed for Oregon.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... Palomar Gas Transmission LLC, a newly formed joint venture of TransCanada Corporation and Northwest Natural Gas Company, announced a proposal to build a natural gas pipeline that would serve growing markets in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and...

ARA scholarships awarded.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)
October 1, 2007... The American Rental Association Foundation has awarded $28,000 in scholarships to 17 students from throughout the United States, all pursuing careers in the equipment rental industry. Scholarship awards ranged from $500 to $3,000. Jennifer...

In Memoriam.(NEWSLINE: The Latest Industry Developments)(Obituary)
October 1, 2007... John "Tinker" Holt, 38, of Deer Park, TX, passed Aug. 12. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Holt was a co-owner of Horseshoe Construction. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; son, Kolton; daughters, Jessica and Jennifer; two...

Congress forces DHS to look more closely at pipeline security.(Washington watch)
October 1, 2007... The security of pipelines in the event of a terrorist attack, and post-attack planning, will become a bigger issue within the industry over the next few years as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiates a congressionally-mandated...

Allied construction products.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The length to diameter ratio and one-piece body design combine to keep the Model HH-79 going straight to minimize deflection. The Model HH-79 is available with either a pierced nose or a threaded nose with both...

TT technologies.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grundomat pneumatic piercing tools are available in a wide range of sizes for trenchless boring applications. The Grundomat is ideal for water, sewer, landscape and irrigation, gas, electrical and plumbing...

Astec underground.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Astec EarthPro Moles offer quick, simple and reliable options for trenchless installation of a wide variety of product pipes that are more cost-effective than traditional open trench installation methods. The...

HammerHead Mole.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] More than 17 HammerHead Mole piercing tools models ranging from 2-8 inch feature the patented clamped rear anvil and tailbolt system that offers fast and easy field maintenance. The entire tool can be assembled with...

Ditch Witch's.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ditch Witch's new line of pneumatic piercing tools, Pierce Airrow II, are designed to perform short- to medium-range compaction boring projects, pipe ramming and pushing and pipe pulling. Strength and simplicity are...

Hudco Mfg.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With more than 25 years of experience, Hudco technology is responsible for producing the highest quality piercing tools, parts and accessories. Hudco tools range from 2 inch to 10 1/4-inch in diameter to meet various...

Footage tools.(equipment spotlight: PIERCING TOOLS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All Big Shots (pneumatic piercing tools) are CNC machined to exact dimensional tolerances from a solid billet of nickel chromoly steel and fully heat treated for superior strength and wearability. The pistons are...

New Holland.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Holland's C175 compact track loader has 2,200 pounds rated operating capacity and an operating weight of 7,535 pounds. Having an overall width of 71.1 inches over the tracks, a length of 129.5 inches and a ground...

John Deere.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Deere CT 322 and CT 332 compact track loaders (CTLs) feature two-speed transmission, hydraulic Quik-Tatch, a self-leveling bucket, high-flow hydraulics and a comfortable HVAC system. The instrumentation panel...

Ditch witch.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SK650 mini track loader is equipped with a low-maintenance, 31-horsepower Kubota turbo diesel engine that directs 20 net horsepower to the attachment. Both the fuel and hydraulic tanks are mounted on the outside...

Vermeer.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Vermeer compact utility loaders offer mini machine versatility and user-friendly features. The S600TX offers two track options--7- and 9-inch width--that may provide lower operating ground pressure and enhanced...

Bobcat.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bobcat offers five compact track loader models ranging from 56 to 80 inches wide and 46 to 84 horsepower. The T320 is the newest addition to the lineup. The fully enclosed steel undercarriage has few moving parts to...

Mustang.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mustang models MTL16 and MTL25 operate in tough conditions, such as on sandy or muddy job sites, and have the kind of stability and flotation that a skid-steer loader can not provide in all situations. The MTL16 and...

Case CE.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... Case's expanded line of compact track loaders includes the 420CT and 440CT, rated at 56 and 82 net horsepower, respectively. The dozer-style undercarriage has an excellent fit and finish that minimizes exposure to material and moisture, with...

ASV Inc.(equipment spotlight: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SR-80 Posi-Track Loader provides extreme traction, lower ground pressure, maximum operator comfort, excellent machine controls, greater durability and faster routine maintenance. With an 80.5 horsepower...

McLaughlin introduces safe tools for hydro excavation.
October 1, 2007... Vacuum excavators are a common sight on utility construction projects today, and are considered by many to be essential support equipment for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects where they are used to clean up slurry escaping from...

Software program aids selection of proper construction method.(First Look)
October 1, 2007... For many underground utility projects, it is not always obvious whether open-cut or horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be the best, most cost-efficient method of construction. To help answer that question, Vermeer Manufacturing Co.,...

Private water pipelines viable solution for small city water needs.(WaterWorks)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For most of us, a reliable supply of clean water is available from the closest faucet--the only thing we have to do is pay our monthly bill. Although there is concern for aging and deteriorating infrastructures...

Stray current mitigation for water mains in Portland's Transit Mall.(U-TECH: Underground Technology Cutting Edge Technical Information For Utility Construction & Rehabilitation)
October 1, 2007... From its modest beginnings in the early 1870s when horse-drawn rail cars plied First Avenue, light rail in Portland, OR, flourished, then declined and has since enjoyed a resurgence. By 2030, planners forecast a million new residents in the...

AWWA award goes to Rep. Trudi Williams.(WaterWorks NEWS)
October 1, 2007... The Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) presented its "Legislator of the Year" Award to Florida State Representative Trudi Williams. The award recognizes leadership and dedication in developing water supply...

Mueller Water Products fills senior vp role.(WaterWorks NEWS)
October 1, 2007... Mueller Water Products has appointed Robert P. Keefe to senior vice president and chief information officer. In his new role, Keefe will be responsible for the overall direction of all systems and technologies in order to build the company's...

WEF releases new TMDL tool kit.(WaterWorks NEWS)
October 1, 2007... The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has released a new tool kit for third-party Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). Developed under a cooperative agreement with U.S. EPA, the Tool Kit is the final document in a series of outreach products...

Nothing can sink major Plano pipeburst: proven technology is supersized for quadruple upsize.(Rehabilitation TECHNOLOGY)
October 1, 2007... As officials from Miller Pipeline Corporation and Earth Tool Company considered bidding on a major mainline sewer replacement project in Piano, TX, last February, they realized portions of it were bigger than anything either had tackled before....

Riverwalk rehabilitation CIPP saves Georgia landmark.(Rehabilitation TECHNOLOGY)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Unbeknownst to the hundreds of daily bikers, walkers and joggers along the famous Riverwalk in Columbus, GA, trouble was looming below the ground. Like many other well-established American cities, aging concrete...

HammerHead.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Static System Four HammerHead HydroBurst pipebursting systems are available to burst and replace pipes from 2-inch through 24-inch host pipe. When coupled with the line of HammerHead Ductile Slitters, HydroBurst...

Ditch Witch.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Static System Three compact pipebursting systems are available from Ditch Witch--the PR50, PR75 and PR95. The equipment is designed to fracture or cut existing pipes of 2-16 inches O.D., pulling in new...

Tenbusch.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Push Technology Tenbusch Inc. manufactures a line of trenchless equipment that allows the local contractor or city crew to replace or upsize existing old pipe (water or sewer). The TIM system utilizes several...

TT Technologies.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... Static System Burst and replace ductile iron, steel and lined pipe with the Grundoburst static pipebursting system from TT Technologies. Pulled by a hydraulic bursting unit, the cutter head's special cutting wheels split the host pipe. An...

Miller pipeline.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... Static System Miller's XPANDIT system is used to replace deteriorated gas, water, wastewater and industrial process pipelines including vitrified clay, cast iron, concrete, reinforced concrete, asbestos cement and PVC with highdensity...

Nowak Pipe Reaming.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... Pipe Reaming InneReam is a simple and effective system of trenchless pipe replacement. Patented by Nowak Pipe Reaming, the system was developed to utilize a directional drilling unit, specialized tooling and techniques to grind and remove...

Astec underground.(Rehab Product Focus: TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT)
October 1, 2007... Static System The Astec EarthPro PB-40 Pipebursting System is a fast and efficient hydraulic pipe replacement system. This innovative tool breaks out failed or aging sewer, water, gas and other utility lines and replaces or upsizes them...

Helmer risk management.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... Helmer Risk Management, a Phoenix-based provider of specialized insurance brokerage and risk management solutions for the energy and construction industries, has joined the Distribution Contractors Association (DCA). "We know how important...

Clarklift of Orlando.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... An Orlando-based heavy equipment dealership filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida in June. Clarklift of Orlando, which owes more than $59,000 in state and county taxes and $2.1 million in...

BaySaver Technologies.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... BaySaver Technologies, a leading provider of stormwater treatment solutions, announces the appointment of Daniel J. Triller, P.E. as area manager. Triller is responsible for business development in Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and...

P.U.H. Poltrade/subsite.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... The Charles Machine Works announces the addition of Poland's P.U.H. Poltrade as an official dealer of Subsite electronic locating equipment, which is used to locate and identify underground utilities at construction jobsites. P.U.H. Poltrade...

Godwin Pumps.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... Bridgeport, NJ-based Godwin Pumps recently relocated its Tampa, FL- and Atlanta, GA-based locations to larger facilities. Godwin's Tampa-area branch is now located at 202 Winston Creek Parkway in Lakeland, FL. Resting on nine and a half...

MEYCO Equipment/BASF Construction Chemicals.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... The Admixture Systems business of BASE along with MEYCO Equipment, a division of BASF Construction Chemicals, now offers full sales and service support for the complete line of MEYCO sprayed concrete equipment within the NAFTA underground...

New Holland Construction.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... New Holland Construction is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the company's first skid steer loader, the New Holland L35, which was introduced in 1972. "Thirty-five years ago, New Holland introduced the L35 skid steer loader--the first...

Gilcrease & Partners offer right-of-way expertise.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... A new land and right-of-way acquisition company--Gilcrease & Partners LLC--is being formed under partnership by Greg Gilcrease, Craig Weaver and Mark Pickering. The new company will provide comprehensive right-of-way services to private and...

Caterpillar.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... A new computer-based Mini Hydraulic Excavator Operator Training Course from Caterpillar is aimed at helping owners of the versatile compact machines prepare and retain a competent operator fleet and protect their investment. The training...

Utilicor Technologies.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... Utilicor Technologies has appointed SECOR as the distributor of its full line of truck and skid-steer mounted rotary coring equipment and Utilibond-based reinstatement technology in the south central, southwestern United States. Headquartered...

Mears Group.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... Kevin T. Parker has joined Mears Group as director, STEC/Employee Development. Parker's responsibilities will include directing the company's safety and environmental programs along with DOT and Operator Qualification compliance. Developing...

Quanta Services acquires InfraSource.(Business: THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS)
October 1, 2007... Quanta Services Inc. has officially acquired InfraSource Services Inc. through an all-stock merger, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta.The acquisition provides Quanta with expanded tools and resources to build the infrastructure...

Rain for Rent.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] High efficiency pumping, low maintenance cost and 72 dB(A) sound attenuation are the three greatest features of Rain for Rent's SA DV-150i portable pumping unit. The DV-150i 6-inch bypass pump handles solids up to...

RIDGID.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... The new RIDGID RC-1625 ratcheting plastic pipe and tubing cutter, from RIDGID, has a large capacity and an advanced blade design that reduces required cutting force. With a 1/2 inch to 1-5/8 inch O.D. capacity, the RC-1625 ratchet cutter easily...

CertainTeed.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... The new PAMREX 36" manhole cover is designed to fit oversize manholes in U.S. municipalities. The PAMREX 36" has all the same features as the original PAMREX, such as infiltration resistance and exceptional ergonomics for operator safety, but...

New pipe layers from Volvo CE.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... Volvo Construction Equipment's new range of five pipe layer models, from 20 to 150 metric ton lift capacity, originate from a patented adaptation of excavator-based machines combined with modern lifting technology. The machines offer a 360...

ARNCO Corp.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... The Hydralube F-300i cable lubricant is a polymer-based, water soluble lubricant formulated to help place wire and cable in electric and telecommunications applications. With a pourable-gel consistency, Hydralube F-300i is easy to apply and...

Melfred Borzall.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... The new Ogre reamer is made for hard soil conditions including shale, sandstone, caliches and cobbles. Each cutter takes off only 1/4 inch more soil than the previous stage for smooth, efficient cutting action. The angled jets shoot water...

Case CE.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... Case Construction Equipment has upgraded its DV Series tandem-drum vibratory rollers to more powerful, Tier III engines that deliver from 31 to 48 horsepower, up from 27 to 38 horsepower. The Case tandem-drum line features high centrifugal...

Huntingdon Fusion techniques.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... To help prevent dropped tools or debris from falling down pipes during maintenance, use Huntingdon Fusion's in stoppers. These versatile pipe stoppers are commonly used on plumbing operations and fiber-optic construction projects where an...

BRON self propelled utility plow.(New Products: THE LATEST PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BRON crawlers are available with static or vibratory plows for the direct burial of underground utilities including telephone, electrical, conduit, gas and water lines. The power unit shown features a BRON 250...

Calendar.(Calendar)
October 1, 2007... 2007 Oct. 21-24 Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Annual Meeting Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle, WA PH: (202) 331-2820 Web: amwa.net Oct. 30-31 OCA Fall Board Meeting & Contractors Reception...