Latest Articles

DCA Holds Fall Meeting, Contractor’s Reception, 2nd PDC

The Distribution Contractors Association annual fall meeting was held Nov. 13-14 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX. It was organized in conjunction with the DCA’s 2nd Annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) on Nov. 14-16.

Tougher Requirements For Excavators Likely In 2013

The most significant federal action this year affecting underground construction companies is likely to be the final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on excavation damage. The rule will have two parts. One will define minimum excavation damage program standards for states.

Federal Excavation Requirements Imminent

A final rule meant to limit pipeline damage from excavation should be made final sometime later this summer. Two advisory committees voted their approval and authorized changes to the proposed rule the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued in April 2012. Many of the changes the advisory committee green lighted appeared designed to toughen requirements on excavators.

Reliner/Duran Inside Drops for Sanitary Manholes: Product Showcase

Inside drops for sanitary manholes eliminate outside drops, clean up failed inside drops and are excellent as stormwater drops and in lift stations.

The Value Of Accident Documentation

Accidental damage to underground utilities continues to occur with disappointing frequency, despite programs implemented by the Common Ground Alliance and ongoing efforts of utility owners and operators, One-Call organizations and other groups with a stake in protecting buried facilities.

Emergency Pipe Bursting Project In Alaska Uses Chain-Drive System

Those in the lower 48 U.S. states know that winters in Alaska are very cold and that everyday life for the hardy souls who live there is different in many ways.

Interstate natural gas pipelines committed to safety

Don Santa, president and CEO of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, recently released a statement on the National Transportation Safety Board’s decision to include pipelines on its 2013 Most Wanted List of transportation safety issues. Excerpts from that statement follow.

Vacmasters Introduces Compact, Powerful System 5000

Vacmasters has introduced the new System 5000 air vacuum excavator which combines power and versatility in a compact package mounted on a 33,000 pound gross vehicle weight truck to efficiently make “soft” excavations for potholing, trenching and other types of excavations.

HammerHead Introduces 34-Inch Rammer

HammerHead has introduced a 34-inch diameter pneumatic pipe rammer to install large-diameter casings for drainage culverts, for guided pilot bore ramming and to use as a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) assist tool.

Root Control: Equipment Spotlight

Root Control from Duke's Root Control and RootX.