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NOVEMBER 2011 Contents 

November 2011 | www.utilitycontractoronline.com 

12 

16 

Powering American 

Competitiveness 

By Mark Bridgers and Nate Scott 

A comprehensive look at the ups and downs of the 

2012 utility and infrastructure construction market. 

Ready to Work 

By Pam Kleineke 

Keeping employees satisfied and productive on the 

job despite a struggling economy. 

26 

Map Quest 

20 DEPARTMENTS 

22 

24 

26 

By Keith Gribbins 

Dissecting the two main utility locator 

technologies — ground penetrating 

radar and electromagnetic systems. 

Computer Grade Excavation 

By John Bohlke 

Seven simple ways to grow your 

earthmoving business with GPS guidance. 

The Right Choice 

By Sam Miceli 

Selecting the ideal vacuum excavator 

for your utility construction project. 

An Argument for Air 

By Trevor Connolly 

Air-vacuum excavation systems offer a 

modern way to expose buried utilities. 

8 Groundbreaking News 

40 Calendar 

41 The Pipeline 

42 Advertisers’ Index 

NUCA 

DEPARTMENTS 

6 Chairman’s Message 

28 Inside Washington 

30 Safety Management 

32 NUCA News 

34 Convention Preview 

4 Utility Contractor | November 2011


nuca CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 

Repeal, Repeal, Repeal! 

As I write this message; NUCA lobbyists and the entire membership 

are excited about some recent legislative victories that are critical to 

achieving one of our ultimate goals. The House of Representatives 

just voted to repeal the 3 percent withholding tax. They passed this 

initiative with a resounding message of disapproval for this jobskilling 

tax … a voting result of 405 to 16. 

The bill will now go back to the Senate where it recently failed by 

only three votes to end cloture and allow for a vote. NUCA is working 

feverishly on obtaining those three Senate votes in order to get full 

repeal. Another positive event on this issue was the President’s recent 

comments about the 3 percent withholding tax. He publicly endorsed repeal of the tax 

and said that repealing it is a jobs-creator. As many of you know, the tax has been a 

legislative issue of NUCA’s for the last few years. 

This proposed legislation would impose a 3 percent withholding tax on all companies 

doing business with federal, state and local governments. This tax was proposed to be 

withheld to ensure tax obligations are met by the company doing business with the 

government, yet no provisions are included to indicate how or when the 3 percent would 

be released. This is just bad government at its worst. It was a lazy legislative attempt to 

generate revenue for an already oversized government on the backs of honest, tax-paying 

businesses. 

In an already challenging business environment and weak economy, I can only imagine 

how difficult it would be to face yet another obstacle like the 3 percent withholding tax. 

As any business person knows, positive cash flow is imperative to a business’ financial 

health. In fact, a business can be profitable but still go out of business because of poor cash 

flow. In an industry where contractors already often have retainage rates at 10 percent, 

adding another 3 percent would make it that much more difficult to survive in a difficult 

economy. I can tell you first-hand that another 3 percent withheld from the contracts that 

our company has would drastically affect how we do business. Hiring employees and 

investing in equipment are decisions we make on the status of our current financial health 

and the confidence in future business. Three percent withheld from current contracts 

with no certainty as to when it would be returned would only negatively affect these 

decisions. 

And in a question of pure principle: Why is the government entitled to enjoy 100 

percent use of the completed project a NUCA member would provide (water or sewer 

system, treatment plant, roadway, etc.), yet only pay 97 percent of the cost until some 

undefined future time? 

By the time you read this message, Thanksgiving is likely to have come and gone. I 

hope that one of the things you will be thankful for is all the hard work NUCA has put in 

to fully repeal the 3 percent withholding tax. 

6 Utility Contractor | November 2011 

Happy Thanksgiving, 

Ryan Schmitt 

NUCA Chairman of the Board 

NUCA | www.nuca.com 

Officers 

Chairman of the Board 

Ryan Schmitt — Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, FL 

Chairman-Elect of the Board 

James Barron — Ronkin Construction Inc., MD 

Vice Chairman of the Board 

Florentino Gregorio — Anchor Construction Corp., D.C 

Treasurer 

Ronald T. Nunes — R.T. Nunes & Sons Inc., R.I. 

Secretary 

Bruce Wendorf — Forsberg Construction Inc., FL 

Immediate Past Chairman of the Board 

Dan East — Reynolds Southwest Inc. N.M. 

Asst. Secretary 

Bill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.com 

NUCA 

Board of Directors 

CONTRACTOR 

DIRECTORS 

Lane Berg, FL 

Kari Biernacki, N.M. 

Mike Donatelli, R.I. 

Glenn Ely, PA 

Mark Fuglevand, WA 

Kara Habrock, NE 

Richard R. Harp, GA 

Bill Martinak, OR 

Chad Reed, DE 

Jeff Rumer, CO 

Mark Scoccolo, WA 

Keith Steen, GA 

Andy Wolf, IA 

NON-CONTRACTOR 

DIRECTORS 

Albert Heckmann, OH 

Lewis Long, NC 

Roger B. Mohr, IL 

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE 

Kevin Cripps, NC 

Thomas O’Rourke, NV 

NUCA 

Staff 

Chief Executive Officer 

Bill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.com 

Vice President of Marketing 

and Communications 

Bonnie J. Williams — bonnie@nuca.com 

Benjamin Media 

www.benjaminmedia.com 

Publishing Team 

Publisher 

Robert D. Krzys — robk@benjaminmedia.com 

Direct: (330) 315-2061 

Managing Editor 

Keith Gribbins — kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com 

Direct: (330) 315-2197 

Associate Editor 

Pam Kleineke — pkleineke@benjaminmedia.com 

Direct: (330) 315-2198 

Graphic Designer 

Chris Slogar — cslogar@benjaminmedia.com 

Marketing Director 

Kelly Dadich — kdadich@benjaminmedia.com 

Direct: (330) 315-2056 

Regional Sales Manager 

Ryan Sneltzer — rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com 

Direct: (330) 315-2114 

Regional Sales Representative 

Tim Richards — trichards@benjaminmedia.com 

Direct: (330) 315-2129 

Audience Development Manager 

Alexis R. White — awhite@benjaminmedia.com 

November 2011 Volume 35, Number 11, Utility 

Contractor (ISSN 1098-0342) is published monthly 

for the National Utility Contractors Association by 

Benjamin Media Inc., 1770 Main Street, PO Box 

190, Peninsula, OH 44264. Periodicals postage paid 

at Peninsula, OH and additional office. One year 

subscription rates: Complimentary in the USA & 

Canada and $99 in foreign countries. Single copy 

rate: $10.00. ©2011 NUCA. All rights reserved 

by the National Utility Contractors Association for 

articles contained herein except where otherwise 

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or transmitted by any means without written 

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Media P.O. Box 190 Peninsula, OH 44264-0190 USA. 

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groundbreaking news 

Common 

Ground 

Alliance’s 

2010 DIRT 

Report 

Reveals 

Importance 

of Calling 

811 

Before any digging project (big or small) — call 811. 

Underground utility events continue to be a major problem, with 

165,000 incidents estimated in the United States alone in 2010. 

Earthworks can be a precarious application for professionals. 

Whether it’s digging around utilities or working in trench 

boxes, NUCA members pride themselves on safe jobsites. The 

Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a stakeholder-run organization 

that NUCA supports, focused on protecting underground 

utility lines and the people who dig near them. In October, 

CGA announced findings from its comprehensive 2010 

Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report. 

“As we approach the five-year anniversary of 811, serving as 

the best way for all excavators nationwide to reach their local 

one call center, it’s reaffirming to see data that supports what 

many CGA members have long believed: Knowing what’s below 

by calling 811 before digging is the most important step 

in preventing underground utility incidents,” said Bob Kipp, 

CGA President. 

The report, which is the sum of all 2010 data submitted anonymously 

and voluntarily by damage prevention stakeholders, 

identified the importance of making a free call to 811 to reach a 

local one call center as most critical to safety. When an excavator 

notifies a one call center before digging, damage occurs less than 

1 percent of the time, according to the report. The report also 

estimates the total number of damages could be reduced by 30 

percent if all digging was preceded by a locate request. 

Overall, underground utility events continue to be a major 

problem, with 165,000 incidents estimated in the United States 

in 2010. The number of incidents in 2010 was relatively similar 

to that of the past several years, and it continues to pose 

a threat to safety. The 2010 DIRT Report examined the root 

causes of slightly more than half of all events submitted, and 

the top causes were identified as follows: 

1. Excavation practices not sufficient: 38 percent 

2. Notification not made: 32 percent 

3. Locating practices not sufficient: 25 percent 

The report also noted that small fencing, irrigation and landscaping 

contractors were most often involved in incidents resulting 

from a failure to notify a one call center before digging. 

Since 2008, the number of incidents submitted to DIRT has declined, 

possibly due to economic factors affecting the amount 

of work performed. To create a baseline figure that accounts for 

changes in excavation activity and tracks year-to-year progress, 

this year’s report features an increased emphasis on measuring 

damages per 1,000 one call center requests. 

The 2010 DIRT Report benefited from inbound locate request 

data from 31 one call centers. Comparing this one call 

data to incident data submitted for those states in 2010, CGA 

determined an average of 3.2 incidents occurred per 1,000 locate 

requests last year. 

“One of the most important things we can do on the CGA 

Data Reporting and Evaluation Committee is to make sure we 

are creating a report that will be helpful to both the industry 

at large and individual stakeholder organizations,” said Bob 

Terjesen, Committee Co-Chair. “Our hope is that stakeholders 

use this report to improve their own data collection effort and 

better target their damage prevention initiatives.” 

The complete DIRT Annual Report for 2010 is available for 

download at www.commongroundalliance.com, and stakeholders 

interested in submitting data to the 2011 report or establishing 

a Virtual Private DIRT account should visit the DIRT site at 

www.cga-dirt.com. 


Take a photo of this odd-looking symbol 

with your smart phone’s QR code app and 

buy pink Doosan merchandise online. 


Pink isn’t just a color — it’s an attitude. 

Support a cure for breast cancer by 

embracing your pink-side when it 

comes to providing portable power. 

Doosan Portable Power Revs Up 

Support for a Breast Cancer Cure 

Pink is not the most popular color for construction 

equipment, which makes it an ideal 

pigment to promote a great cause. Doosan 

Portable Power is supporting such a cause — 

to find a cure for breast cancer — by painting 

three of its power products the color pink. 

A newly branded P185 air compressor, G25 

mobile generator and LightSource Compact 

(LSC) light tower have been painted pink to 

raise breast cancer awareness within the 

industry and support the Charlotte Affiliate 

of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the United 

State’s leading breast cancer awareness and 

research organization. Breast cancer is the 

most frequently diagnosed cancer and is 

the leading cause of cancer-related death in 

women worldwide, according to the American 

Cancer Society. All Doosan Portable Power 

dealers in the United States and Canada 

will have the chance to purchase one of the 

three pink machines to support the cause 

along with making a donation to the Komen 

Charlotte Affiliate. 

Doosan Portable Power is showing its support 

by donating $2,000 per pink machine 

model, with a guaranteed total donation of 

$6,000 to the Komen Charlotte Affiliate. The 

pink Doosan Portable Power products were 

on display to the public during the NASCAR 

Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage race on 

October 14 and the Bank of America 500 on 

October 15 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

The Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage race 

was sporting a pink theme to raise breast 

cancer awareness and raise funds for the 

cause. Also, Doosan was the primary sponsor 

for Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11, driven by 

Brian Scott. The race also honored 300 breast 

cancer survivors. 

Doosan Portable Power is also providing 

support for finding a cure by making pink 

merchandise available at www.doosanstuff. 

com. The Komen Charlotte Affiliate will receive 

10 percent of all sales of the pink merchandise 

sold through the Doosan Portable 

Power website. For more information about 

Doosan Portable Power, please visit doosanportablepower.com. 

For more information go to www.utilitycontractoronline.com/info 

November 2011 | Utility Contractor 9


Construction Market Forecast: 

The General Economy Is Seeing Mixed Signs 

Hard-hit residential 

markets will 

start to improve, 

especially 

multi-family 

construction, 

which is becoming 

more desirable as 

banks continue to 

tighten financing. 

The smart folks at FMI are always in tune with the proverbial 

pulse of the construction industry. As the largest provider 

of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering 

and construction market, FMI is always interpreting 

the ebb and flow of the industry. The company just released 

its Construction Outlook: Third Quarter 2011 Report. 

Overall, in FMI’s latest forecast for construction put in place 

calls for 2 percent growth in 2011 and 6 percent for 2012 to 

$886.2 billion in total construction. In today’s economy that 

sounds like ambitious growth, but in constant 2006 dollars, 

that is only 3 percent growth for 2012 and a 1 percent drop in 

construction for 2011. To put it in perspective, in 2012 we will 

nearly return to 2003 levels of construction in current dollars. 

Despite geopolitical upheavals and constant debates about 

debt levels in the United States and Europe, budget brinksmanship 

in Congress, as well as a rash of natural disasters, 

construction markets are inching along. U.S. GDP is slow at 

1.3 percent, but positive. Some of the unemployment problem 

is due to increased productivity in manufacturing and 

other service businesses, but, so far, there doesn’t seem to be 

much innovation and investment in new markets and jobs. 

Both consumers and businesses are rebuilding their savings 

and confidence in the economy, but that is a slow process 

with numerous setbacks. It seems that the largest barrier to 

moving the economy forward is fear that no one has a plan 

that will work. After the go-go years of high finance and exuberant 

housing markets, we now have high-risk aversion, and 

not without good reasons. 

In the midst of these extremes, the inchworm economy is 

struggling along, and it will take some time to revive an industry 

the size of U.S. construction. There are positive signs 

to build on, for instance, if businesses with record profits now 

held in reserve decide that they can make more with their 

money by investing in new R&D, plants, equipment and personnel, 

then a new construction boom could follow. On the 

other hand, as economists like to say, if fear and risk aversion 

win out, those looking for a second dip of recession could 

find their wishes come true. 

Hard-hit residential markets will start to improve, especially 

multi-family construction, which is becoming more desirable 

as banks continue to tighten financing requirements 

and homeowners are still reeling from the fears of foreclosure. 

Lodging, office and commercial construction will continue to 

struggle until more Americans have good jobs. To read more 

of this report or learn more about FMI, visit them online at 

www.fminet.com. 



Deere Dealers to Sell Honda 

Products in United States 

John Deere dealers nearly have the 

complete portfolio of machinery products 

— skid steers, tractors, excavators, mowers, 

utility vehicles, dozers and ever onward. 

There’s only one thing missing — outdoor 

power equipment. Luckily, with its latest 

agreement with Honda Power Equipment, 

Deere dealers have truly become a one-stop 

shop. 

“Honda power equipment has earned 

a strong reputation for durability, quality 

and reliability — all which are important 

attributes to John Deere customers,” said 

David Everitt, President of the Worldwide 

Agricultural and Turf Division at Deere. “For 

homeowners, our premium John Deere lawn 

tractors will continue to lead the way at our 

dealerships but will be complemented with 

the strong line of Honda power equipment 

products.” 

Deere & Co. announced in September a new sales and 

marketing agreement with Honda Power Equipment to 

sell Honda premium power products at participating 

John Deere dealerships in the United States. Shipments 

of Honda inventory to John Deere dealerships will be 

phased in, beginning in 2012. Under the terms of the 

agreement, participating John Deere dealers will offer 

Honda’s award-winning walk-behind lawnmowers, 

generators, tillers, water pumps and snow blowers. 

In addition, Deere said, it will no longer market John 

Deere-branded walk-behind mowers or walk-behind 

snow blowers in the United States, in any sales channel, 

after 2012. 

John Deere dealerships are independently owned 

and the company said all active dealers will be offered 

the opportunity to sell the Honda product line during 

a sign-up period beginning in late 2011. Deere said it 

may also consider the agreement for Canadian dealers 

in the future. According to Scott Conner, Vice President, 

Honda Power Equipment, “This new alliance with John 

Deere allows Honda Power Equipment to expand its 

reach by providing products that meet the high-quality 

and reliability standards that John Deere customers 

have come to expect.” 

Customers who want to purchase a new Honda 

power product or service an existing product at a John 

Deere dealership will be able to do so at participating 

Deere dealers after the dealer is added to the Honda 

sales network. Deere said the program could take 

through 2013 to be completely phased in. 

Utility professionals definitely use small pumps and generators. Now they 

can find these premium Honda products at a local John Deere dealership. 

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The 2012 Utility Construction Outlook 

Powering American 

Competitiveness 

By Mark Bridgers and Nate Scott 

America’s economic competitiveness is under threat 

and the convergence of power, water and sewer 

infrastructure integrated through communication 

technology is one solution to an economic 

competitive advantage. This convergence matters because the 

ability to efficiently generate and distribute power combined 

with access to clean water integrated by highly effective 

communication technology can form the basis of the next 

generation of “American Exceptionalism.” 

Unfortunately, the slowing economy has created fear 

that American competitiveness is evaporating. American 

competitiveness has always been based on the amount, quality 

and application of our resources leveraged by our infrastructure, 

not short-term economic vacillations. While our fundamental 

resources are robust, our infrastructure is rotting. President 

Obama alluded to this fact on September 8, 2011: “…We 

have to look beyond the immediate crisis and start building an 

economy that lasts into the future.” 

More important than replacing aging utility infrastructure 

throughout America is recognizing that we stand at the verge of 

the next generation of “American Exceptionalism” — all we have 

to do is grab it. The convergence of critical infrastructure is an 

engine for American competitiveness, requiring the ability to 

efficiently generate and distribute power combined with access 

to clean water integrated by highly effective communication 

technology. Contractors that possess superior capabilities in 

two or more of these sectors are well positioned to thrive in 

2012 and beyond. 

History of American Competitiveness 

America is resource rich. The United States and our neighbor 

Canada lead the world in possession of many important resources. 

The United States and Canada account for 5 percent of world 


population and control 13 percent of the arable land, 15 percent of 

the oil production, 28 percent of the coal and produce 24 percent 

of the electricity. Still, our resources are limited. Making use of 

them in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way challenges 

America’s entrepreneurial capability to adapt and overcome 

through building new and maintaining existing infrastructure. 

Competiveness requires more than resources. U.S. Gross 

Domestic Product (GDP) is the world’s largest at $14.5 trillion 

and by comparison, the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India 

and China lag. China and India account for 37 percent of 

world population but rank below the United States in nearly 

every hard-to-replicate resource. One reason for this difference 

is infrastructure. American entrepreneurs and farsighted 

government leaders created and reinvented an infrastructure 

advantage to complement our resources for most of our history. 

BRIC leaders are attempting the same feat through new highquality 

infrastructure. The necessary infrastructure for advantage 

changes over time and is shifting again favoring convergence of 

water, wastewater, power and communication resources. It is 

time to reinvent America, as our forefathers did: 

• 1800-1860 — American competitiveness based upon water 

and canal transportation. 

• 1860-1900 — American competitiveness based upon rail 

transportation. 

• 1900-1950 — American competitiveness based upon rapid 

industrialization. 

• 1950-1980 — American competitiveness based upon highway 

and air transportation. 

• 1980-2000 — American competitiveness based upon 

information technology. 

• The future?

The convergence of water, wastewater and power resources 

linked by high speed and reliable communications technology 

is one solution to building economic competitive advantage. 

This convergence matters because the ability to sustainably and 

in an environmentally responsible way use these resources is 

the basis of the next generation of “American Exceptionalism.” 

Utility Construction Spending Forecast 

2012 will achieve modest growth overall with electric, gas and 

communication segments leading (Exhibit 1). Beyond 2012, 

growth is driven by a combination of improving economic 

fundamentals, regulatory required construction activity and 

pent up demand for the replacement or upgrade of capital 

assets. 2013 and 2014 represent a high watermark with only 

modest GDP growth anticipated through 2015. During the 

entire forecast period, water, wastewater and sewer sectors will 

grow but lag the overall growth rates due to funding challenges 

associated with the municipal ownership of these systems. 

Exhibit 1 

Transmission & Distribution: 

Electric and Gas 

2012 will experience modest growth, driven by a combination 

of sources: 1) pipeline activity related to shale gas; 2) the 

conversion of coal fired power generation facilities to burn 

gas; 3) capital asset replacement; 4) regulatory compliance 

spending; 5) delayed infrastructure replacement; and 6) 

“Smart Grid” activity representing the convergence of power 

generation, transmission, distribution and communications 

technology requiring more skill than simply replacing a meter. 

All of these sources peak in 2013 and are unsustainable without 

an underlying GDP growth rate beyond 3 percent, which is not 

anticipated until the end of the forecast period (Exhibit 2). 

Exhibit 2 

One driver of transmission and distribution construction 

is a shift in power generation fuel mix. The transition away 

from coal towards natural gas and renewable sources is demanding 

transmission line construction, upgrade of substation 

infrastructure, pipeline construction and related activity. 

In a Black & Veatch forecast 1 , the reduction in coal as a 

fuel is dramatic over a 20-year timeline and predominately 

replaced by natural gas. Assuming regulatory efforts to reduce 

or eliminate carbon emissions are successful, any type 

of stair step reduction will require robust use of natural gas. 

In addition, stable gas prices in the $4 to $6 range, are both 

very attractive to power generators and allow economic return 

from the shale basins. 

The shift in fuel mix is driven by regulation and production 

or tax incentive. Coal fired plants are subject to no less than 

10 different sets of regulations scheduled for implementation 

through 2017. These regulations involve: Ozone, SO 2 , NO 2 , 

Clean Air Interstate Act (CAIR), Water, PM 2.5 (Particulate 

matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter), Ash, Hg 

(Mercury), Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) and CO 22 . 

Other researchers argue that the planned and potential 

regulation is not burdensome and “…mostly consists 

of procedural events and activities that will not impose 

a direct compliance obligation on power plants.” 3 This 

writer disagrees and finds that the net effect of these 

regulations is a tangled mess that restricts American 

competitiveness and will prevent power generators 

from making long-term, efficient bets with capital 

asset construction budgets reinforcing short-term, low 

risk decisions … albeit decisions that will generate 

transmission and pipeline activity. 

Subsectors in this Market 

Include the Following: 

• Electric Transmission: Long-term prospects are very strong. 

Jon Wellinghoff, FERC Chairman, says: “Of the total miles 

of additional bulk power transmission, 50 percent is needed 

for reliability ... 27 percent needed to integrate variable and 

renewable generation … The remainder is for integration of 

hydro, fossil-fuelled and nuclear generation and to reduce 

congestion … The existing transmission system was not built 

to accommodate this shifting generation fleet.” 4 

• Electric Distribution: Variable growth dependent on a combination 

of new home construction in specific geographies, 

system age and replacement or renewal programs within a 

service territory and regulatory impact. One potential driver 

is the undergrounding of infrastructure to resist storms 

damage. A trend toward longer duration and larger outages 

increases the potential for undergrounding these assets. 

• Gas Distribution: Asset replacement recoverable under 

accelerated plans addressing pipeline integrity and 

safety concerns drive construction activity. Several of 

Continuum’s LDC clients have replacement budgets 

that increased five-fold since 2001. In addition, valve 

and system automation is driving activity. 

• Gas Submarkets and Gathering: “Fracking” and water 

demand represent hurdles likely to be resolved in favor of 


economic growth and job creation resulting in a robust and 

growing shale gas market. Low gas pricing is driving a shift of 

rigs from gas to oil production but it will not be as impactful 

as feared according to G. Allen Brooks, “…there has been a significant 

shift in the focus of drilling due to strong crude oil and 

weak natural gas prices … natural gas was only being targeted 

by 45.5 percent of working rigs … for crude oil, the industry 

has added 299 rigs … there are still significant volumes 

of natural gas produced from fields considered primarily 

oily or having high liquids content.” 6 

• Gas transmission: Given the low price of gas and economic 

conditions, transmission work has slowed and in 

some instances, pipelines are converting from gas to oil, 

illustrated by Kinder Morgan converting the Pony Express 

Pipeline. Long-term, the movement of shale gas to 

population centers and the conversion of coal fired power 

generation facilities to burn gas will energize this sector. 

• Liquids transportation: Natural gas liquids (NGL) 

emanating from the shale basins and oil constitute the 

majority of the growth in this sector. Oil prices at or 

above $80 per barrel demand more of this activity. As an 

example of NGL impact, “if U.S. output of ethane also rose 25 

percent, it could spur $16 billion in new investment on U.S. 

chemical plants and create 17,000 jobs.” 6 

Water Supply & Sewage 

and Waste Disposal 

The themes of convergence and competition pivot upon 

access to clean water and management of wastewater and 

sewage. Examples include the high volume water usage of 

“fracking,” the remote potential for “fracking” to contaminate 

water resources, additional requirements for hydro testing of 

pipelines and the high volume water usage in many power 

generation facilities. In contrast to controlling water usage, 

some districts and agencies view the water needs of these 

industries as an opportunity to sell water at a higher margin. 

Selling water at a higher margin is one solution to capital 

constrained municipal water, wastewater and sewage systems 

with empty municipal and state coffers, tight bond markets and 

low rates and use fees. 

Water supply construction demonstrates a dramatic reduction 

of capital spending from 2008 with very limited prospects for 

improvement until 2013 due to these constraints (Exhibit 3). 

Exhibit 3 

The lack of recent spending on maintenance and upgrades will 

generate some capital spending growth regardless of economic conditions. 

A long running conflict between who writes and pays for regulations 

continues. Richard Anderson, representing the U.S. Conference 

of Mayors commented: “The Federal government [i.e., Congress 

and the relevant Federal Agencies] has performed one of the most 

sophisticated acts of avoiding responsibility for the policies it has imposed 

on the nation’s cities … the Federal government has abdicated 

its role as ‘partner’ in this effort … Congress has taken the position that 

achieving the goals of the water laws is not a federal responsibility.” 7 

Aging infrastructure and environmental regulation are 

stronger spending drivers in the sewage and waste disposal 

sectors. In areas of limited supply, Denver, Los Angeles 

and Phoenix, push to increase the use of recycled water for 

irrigation, industry and agriculture. Goals call for a two to three 

times increase in recycled water use. Exhibit 4 demonstrates a 

Water supply construction 

demonstrates a dramatic 

reduction of capital spending 

from 2008 with very limited 

prospects for improvement until 

2013 due to these constraints. 


Exhibit 4 

less severe reduction in spending and faster recovery due in 

part to mandated work requirements. 

There is no short-term fix for the operational and funding 

challenges facing water, wastewater and sewer systems that does 

not include higher rates and use fees. High unemployment, a 

weak housing market and the poor financial conditions of both 

state and local governments all contribute to the weakness of 

water and wastewater segments. 

Communications 

Communication is the most volatile utility industry segment. This 

creates an opportunity to either accurately anticipate how the market 

will evolve or be lucky enough to be in the right place. The current 

transformation of the industry is driven by three different developments: 

1) growth in high bandwidth data streaming; 2) proliferation 

of smart devices allowing greater data usage; and 3) data centers to 

support cloud computing. Long-term, the convergence of power, 

water, sewer and communication infrastructure will generate new 

types of work for firms in this sector. As examples, accelerating installation 

of smart meters since 2007 and pending regulation requiring 

the installation of excess flow and remote control valves on gas or 

liquid pipelines will continue to create communication demands. 

The forecasted increases from 2011 to 2014 are driven by the 

proliferation of devices requiring both high speed cellular networks 

along with Wi-Fi usage availability both at and away from home — 

all requiring greater data management and fiber-optic cable installations 

to meet customer reliability and speed demands (Exhibit 5). 

The shape of the telecom market continually shifts. A Wall Street 

Journal article 8 in 2011 presented the graphic detailing the tangled 

family tree of AT&T. The twists and turns depicted demonstrate the 

different business strategies that predominated over time ranging 

from monopoly, intense geographic competition, advent 

of wireless, consolidation and high volume data over broadband. 

The iterations demand industry participants to adapt 

their strategies, merge or die. This trend will continue and 

accelerate with the convergence of power, water, sewer and 

communication infrastructure. The forecasted drop in spending 

in 2015 anticipates that the market uncertainty is increasing 

and another transformation of the industry is taking place 

requiring industry participants to adapt, merge or die. 

Conclusion 

The necessary infrastructure for American competitive 

advantage changes over time and is shifting again 

favoring convergence of water, wastewater, power and 

communication infrastructure. In the previous 150 years, 

American entrepreneurs and farsighted government leaders 

transformed our country through canal and railroad transportation, 

a rapid industrialization, an unmatched highway 

system and a generation of technology innovation. 

A new generation of American entrepreneurs and farsighted 

government leaders are required for the convergence of the 

power, water, wastewater and communication segments to take 

place. Of particular importance is access to clean water and 

wastewater management which serve as a pivot through which 

the next age of “American Exceptionalism” will originate but 

are where the greatest leadership challenges lay. 

Utility engineers and contractors should take notice of 

the industry changes that are already underway and work to 

help their customers mitigate volatility they will face as the 

convergence described takes place. Said another way, utility 

engineers and contractors must become invaluable to owners 

by helping them attack the risks they face. Engineers and 

contractors that possess superior capabilities in two or more 

sectors are well positioned to thrive in 2012 and beyond. 

There is room for significant optimism in 2012 and beyond 

founded on this writer’s belief that “American Exceptionalism” 

is alive and well. 

Mark Bridgers and Nate Scott are consultants with Continuum 

Advisory Group, which provides management consulting, training and 

investment banking services to the worldwide utility and infrastructure 

construction industry. They can be reached at (919) 345-0403 or 

MBridgers@ContinuumAG.com for more information on Continuum, 

visit www.ContinuumAG.com. 

Exhibit 5 

1 

Black & Veatch, What Will Be the North American Energy Industry’s “New Normal,” 

November 17, 2010, pg. 21. 

2 

Edison Electric Institute, adapted from Wegman EPA 2003 report and updated on 

February 15, 2010. Downloaded from www.EEI.org on October 10, 2011. 

3 

World Resources Institute, WRI Fact Sheet, Response to EEI’s Timeline of 

Environmental Regulations, November 2010, pg. 2. 

4 

Wellinghoff, John, Statement of Chairman Jon Wellinghoff on Transmission 

Planning and Cost Allocation, Docket No. RM10-23-000, July 21, 2011. 

5 

Brooks, G. Allen, Parks Paton Hoepfl & Brown, North American Outlook & Insights 

News: Whither The Direction of Natural Gas Markets, September 14, 2011. 

6 

Clanton, Brett, Houston Chronicle, Natural Gas Boom Helps Petrochemical Industry, 

March 23, 2011. Downloaded from www.chron.com on October 10, 2011. 

7 

Anderson, Richard F., The U.S. Conference Of Mayors, Trends in Local Government 

Expenditures on Public Water and Wastewater Services and Infrastructure: Past, 

Present and Future, February 2010, pg. iii 

8 

Raice, Shayndi, Wall Street Journal, AT&T Outguns Sprint, March 29, 2011. 

Downloaded from http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2011/08/31/atts-tangled-familytree/ 

on October 10, 2011. 


Ready to Work 

Keeping Employees Satisfied and Productive 

on the Job Despite a Struggling Economy 

By Pam Kleineke 

Long-term commitment from employees is 

a great indicator of satisfaction on the job. 

Here, Forsberg Construction Inc.’s 25-plus 

Club poses for a photo. These men have 

dedicated 25 or more years to the company. 

It’s no secret that the last few years have been tough ones 

for the construction industry. With the unemployment 

rate climbing and the amount of available jobs dwindling, 

it’s been particularly stressful for companies to 

maintain a healthy bottom line, as well as retain an experienced 

crew. For those employers lucky enough to avoid 

making cuts to their workforce, now is the time where it’s 

essential to keep everyone in the loop and feeling secure 

about their place within the company. 

“Existing staff is working harder than ever and many 

are taking on additional workloads due to reduced staff 

and trying to improve output,” explains Ryan Schmitt, 

President of Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors Inc. “It is 

more important than ever to keep your staff informed and 

motivated by strong leadership and a clear strategy.” 

Communication is key when reassuring employees about 

the economy and how they’ll be able to keep their livelihoods 

in tact. Staying truthful about company operations is essential 

during a time when others in the industry may be struggling. 

“Employees want to know the truth about what their 

company is doing in its attempts to find work and keep its 

employees busy,” says Bruce Wendorf, President of Forsberg 

Construction Inc. “They want to know the realities of how 

hard this economy is making it to stay in business. They 

want to know that the business is doing everything it can to 

survive, just as the employees are doing everything they can 

to help the company survive. Open and honest dialogue is 

extremely valuable when times are uncertain. Where there 

is truth, there’s hope.” 

Schmitt adds, “In this economy, employees want to be 

informed about the status of the company and they want to 

hear a strategy on how the company will move forward. Times 

are tough, and benefits and/or salaries may have to be cut, but 

employees can respect that if leaders are candid, truthful and 

fair. However, employees also want to be part of the plan that 

will get the company through this tough economy. If there is 

any time for an owner to be fully engaged day-in and day-out 

with their company, it’s now.” 

Aside from enjoying open communication, employees are 

simply grateful for staying on the job — with the unemployment 

rate currently hovering around 13 percent in the construction 

industry. With so many hard-working construction 

professionals out of jobs, there’s an even greater appreciation 

for keeping busy in the field. 


“The guarantee of future employment on the current 

backlog of work is the best incentive as bonuses have dried 

up due to over-competitiveness in the market,” says Wendorf. 

“Employees have never been so appreciative of a job as a result 

of this sluggish economy.” 

And the appreciation goes both ways. Employers are 

working to make their crews feel like a top priority and are 

encouraging them to stay productive despite the gloomy 

economic forecast. Although companies may not be able to 

show gratitude with extra cash, a good pat on the back is 

certainly one effective way of making up for it. 

“While monetary resources for rewards are scarce, it is 

very important to recognize good performance through 

alternative methods,” says Schmitt. “Verbal recognition by 

company leaders plays a vital role in keeping hard-working 

crewmembers.” 

Although verbal praise is a helpful way to make employees 

feel good about their job performance, it also works to 

reinforce behavior that’s expected on the job. When other 

workers see and hear a fellow employee doing a job well, they 

may be encouraged to do the same. 

“We provide our field supervisors with weekly job cost 

feedback,” says Schmitt. “We want them to take ownership 

for their production and safety performance. The data they 

receive shows when they have met production goals and if 

so, how it has affected that particular cost code. This data — 

coupled with supervisors recognizing when good performers 

have done well — goes a long 

way to incent our front line 

managers. We also train 

and give feedback for 

effective job organization 

methods. We informally 

recognize good performers 

throughout the year, and at 

the end of the year, we have 

formal awards that recognize 

team members in the area of safety 

and all around performance.” 

Communication 

is key. 

Training for Success 

For companies that are able to add to their crews at this 

time, training is a vital step when bringing in a new worker. 

It’s especially important to strengthen their experience with the 

proper training for the jobs they’re expected to take on. This is 

where having seasoned employees comes in handy to show a 

newbie the ropes. 

“Underground utility work is oftentimes very unique and 

non-repetitive,” says Wendorf. “This makes training particularly 

important as it relates to the details of a job, but the training 

must come from someone with the experience to understand 

the end result and how best to achieve that result safely and 

cost effectively. Maintaining a well trained crew is the result of 

maintaining experienced leadership in the field.” 



With a new employee, training 

is typically the first step for most 

companies. By establishing the 

importance of training early 

on, an employee can begin his 

or her career on the right — 

and safe — foot. 

“Training starts with the orientation 

process with all Petticoat-Schmitt 

employees,” says 

Schmitt. “From there, employees 

receive training in all safety aspects 

of our industry, management and leadership 

principles. Training topics include: Competent Person; 

Confined Space; OSHA 10-Hour Safety; Lifting and Rigging; 

Utility Locating; Cut-off Saw Training; One-Minute Manager; 

and the NUCA Pipelayer Training Series. We also send our office 

staff to software and management training.” 

One of the most important parts of a training program is 

safety. Since a new employee is expected to work with equipment 

and in potentially dangerous situations, companies 

need to make sure their crews are well prepared for the tasks 

at hand — from day one and beyond. 

“You teach safety once, you reinforce it forever,” says Wendorf. 

“The unavoidable cliché is ‘safety is a culture.’” 

In addition to training sessions, employers need to stress 

the importance of safety on a daily basis. Whether it’s through 

incentive programs or meetings, companies should make safety 

a top priority and emphasize it to their crews. 

“Safety is our first priority on all projects,” says Schmitt. “We 

have annual safety performance goals for the whole company 

and we track our safety performance by project and a front line 

supervisor. Weekly job meetings, run by the president, start 

Appreciation 

goes both 

ways. 

Keeping employees in the loop about company goals 

and strategies will pay off in the long run in terms of 

productivity. On the far right, Ryan Schmitt, President of 

Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors Inc., meets with crews to 

discuss company business and project expectations. 


with a safety discussion on each project before quality, schedule 

and other issues are discussed.” 

Through developing a good training regimen, employers 

can feel confident that their staff is prepared for a project. One 

of the most rewarding ways to see if a program is working is 

customer satisfaction. 

“To me, it’s a credit to your training program when customers 

are calling you to ask for individual employees by name to 

return and do more work,” says Ron Nunes, President of R.T. 

Nunes & Sons Inc. 

As for veteran contractors or anyone looking to stay up-todate 

on the latest trends and technologies, there are numerous 

outlets that offer training. However, it’s important to sift 

through what’s the most beneficial to your company’s needs 

before having your employees invest their time into it. 

“There is plenty of information available to anyone who really 

wants it,” says Schmitt. “Anyone who says they are challenged 

to keep up with the latest technology is not looking or not 

trying. In fact, the speed of information that comes out can often 

be ‘information overload.’ There are many free publications 

that are specific to our industry that have updates on new 

technology, equipment, trends, etc. Often I have more trouble 

filtering through what I should read rather than struggling to 

find the information I really want.” 

A New Generation 

As the industry continues to move forward, both Schmitt and 

Wendorf agree that there are plenty of opportunities for young 

men and women to take advantage of in the utility construction 

industry. Schmitt mentions that business owners — large and 

small — are looking for the next young superstar to show 

talent, ambition and dedication to help lead their companies 

in the future. 

“I speak to construction management students at our 

local university, and I stress to them that there are many 

opportunities in smaller specialty contractors that often go 

overlooked,” says Schmitt. “Many students are aware of the 

larger general contractors in our area and think that is their 

only career path opportunity. There are plenty of excavation 

and utility contractors where a young student could continue 

to build his education and experience and grow into a lucrative 

construction management career.” 

With a younger generation of workers coming into the 

industry, companies are eager to add their fresh minds into the 

mix to learn about the business as well as new technologies. 

A newcomer’s enthusiasm, paired with his or her ability to 

become skilled at older and newer equipment, is being seen as 

a valuable selling point. 

“As equipment becomes more technical, 

it is important for construction 

companies to have equipment 

managers that can understand 

both old and new technologies,” 

says Wendorf. “Managing 

equipment maintenance and 

repairs is a long-term career 

with the potential of providing 

very significant wages and 

benefits. It is a part of our 

You teach 

safety once. 

You reinforce 

it forever.

Treat your 

job hunt like 

it’s a job. 

industry that is becoming very technologically 

sophisticated by necessity.” 

Help Wanted 

For contractors looking to find work or 

employers trying to fill positions, Schmitt 

recommends taking a look at Internet sources 

such as LinkedIn. These online tools can help 

narrow down the search for potential jobs and 

even offer companies another outlet to advertise 

their openings. 

“The Internet provides plenty of opportunities 

for someone to find work,” explains Schmitt. 

“Social media is a great tool to get the word out 

that someone is looking for work or a company is looking to 

fill a position.” 

Although the journey to a new job may be difficult, both 

Schmitt and Wendorf agree that persistence and professionalism 

pay off. When applying for a position, it’s 

important to be thorough and dedicated 

to the cause. 

“Be persistent and treat your job hunt 

like it’s a job,” says Schmitt. “Dedicate the 

time and professionalism it deserves. You 

would not believe the amount of people 

who come into our office and say how 

desperate they are for work and after we 

give them an application to complete, 

the application comes back incorrect or 

incomplete, thereby ruling them out for 

consideration. If someone can’t complete 

a simple application when they are so 

‘desperate,’ how do you think they will 

do once they have a job?” 

It also pays off to showcase skills and 

experience through a detailed résumé. 

This will allow a job candidate to highlight 

his or her credentials and why they would 

be a good fit for a company. 

“The advantage of a good résumé is often 

overlooked by our skilled workforce,” says 

Wendorf. “The résumé is a chance for a 

potential employee to be specific about 

his or her experience and descriptive 

regarding his or her skill level. The résumé 

provides much more depth about one’s 

abilities, education and competency 

than a standard job application. It is my 

opinion that a résumé is seen as a more 

serious attempt at employment than the 

With the economy struggling over the past few 

years, utility construction professionals are more 

appreciative than ever to be out on the jobsite. 

job application. Demonstrating certifications, training or 

other accomplishments is also an attractive asset to put on 

a résumé.” 

Pam Kleineke is Associate Editor of Utility Contractor. 



Map 

Quest 

Choosing a Utility Locator — 

Ground Penetrating Radar vs. 

Electromagnetic Systems 

By Keith Gribbins 

Buried beneath your feet is a complex system of subsurface 

utilities, silently supplying power and connectivity 

to your home, neighborhood, office, farm and every city 

in between. Detecting these invisible networks of water, sewer, 

gas, broadband and electricity is an essential operation for new 

construction and rehabilitation professionals. Careful digging 

and vacuum excavation can provide verifiable, see-with-youreyes 

results, but there is a different way to detect underground 

utilities without moving even a single clump of dirt or debris. 

Electromagnetic-based locating systems (EM) and ground 

penetrating radar (GPR) are two technologies that allow utility 

contractors, locating firms, municipalities and subsurface 

utility engineering (SUE) companies to identify and record 

underground “facilities” using evasive methods. The first step 

before any digging project is to contact your state’s one call 

office and provide it with the location of the proposed area to 

be excavated. A one call contractor will visit the site and often 

mark the location of the existing utilities using these locating 

technologies. The locators come in all shapes and designs (pull 

or push carts, hand-held units and even big models that can be 

strapped to a mower, utility vehicle or truck). 

While most contractors rely on these one call services to 

find and mark utilities, it never hurts to have your own utility 

locating equipment (if you can afford it), confirming the 

marks on the ground are actually underground facilities and 

discovering if any utilities have been missed. Choosing between 

these different systems and technologies will depend 

on many things, but most importantly ground conditions 

and the type of utility. 

“The first and most important question that has to be asked 

is what is your geography?” says Matthew Wolf, President 

of MALA Geoscience (a global leader in GPR technology). 

“Where are you? Secondly, what sort of depth are you looking 

at? If you’re in a particular region, what’s the average depth of 

your facilities? Also, what is the size and type of your facilities 

— how big are they? Are you looking for a 2-in., air-filled 

gas line at 10 ft or a plastic water main 8 in. in diameter and 

down about 4 ft? You have to dissect what the customer’s actual 

targets are.” 

This McLaughlin 

EM locator 

works great in 

most clay soil. 

How Does It Work? 

The choice between GPR- and EM-based locating systems 

will largely have to do with soil conditions, cost and the construction 

material of the utility. The bigger market today is 

for EM technology, which boasts it can detect any continuous 

metal utility, including: iron, steel and copper water lines; gas 

lines; tracer wire by plastic pipe; telephone and TV cables; copper 

and aluminum wire; and power lines whether energized or 

not. EM is also much cheaper, noting that it only works mostly 

on metal-constructed utilities. 

A unit’s transmitter emits electromagnetic waves, which creates 

a magnetic field. If a metal pipe or a cable is laid within the 

magnetic field, induced current (signal current) is produced 

and flows through the underground metal pipe or cable according 

to the principle of electromagnetic induction. Then, a 

receiver picks up the magnetic field generated by the subsurface 

metal pipe or cable. The location and depth of the subsurface 

pipe or cable is located by the angle of the magnetic force 

concentrically generated by the metal pipe and the strength of 

the magnetic field. Buyers will have the choice of using singleor 

multi-frequency antennas to accomplish this. 

“Single-frequency electromagnetic locators have been 

around for decades,” explains Matt Manning, Products Manager 

for Electronics at McLaughlin (home to the Verifier line 

of EM locators). “Single-frequency systems work well on lines 

and pipes in non-congested easements, but putting multifrequency 

into the ground has the tendency to light up everything 

underground and may produce a distorted signal. In 

other words, you cannot distinguish whether it is a power, gas 

or communications line. The other limitation is that singlefrequency 

locators cannot determine the depth of the line and 

limit the user as there isn’t one frequency that is good for locating 

all utilities in every soil condition.” 


Lines and pipes are constructed of different materials (copper, 

aluminum, iron, steel, plastic, etc.), so a higher or lower 

frequency may do the best job of locating them. Multi-frequency 

systems (some offer up to five frequencies or antennas) allow 

you to tune the frequency you are putting into the ground 

to the type of line or pipe you are trying to locate. The lower 

the frequency, the better it will stay on the line you are trying 

to locate, thus making the job of distinguishing a gas from a 

water line easier. Single-frequency locators start around $900, 

and multi-frequency units can cost up to $5,500. 

Both use two methods of EM locating — active and passive. 

Active locating is applying a specific frequency on the utility 

and involves searching for a specific line using either the direct 

connection or inductive method. The locator is either attached 

directly to the line or a frequency is selected and induced into 

the ground and re-radiated by the utility. 

“Passive locating uses the frequency that the utility creates or 

re-radiates,” says Manning. “Passive locating is a method used 

by contractors to check the area for unknown lines, but this 

method does not allow the operator to distinguish between the 

types of lines. Passive is good for sweeping or a final check of 

an area, while active is better for locating the targeted utility.” 

Ground Conditions and GPR Location 

Ground conditions will always affect the locator signal. It’s 

a big reason why buyers use multi-frequency locators. The 

best soil conditions for EM locators are moist clay soil, and 

the worst soil conditions for EM locators are dry sand or rocky 

soil. That’s almost the exact opposite for GPR locators, which 

work best in dry sand and alluvial gravel. 

“In general, we say clay is bad for GPR, but not all clays 

are created equal,” says Wolf. “For example, in the Piedmont 

area of the Southeast, some of the clays that may look pretty 

insidious are actually decent for GPR. They are not as good as 

sand, but not zero reception, which we get in some areas in the 

Southwest with some of the clays there.” 

GPR is pulse radar system, emitting a totally different frequency 

than EM units. It puts a wave pulse into the ground 

and receives reflected energy back. Whereas electromagnetic 

technology basically induces a signal on a utility and gets a 

secondary electromagnetic field back, GPR actually reflects energy 

off a utility, which is why GPR locators can detect plastic 

and non-conductive material. That’s one of the key differences 

between technologies. 

GPR isn’t used to find buried electrical or metal gas lines; 

that’s EM locator work. GPR is used to find what EM locators 

can’t — like a plastic water line in sandy soil conditions with 

no tracer on it. GPR can also blindly scan a whole area much 

better than the EM locator and has no need to know where a 

particular utility is because it’s not inducing a signal. You just 

scan and get reflective energy off facilities. So a lot of times 

people will scan with GPR on large projects, and then take an 

EM locator and put the induction source over specific utility 

targets. Many GPR operators understand that GPR is most effective 

when used as part of a holistic approach to a particular 

project. GPR locators come with multiple antennas just like 

EM locators, but they also cost about twice as much (starting 

around $10,000). 

“The average frequency range is between 250 and 500 

megahertz,” explains Wolf. “That is the most widely used and 

most versatile and successful range of antennas for most GPR 

situations. Then you get some extremes, so there’s not a onesize 

fits all, but in the 250-500 range you’ve got 85 percentile 

of locating with radar. Most people get by having an antenna 

with one frequency.” 

GPR- and EM-based locators are different technologies and 

different manufacturers specialize in each method. Companies 

like McLaughlin, Underground Imaging Technologies and 

Schonstedt Instrument Co. make EM locators. Manufacturers of 

GPR locators include experts like MALA Geoscience, US Radar 

and Sensors and Software. Both systems function and cost differently 

and are often used to detect different types of subsurface 

utilities. Before and after purchase, training will be essential, but 

the right unit can make learning a whole lot easier. 

GPR- and EM-based locators are different technologies 

and different manufacturers specialize in each method. 

Companies like MALA Geoscience manufacture top-ofthe-line 

GPR locators, like the one pictured. 

“You want to make sure that the unit is simple to use and 

doesn’t require you to send your operator to a day-long class 

to learn how to run it,” says Manning. “In a number of cases 

your operator may not use the unit from week to week, and 

it should be simple enough for them to pick it up and recall 

how to use it without much instruction. Durability is also 

important. Contractors take equipment in and out of a truck 

on a daily basis and unfortunately the locator may not be 

handled with absolute care. Weather can affect your locator 

too, so before you make your purchase ask if the unit 

has limitations when being used in various weather conditions, 

such as rain. Lastly, make sure the instrument features 

a multi-year warranty.” 

Keith Gribbins is Managing Editor for Utility Contractor. 


Computer Grade Excavation 

Seven Simple Ways to Grow 

Your Earthmoving Business 

with GPS Guidance 

By John Bohlke 

In the competitive construction business, earthmoving 

companies that use excavator machine guidance to their 

advantage will continue to succeed. Fortunately, the 

advantages are not limited to just large contractors. In fact, 

small- to medium-size utility contractors have quickly realized 

the benefits on their jobsites as well — even operators with a 

single machine. 

Excavator guidance systems not only serve all sizes of 

companies but they also benefit a wide range of applications 

including road construction, foundation excavating, quarrying, 

mining, utility trenching, waterway maintenance, environmental 

remediation and many more. It’s important to realize that 

there are a few different types of excavator guidance systems. 

The most common difference is whether the system provides 

1-Dimensional (1D — simple depth gauge), 2-Dimensional (2D 

— accurate bucket position relative to slope) or 3-Dimensional 

guidance (3D — accurate machine and bucket position 

anywhere on site) guidance. The systems provide similar 

benefits but sometimes through different techniques. The 

type of application and size of job usually determine whether 

a 1D, 2D or 3D system is the best fit. And the seven simple 

ways excavator guidance systems will grow your earthmoving 

business apply to all types of systems. 

1. Eliminate Jobsite Staking 

Traditional earthmoving typically requires that job stakes be 

placed throughout the jobsite and earthmovers are expected 

to properly slope or shape the site in between the stakes. With 

excavator guidance systems, only the jobsite control points are 

necessary. In a 2D system, the operator simply enters the depth, 

slope or profile from the plan into the system, references the 

bucket or tool either on a control point or from a rotating laser 

and then digs to grade. In the case of a 3D system, the job 

control points are used to reference the plan design so that a 

digital 3D plan can be entered into the guidance system. 

In both the 2D and 3D systems, the operator simply digs and 

fills to grade with the aid of an in-cab touch screen that displays 

the appropriate cut/fill numbers and the bucket position relative 

to the grade line. This eliminates the expense and time it takes 

to stake the entire jobsite while simplifying the excavation 

process. The operator doesn’t strain to read stakes or judge the 

slopes required between the stakes. 

2. Minimize Manual Grade Checking 

How can operators be sure they’ve reached grade? Are they 

jumping out of the cab to fetch a level rod and tape or are 

there additional personnel on site roaming between machines 

to confirm proper grade? Either method is inefficient and poses 

real safety issues to the workers on the ground. An excavator 

guidance system significantly reduces the need to check grade 

because operators have real-time, in-cab feedback on their 

progress. They always know where they are relative to grade, 

when to keep taking and filling with a full bucket and when to 

change to a scraper bucket. 

They can quickly check grade and slopes by placing the 

bucket or tool anywhere on the site. In a 3D system, they can 

record these positions as checkpoints in a job file and then 

review the file at a later time in the cab or in the office to verify 


the job was done right. When operators have to get in and out 

of the machine to check grade, they risk their own safety and 

often leave the machine idling. Most importantly, they waste 

time not making progress on the site. Having separate grade 

checkers onsite becomes an unnecessary expense and risk. 

3. Eliminate Rework and Over-Excavation 

As all contractors know, many things can go wrong on the 

jobsite. Having to return to a site and rework a job impacts 

your profit as well as your reputation. Making penalty payments 

because the job wasn’t done right and/or on time is typically even 

more painful. When operators can see the bucket or tool position 

and how that relates to the design surface, the job gets done right 

the first time. Even witnessing cut-and-fill progress through the 

excavator guidance system improves the ability to coordinate haul 

trucks and other related activity more effectively. A 3D system 

records a progress map of the bucket or tool position so that the 

operator and business owner can be confident the job was done 

right. It also serves as a critical piece of evidence when someone 

tries to place responsibility on the earthmoving contractor. 

4. Minimize the Hassle of Paper Plans 

In a 2D system, the operator simply enters the site information, 

whether it’s a depth, slope or profile and digs according to the 

guidance system. The operator doesn’t have to regularly fumble 

with paper plans and read the small print. When working a 

trench or consistent profile with a 2D system, the operator can 

reference the system at the beginning of the trench and dig to 

the extent of the excavator’s reach. After tracking to the next 

segment of the trench, operators simply reference the bucket 

by placing it on a location within the completed trench and 

then keep digging. It’s not necessary to set additional stakes or 

move a rotating laser, according to paper plans — just follow the 

onscreen cut/fill numbers and graphic. 

In a 3D system, the operator loads the design surface from a 

USB flash drive and all of the surface information is displayed 

on-screen. The screen can be configured in a variety of ways — it 

can show the 3D view of the excavator on the surface, overhead 

views, a close-up of the bucket/tool relative the design grade, 

a progress map indicating the status of the earthmoving effort, 

and much more. The screen can be split to show any two of 

the desired displays. The 3D system screen provides complete 

and more effective information than working with paper plans. 

Plus, if there are updates to the design, they can be loaded into 

the guidance system instead of having to refer to multiple sets 

of design plans. 

5. Improve Bidding Confidence and Win 

More Bids 

With real-time visual guidance, operators move dirt at a 

more consistent rate and can better gauge their progress. Less 

Zap this QR code 

with your smart 

phone and watch 

a video on 2D GPS 

excavation systems. 

time and people are needed for staking and grade checking. 

Additionally, operators with lower skill levels will deliver the 

productivity that is typical with more experienced operators. 

As a result, earthmoving jobs become more predictable and 

competitively priced leading to more bids won. This is a direct 

outcome that gives earthmoving contractors with excavator 

guidance systems a competitive edge in order to grow their 

business and profits. 

6. Complete More Jobs Between Service 

Intervals 

The maintenance expense on heavy machinery and time away 

from the jobsite can play a significant factor in the profitability 

of an earthmoving company. With machine guidance there is 

less downtime as the operator is not jumping out of the cab 

to check grade, stakes do not have to be replaced and over 

excavation is eliminated. The idle time on the machine is 

drastically reduced as the operator can dig continuously as 

a benefit of machine guidance. A case study on basement 

excavation revealed that the operator could dig a basement 

in six and half hours instead of the typical eight hours. That 

efficiency translates into more than $60,000 of additional 

annual revenue available per machine, and more jobs could be 

completed between service intervals. A greater percentage of 

the hourly charge for excavation services can go towards profit 

and less towards maintenance — in other words, this practice 

decreases variable costs per project. 

7. Improve the Operator Experience 

Machine guidance improves the skill and efficiency of all types 

of operators. They establish more confidence in completing 

the work correctly and eliminating the chance of rework — 

no more guesswork needed when cutting or filling a slope 

between grade stakes. Operators appreciate the predictable 

timelines and completing jobs on or ahead of schedule — even 

haul trucks can be scheduled more efficiently. As an added 

benefit, operators remain safe and comfortable within the 

cab since they don’t have to leave the cab to perform grade 

checks. Once they are able to experience the performance and 

simplicity of an excavator guidance system, they won’t want to 

work without it. 

John Bohlke is a General Manager of Earthworks at Hemisphere GPS. 


The Right Choice 

Every day, contractors, utilities and municipalities 

excavate for the installation of underground facilities, 

or must locate existing pipes, cables and lines for 

maintenance and repairs. In the past, this usually 

involved digging by hand or with a mechanical excavator, 

backhoe or similar machine. 

“There are numerous reports of injuries, deaths, explosions 

and fires each year from unsafe or poorly planned excavations 

that strike underground facilities or result from collapsed 

trenches,” says Brett Hart, Product Manager at Vactor Mfg., 

a maker of air conveyance, high-pressure water and vacuum 

technology. “Many of these incidents can be avoided and 

the risks minimized by utilizing techniques such as vacuum 

excavation, which is a general term that may include processes 

using either water [hydro-excavation] or high-pressure air to 

loosen soil.” 

In both cases, an air vacuum is used to move the loose soil 

and rocks, often into a debris tank for later disposal or backfilling 

the hole that’s been made. 

“Non-destructive vacuum excavation is quickly gaining 

acceptance by contractors, utilities and municipalities in a wide 

range of applications,” says Hart. “These applications include 

excavating remotely at long distances, line location, installation 

and repair for utilities and pipelines, slot trenching, waterline 

maintenance and repair, directional digging, sign and pole 

installation and precision digging.” 

Hart adds that vacuum excavation can improve overall 

productivity and efficiency for contractors, municipalities and 

utilities, and can help avoid: 

• “Hits” or “strikes” on underground utility lines, cables and pipes. 

• High costs to repair damaged infrastructure. 

• Costs and inconvenience of interrupted utility services. 

• Serious injury or death to workers and the public. 

• Liability and increased insurance costs. 

• Loss of a company’s reputation, revenues and employee 

morale. 


Selecting the Ideal Vacuum 

Excavator for Your Utility 

Construction Project 

By Sam Miceli 

Selecting the Right Unit 

Vacuum excavators come in a variety of sizes and options, so 

it is important to select the unit that best fits the contractor’s 

intended use. Hart recommends that a contractor consider the 

following before purchasing a vacuum excavator: 

• What is the main application? 

• What options does the contractor want on the machine? 

• Do you want the ability to dig with water, air or both? 

• Do you want a powered boom to manipulate the vacuum 

hose or manually handle it with brute force? 

• How much vacuum power do you need? 

• How large of a storage hopper is required? 

• Will the unit be expected to work in extreme cold weather 

applications? 

• How well are the parts and services for this machine 

supported? 

“For the contractor, the equipment needs to be reliable and durable,” 

says Hart. “Downtime costs money, period. There are several 

manufacturers to choose from, so find out whose equipment 

is being used and how well are they holding up over time.” 

Features and Options Maximize 

Productivity 

Contractors should be aware of the features that improve 

overall productivity of the vacuum excavator they select. Such 

features may include extendable or telescopic booms offering 

a wide range of rotation. There are also large-capacity water 

tanks and debris bodies, heavy-duty solid construction, heated 

pumps and hose reel cabinets and convenient operator controls 

and tool storage. 

“For added versatility, contractors should choose a vacuum 

excavator that offers plenty of options to meet their specific 

needs so they can achieve maximum productivity on the job,” 

says Hart.

He offers a number of options, including an air compressor 

for excavation or air tool use, water heaters to help cut through 

frozen ground and clay, a hydraulic tool package, a second 

operator’s station, stainless steel water tanks and additional 

tool boxes. 

“For many of our contractor customers, increased payload 

and improved fuel economy are essential considerations when 

using a vacuum excavator,” says Hart. “You don’t want to 

compromise performance or productivity on the job.” 

Hart adds that contractors should also pay special attention 

to the filtration system and select a system that will filter the 

spoil and avoid clogging. 

“The right tool for the job means selecting the right digging 

media [air or water], the right nozzle jets, the right flow and 

pressure and the right amount of vacuum,” he says. 

Many novice operators will simply turn the equipment to the 

maximum settings, but this can be counterproductive. Through 

experience, the operator will know where the sweet spots are 

for certain applications and soil conditions. 

Safety First 

Safety is extremely important for the contractor operating a 

vacuum excavator. Safety features on vacuum excavators should 

protect both the operators and the equipment from dangerous 

situations. “Vacuum excavators are big, powerful pieces of 

equipment that pose unique hazards to the novice or untrained 

operator,” says Hart. “A reputable manufacturer will have safety 

designed into the equipment in the form of emergency stops, 

guards, specialized tools and safety interlocks. Know and 

understand the equipment before putting 

it to work, and make sure that all operators 

are completely trained on the equipment 

and use safe work practices associated with 

vacuum excavation.” 

Before getting to work with a vacuum 

excavator, there are certain steps a 

contractor should take prior to starting 

up the machine. “Vacuum excavation 

often takes place in or near traffic. Safety 

cones, work signs and hazard warning 

lights should be used as much as possible,” 

says Hart. “The operator needs to wear the 

appropriate personal protective equipment 

and high visibility outerwear.” 

Dealers provide training, parts and service in an effort to keep 

the contractor on the job and productive. “A good training 

program will guide the contractor through all the functions 

Vacuum excavators come in a variety of 

sizes and options, so it is important to select the 

unit that best fits the contractor’s intended use. 

of the vacuum excavator and demonstrate the correct way to 

operate the equipment for maximum results,” he says. “And 

the contractor will also have the peace of mind knowing 

their vacuum excavator will be serviced by factory-trained 

technicians at the dealership.” 

Sam Miceli is the General Manager at Vactor Mfg. 

Seek Dealer Input 

Hart says the equipment dealer can 

aid in the decision-making process by 

determining what product, features and 

options best fit the individual contractor’s 

application. “The dealer can provide a 

demonstration of the vacuum excavator 

in the specific application to ensure the 

contractor is selecting the right tool and to 

show how the productivity and versatility 

of a vacuum excavator can impact their 

work,” he says. 

Hart mentions that after-sale support 

is also important for the contractor. 



An Argument 

for Air 

Air-Vacuum Excavation Systems Offer a Modern Way to Expose Buried Utilities 

By Trevor Connolly 

An age-old problem facing anyone in the underground 

construction business is making sure that they do 

not accidentally damage underground utilities in 

the process of excavations. Historically, applications 

for digging have ranged from simple hand-digging methods 

to expose the utility to just using a backhoe to make the job 

easier. The problem with these two methods is that both 

can still present dangerous consequences if a buried utility 

is accidently struck. As a solution, air-vacuum excavation 

systems, machines developed specifically for the purpose of 

safely and economically uncovering utilities, are now offering 

utility professionals a faster, more economical and much safer 

method of exposing those buried utilities. 

Air-vacuum excavation systems use high-pressure air 

combined with a powerful vacuum to first break up the soil 

and then remove it. This process enables a trench or a pothole 

to be dug quickly, easily and, most importantly, safely. After 

the utility is exposed, its exact location is marked and then the 

removed spoils can be placed back in the hole as backfill. Airvacuum 

excavation systems eliminate the backbreaking labor 

involved in hand digging and, since spoils stay dry for use as 

backfill, there are no spoil disposal costs. 

As with any new equipment purchase, it is always encouraged 

that all potential buyers thoroughly study this issue 

and understand the economic and safety advantages offered 

by air systems. 

It is important to understand that it takes more horsepower to 

dig a hole with air than it does with water. This is because air is a 

“soft,” compressible gas and water is a “hard,” non-compressible 

fluid. Air systems work by delivering supersonic air from the 

air lance while still in a compressed state. The compressed air 

then travels into all the porous spaces in the soil and begins to 

expand. This process breaks apart, or literally explodes, the soil 

from within while the operator is simultaneously vacuuming 

up the spoils. Conversely, water works by cutting the soil and 

turning it into mud. One of the major problems with water is 

that it is indiscriminate in what it cuts; water can cut through 

either the soil or a buried utility. 

A simple, comprehensive way to consider the benefits of airvacuum 

excavations systems vs. hydrovac systems is as follows: 

• In most soils, air is much faster than water. 

• Spoils stay dry for use as backfill. 

• Mud disposal costs and problems are eliminated. 

• Air won’t damage the road base. 

• Air is much safer (no damage claims or injuries). 

Again, the most basic difference between air and water is that 

one is a gas and is compressible and the other is a liquid and is 

non-compressible. This irrefutable fact makes air much safer to 

use in vacuum excavation than water. When air hits something 

solid such as a buried utility, it will compress and flow around 

it. Water, on the other hand, being non-compressible, will try 

to cut right through it. That is why water is used to cut sheet 

steel and air is not. 

In a recent report put together by a national energy company, 

there has recently been an unacceptable number of instances 

of cable damage due to contractors using high-pressure water 

systems. This report showed conclusively the facts described 

above — that water will damage a buried cable and air will 

not. Interestingly, contrary to what one might expect, the risk 

of water damage is actually greater at a distance of 10 to 12 in. 

than at closer distances. This makes the use of water even more 

dangerous than originally believed. 

Another consideration that must be taken into account is that 

water is conductive and air is not. If you are operating around 

any kind of buried electric line, it would be wise to presume that 

mixing high-voltage power with water is not a good practice. 

Trevor Connolly is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for 

Vacmasters, a manufacturer of air-vacuum excavation systems. 


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Inside Washington 

New Water Legislation Explores 

a Range of Funding Options 

By Eben Wyman 

America’s water and wastewater infrastructure financing 

needs are skyrocketing while federal, 

state and local government resources continue to 

decline and water construction markets remain 

in turmoil. NUCA and fellow members of the Clean Water 

Council (CWC) continue to lead the way on a variety of legislative 

efforts to increase investment in this infrastructure from 

both public and private sources. While the CWC continues 

to support legislation that would provide immediate funding 

through bonding initiatives and restoration of traditional financing 

programs overseen by the Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) and Department of Agriculture, the clamor to 

develop a dedicated source of revenue by establishing a water 

infrastructure trust fund is getting louder. 

Recent History Shows 

Significant Challenges 

Whether and how Congress should develop a water 

infrastructure trust fund has been debated for decades. In 2009, 

Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), then chairman of the House 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), called 

on the General Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study 

on issues that need to be considered if and when developing 

a new “Clean Water Trust Fund” to help finance wastewater 

infrastructure projects across the country. 

The GAO study accurately described the investment gap 

between what the federal government provides for America’s 

wastewater infrastructure compared to the actual funding 

needs and concluded that long-term sustainable financing is 

needed. “Although federal, state and local governments invest 

billions of dollars annually in wastewater infrastructure — a 

total of about $40 billion in 2006 — EPA and others have 

estimated that current spending levels may not be adequate to 

cover the costs of maintaining and replacing pipes, treatment 

plants and other parts of this infrastructure,” the study 

reported. “According to EPA’s estimates, a potential gap of 

about $150 billion to $400 billion between projected future 

infrastructure needs and current levels of spending could 

occur over the next decade.” 

The GAO study did not make any specific recommendations 

regarding how a trust fund would be administered or which 

revenue sources would be most viable. However, the study 

did outline issues for consideration while establishing a Clean 

Water Trust Fund and evaluated potential funding options by 

reaching out to dozens of industry groups, the Internal Revenue 

Service (IRS) and the EPA. These included excise taxes on water 

pollutants and water-intensive industries and applied to bottled 

beverages, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, flushable products and 

water appliance industries. With the help of the IRS, the study 

also provided estimates of possible revenue related to new user 

taxes on utility bills. The study was based on reaching $10 

billion annually. 

Although trust fund legislation was introduced in the 111th 

Congress, the bill went nowhere fast. 

New Legislation Takes 

Comprehensive Approach 

New legislation intended to establish a water infrastructure 

trust fund was introduced in the House earlier this year by Rep. 

Tim Bishop (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Water 

Resources Subcommittee. The Water Quality Protection and 

Job Creation Act of 2011 (HR 3145) would authorize increased 

investment from existing sources and would establish a Clean 

Water Trust Fund to provide a dedicated revenue source in the 

long-term. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Nick 

Rahall (D-WV), Ranking Democrat on the House Transportation 

and Infrastructure Committee, as well as Republican Reps. Tom 

Petri (R-Wisc.) and Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio). 

The legislation would authorize $13.8 billion in federal 

appropriations over five years for wastewater infrastructure 

improvements through the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving 

Fund (SRF), which provides low-interest loans to local 


Inside Washington 

communities. The bill also offers “technical assistance” to rural, 

small and tribal communities looking for financial support to 

improve their wastewater infrastructure and reduce project 

financing costs. 

Subsidies in the form of negative interest loans are authorized 

through the Clean Water SRF for communities that 

meet certain affordability criteria, or for projects that will 

achieve water-efficiency and energy-efficiency goals, stormwater 

runoff mitigation or environmentally-sensitive project 

planning, design and construction. Economic incentives are 

also included to encourage energy and water efficiency technologies 

to maximize potential. 

To address the problem of combined sewer overflow (CSO), 

the measure authorizes $2.5 billion over the life of the bill 

in CSO grants, as well as $250 million in grants to promote 

alternative water source projects. 

New Approach to Trust Fund 

As attempted in prior legislation, HR 3145 seeks to establish 

a Clean Water Trust Fund to provide a dedicated source 

of revenue for wastewater infrastructure improvements. 

However, the bill would utilize a variety of sources to generate 

revenue and encourage the use of “green infrastructure” to 

promote water efficiency improvements. The bill would also 

require that projects include prevailing wage provisions as 

determined by the Davis-Bacon Act and would codify “Buy 

America” provisions within the Clean Water Act. While these 

issues have obstructed water infrastructure in the past, they 

are important to critical stakeholders needed to move the 

legislation through Congress. 

The bill directs the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to 

undertake a study of potential funding vehicles and revenue 

sources needed to finance a trust fund at $10 billion annually. 

Achieving this goal has been, and will continue to be, a 

significant challenge. Using a model comparable to the Transportation 

Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), 

the legislation offers several funding options for the trust fund, 

including authorization of direct federal loans and loan guarantees, 

loans to existing state infrastructure financing authorities 

and a supplemental infrastructure loan guarantee program to 

leverage additional investment from the private sector through 

low interest loans to support large public water infrastructure 

projects considered to be “of national significance.” 

Bipartisan Support 

Rep. Bishop considers HR 3145 to be a job creator. 

“Rebuilding our nation’s water infrastructure is a proven 

creator of quality domestic jobs, and these investments will 

put thousands of Americans to work in the construction 

and wastewater-support sectors,” he said. “Investing now 

in improvements to publicly-owned water infrastructure 

will save taxpayer dollars on the local level in the future by 

reducing long-term operation and maintenance costs and 

protecting public health.” 

Rep. Petri agreed. “Our wastewater treatment needs are 

enormous, the consequences of inaction are serious, and we 

have an overabundance of people who are eager to do the 

work,” he said when the bill was introduced. “We should move 

forward with our water infrastructure bill without delay.” 

NUCA supports HR 3145, although passage of water 

legislation of this magnitude will likely take several years 

to further develop, debate and adjust before being taken 

up for a vote. However, the bill will help raise awareness 

about the problems facing our underground environmental 

infrastructure, and provides an initial blueprint for all 

stakeholders to consider. NUCA will remain front and center 

in the debate and will recommend changes when appropriate. 

At the same time we will continue to focus our attention and 

support on other legislation such as the Sustainable Water 

Infrastructure Investment Act (HR 1802 / S 939), which has a 

much better chance of moving in the near future. 

Eben Wyman is the NUCA Vice President of Government Relations. 


November 2011 | Utility Contractor 29 

National Utility Contractors Association

N 

safety management 

The Safety Committee – 

A Great Invention 

By George Kennedy 

Safety committees were created so that companies 

could build safety into the very structure of their 

organizations. Safety committees help management 

provide a safe workplace for employees, ensure that 

hazards are not overlooked and communicate pertinent safety 

information and ideas from the field to the safety department 

and management. In addition, safety committees help develop 

safety policy and improve safety performance. In some respects, 

safety committees are the safety watchdog for the company. 

Give your workers a voice by creating an environment 

where employees can communicate their concerns 

when they identify a potential hazard or have ideas to 

improve workplace safety. 

Many of NUCA’ s members require their crews to hold safety 

meetings, morning briefings or huddles — as some are called. 

During these briefings, they take the time to discuss what the 

crew (team) will be doing that day, individual assignments and 

safety considerations. Doing this every day is a great idea, and 

it definitely helps to keep crews informed and aware of any unusual 

or hazardous situations that may arise during the workday. 

But these meetings are not and should not be a substitute 

for an effective safety committee. 

Construction companies should also make use of safety committees 

to help the safety department develop safety policy, review 

and investigate accidents, identify potential risks, perform inspections 

and audits, identify training needs and improve overall safety 

performance. Another important role of safety committee members 

is communicating concerns in the field to the safety department 

or management. Some of these concerns and ideas should be 

based on information that is reported back to the committee from 

the morning huddles. Committees meet regularly to discuss safety-related 

concerns and share ideas about preventing accidents. 

Safety committees can be small or large. Determining what type 

and the makeup of a safety committee are management decisions 

that should be based on the needs of the company. Membership in 

the workplace safety committee is determined by the nature of the 

organization’s operations. Safety committee membership may include 

supervisors, foremen and project managers, employees who 

represent their crews or a combination of managers and employees. 

Every member of the committee should have a clear understanding 

of what is expected from them as participants. Employee 

participation in safety committees should be voluntary. 

Setting Goals and Objectives 

The ultimate goal is reducing accidents, but the committee 

should identify and document specific goals and objectives. 

For example, a safety committee for a small- to medium-size 

utility contractor might establish the following objectives: 

1. To improve employee safety and health awareness. 

2. To enhance employee involvement in safety and health activities. 

3. To identify safety problems that require management attention. 

4. To communicate safety information and ideas to and from 

management. 

5. To make suggestions to management for eliminating or controlling 

hazards. 

Meeting these objectives takes more than picking a few folks 

and sticking them in a conference room on rainy days. A safety 

committee’s performance depends on: 


safety management 

• Strong management commitment and management involvement, 

starting at the top. 

• A clear vision of what the company wants to achieve. 

• Committee leadership that is trained and prepared to 

facilitate the meetings. 

• Members who are willing to commit to and work on 

improving safety performance. 

• Interested, trained and knowledgeable committee members. 

• Regularly scheduled meetings that are scheduled well 

in advance (such as 7 a.m. the first Monday of every 

month). 

• Time allotted for members to leave or be away from their 

work locations to participate in meetings and work on 

action items. 

• Agendas that are prepared in advance and sent to each 

member before the meetings. 

• Accurate minutes that are prepared and sent to members 

in advance of the meetings. 

• Follow up on action items and task forces created to work 

on the action items. 

• Mandatory attendance at all meetings 

(no excuses). 

• Availability of safety and health resources 

(e.g. consultants, documents, 

reference materials, etc.). 

• Workers knowing the committee’s responsibilities 

and who are the members 

of the safety committee. 

• Measuring the committee’s progress. 

• Committee recognition for achievements. 

Awareness Is Key 

All employees should know who sits 

on the committee and should be encouraged 

to inform committee members of 

any safety problems, especially if an employee 

has already told a supervisor and 

nothing has been done. The committee 

member should report the situation to the 

safety director and/or the committee for 

review and follow-up action if necessary. 

The member should always acknowledge 

the employee’s grievances and advise the 

worker of what action will be taken. 

The safety committee should act in 

only an advisory capacity. It should not 

have the authority to take direct action, 

correct problems or discipline employees 

or managers. However, when a committee member identifies 

a situation that could be immediately dangerous to life or 

health the committee member should notify the supervisor 

and contact the safety manager without delay. 

The committee should make recommendations to management, 

and management should decide what to do and take 

action. Management should not delay decisions and should 

promptly notify the committee of any decisions made. A 

properly managed safety committee can be a valuable asset to 

your company. If you already have one, audit its activity periodically 

to ensure its effectiveness. If your company does not 

have a safety and health committee, consider starting one. 

Give your workers a voice by creating an environment 

where employees can communicate their concerns when they 

identify a potential hazard or have ideas to improve workplace 

safety. Companies should engage safety committee members 

to help employees communicate their ideas and concerns, 

and ensure that information and ideas reach the safety department 

and management. 

George Kennedy is NUCA Vice President of Safety. 




nuca news 

Diving into the Issues 

NUCA Safety Directors Meet in Chicago to Address and Correct Major Concerns 

By Bonnie Williams 

Photo courtesy of George Kennedy. 

In the bustling downtown Chicago headquarters of CNA 

Insurance, safety directors gathered from around the country 

for NUCA’s 15th annual Safety Director’s Forum (SDF) October 

17-18. The forum brought together construction and excavation 

safety leaders to discuss industry-proven techniques and 

regulatory updates, to talk informally about the challenges they 

face and to share ideas on addressing them. 

“The SDF is a unique environment where safety professionals 

can meet in a collegial setting to exchange information about 

safety in our industry,” said Safety Manager Warren Graves 

from Team Fishel. “We might be competitors the rest of the 

year, but during the SDF, we are closely allied in the business 

of safety and health.” 

“I find the SDF to be most useful, even though I do not have 

the special training nor the breadth of training that most of the 

participants share among themselves,” added business owner 

Wendell Wood from MMJ Consulting. 

The event was sponsored by NUCA’s Safety Ambassadors’ 

Club which includes NUCA’s National Partners: CNA, John 

Deere, HD Supply Waterworks, Volvo Construction Equipment, 

Komatsu, Ferguson Waterworks, East Jordan Iron Works, Efficiency 

Production Inc., Neenah Foundry, ADS-Nyloplast and 

Vermeer. CNA’s Vice President and Head of Construction John 

Tatum welcomed the group and expressed his appreciation for 

the work of safety directors and for NUCA. NUCA appreciated 

CNA’s gracious hosting of the event. 

During the educational sessions, Jim Canfield from the Crosby 

Group spoke about rigging. VISTA’s Chuck Frey provided 

his insights on the next generation of operator training. CNA’s 

Jacqueline Allen, Vince Baudo and Mike Ladd spoke about 

contractual risk transfer, “motion is money” and silica dust 

in construction, respectively. University of Wisconsin’s Naira 

Campbell-Kyuerghyan talked about near misses. 

During the popular Open Forum many topics arose. Some 

participants expressed concerns about general contractors now 

requiring the use of fall protection around trenches, although it 

is not required by OSHA. There was a lot of discussion on the 

importance of training, education, controlling the work zone 

and job hazard or job safety analysis. The group talked about 

return-to-work guides, guarding around swing radii and the 

importance of getting people back to work quickly after they’ve 

been in an accident. 

Other topics of discussion were: couplers with redundant 

safety devices; how the pipelayer program is being used; 

NUCA’s new rigger training DVD; OSHA’s new fees for 

replacement cards for its 10-hour program; and OSHA’s 

new requirement to be re-trained every three years. Warren 

Graves added: “Through our years at the SDF we have 

developed a great network to share resources, ideas, theories 

and information. The topics are timely and the discussions 

are often spirited but always respectful. It is one of the most 

valuable experiences I have as a safety professional.” 


NUCA news 

NUCA Safety Committee Chairman Bill Santa 

from Alex E. Paris Contracting Co. described 

a new requirement of his company that every 

crew leader or foreman calls in at the end of the 

day to go over three questions. How did the day 

go? Were there any problems, and what do you 

need for tomorrow? This, he said, has been very 

helpful to his company. Others commented on 

the need for different types of shoring and the 

importance of making sure that tabulated data 

from rental companies is available and legible 

for use by a Competent Person or for inspection 

by an OSHA compliance officer. One participant 

explained that his company’s crews are 

using a new stretch and flex program for five or 

10 minutes of limbering up each morning. 

The following day, NUCA’s Safety and Damage 

Prevention Committee met for more than 

three hours. A few highlights of that meeting 

included a good presentation from Bob Kipp 

from CGA, a discussion of asbestos-cement 

pipe issues, tunneling versus auger boring and 

an update on the DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous 

Materials Safety Administration or PHMSA. 

Wendell Wood summed up the value of the 

SDF: “As a few of the [participants] commented, 

they always receive several new ideas, tips 

and direction for problem areas that they are 

facing or realize that they need to face. In other 

words, the networking proves to be invaluable. 

The size of the group, neither large nor small, 

breadth of experience exhibited, relevance of 

the presentations and the geographical diversity 

of the attendees allows for a sharing of ideas 

and experiences that would be difficult in any 

other forum. What is especially valuable is the 

willingness of each to share their expertise.” 

Bonnie Williams is Vice President of Marketing and 

Communications at NUCA. 

Ne w Me m b e r s 

CONTRACTORS 

Advanced Drainage 

Systems Inc. 

Bill Cassidy 

288 Lafayette St. 

London, OH 43140 

Phone: (419) 420-2018 

Fax: (740) 845-3692 

bill.cassidy@ads-pipe.cpm 

www.ads-pipe.com 

ASSOCIATES 

Badger Daylighting 

Phillip F. Harris 

Division Manager 

7274 Kenilworth Dr. 

Lambertville, MI 48144 

Phone: (419) 344-3569 

Fax: (734) 568-0331 

pharris@badger-corp.com 

www.badgerinc.com 

UCAC Meets with Connecticut’s 

Dept. of Energy & Environmental 

Protection Commissioner 

Following the Utility Contractors Association of 

Connecticut’s (UCAC’s) Board of Directors meeting 

on October 12, UCAC members met with Department 

of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner 

Dan Esty. Commissioner Esty oversees the 

new DEEP, which consolidates the former Dept. of 

the Environment and the Dept. of Public Utility Control 

(DPUC). DPUC is now the Public Utility Regulatory 

Agency and is still responsible for implementing 

Connecticut’s Call Before You Dig (CBYD) standards 

and investigating mismarks and accidents involving 

utilities. 

The UCAC Board discussed several issues with the 

commissioner regarding Connecticut’s site work and 

underground utility industry. As usual, UCAC members 

had many questions covering regulatory issues, including 

Connecticut’s high gas tax, diesel emissions, the proposed 

Busway from Hartford to New Britain, upcoming 

state projects, the state’s Clean Water Revolving Fund 

program and the material used to melt snow and ice in 

the winter with its detrimental impact on car and vehicle 

underbodies. At Commissioner Esty’s request, UCAC will 

follow up with its concerns and work to resolve the various 

issues. UCAC was grateful for Commissioner Esty’s 

time and willingness to work with our industry. 

DRS Enterprises, Inc. 

Dan Schmoldt 

President 

20910 Miles Parkway 

Warrensville Heights, OH 

44128 

Phone: (216) 581-7771 

Fax: (216) 581-7730 

d.r.s.enterprises@sbcglobal.net 

www.drsenterprises.com 

Greg Martin Excavating 

Greg Martin 

President 

1501 S. University Blvd. 

Middletown, OH 45044 

Phone: (513) 727-9300 

Fax: (513) 727-8325 

greg@martinexcavating.com 

www.martinexcavating.com 



industry calendar 

December 2011 

1 — UCAC’s Holiday Open House, (860) 529-5886. 

1 — NUCA NM, End of the Year Social, 

El Pinto, NM, (505) 888-0752. 

3 — Suncoast of Florida Year End Banquet, 

Tampa Club, Tampa, FL, (813) 355-4879. 

5 — UCARI Board Christmas Party, (401) 996-6965. 

TBD — NUCA of Southwest Florida, Christmas Party, 

(239) 939-1952. 

January 2012 

19 — UCAORSWA, Board Meeting, (503) 742-8877 

February 2012 

4 — NUCA of Iowa Annual Meeting & Banquet, 

West Des Moines, IA, Marriott, (515) 229-2548. 

7 — UCA of South Florida, 

Annual Awards and Holiday Party, 

Maggiano’s, Boca Raton, FL, (954) 575-0110. 

8 — NUCA of New Mexico End-of-Year Social, 

(505) 888-0752. 

10 — NUCA of Las Vegas Annual 

Holiday Dinner & Auction, JW Marriott Las Vegas 

Resort & Spa at Summerlin, (702) 577-8556. 

13 — NUCA of Colorado, Safety Lunch and Learn: 

Ventilation in Trenches, (303) 808-5643. 

7 — GUCA Lobby Day. 

18-22 — GUCA Winter Management Conference, 

Elevation Hotel & Spa, Crested Butte, CO, 

(404) 362-9995. 

23-24 — NUCA of Nebraska, 

Annual Meeting and Projects Preview, 

Regency Lodge in Omaha, NE, (402) 651-5183. 

March 2012 

12-16 — NUCA Convention 2012, Ft. Worth, TX, 

(703) 358-9300. 

13 — NUCA of North Florida, 

Executive Committee Meeting, (904) 296-1230. 


the pipeline 






Advertisers’ index 

American Shoring 

www.americanshoring.com................................................5 

Arntzen 

www.arntzencorp.com.......................................................41 

Benjamin Media Resource Center 

www.benjaminmedia.com/book-store..............................11 

Case Construction 

www.casece.com...............................................................44 

Clean Water Council 

www.NUCA.com................................................................41 

CNA Insurance 

www.CNA.com...................................................................43 

Colorado School of Mines 

www.csmspace.com/events/microtunnel.........................42 

Ditch Witch 

www.ditchwitch.com...........................................................3 

Foundation Software 

www.foundationsoft.com..................................................31 

Kenco 

www.kenco.com................................................................41 

Mala GeoScience 

www.malags.com..............................................................25 

McElroy Manufacturing Co. 

www.CertifiedMcElroy.com...............................................41 

McLaughlin 

www.mightymole.com/locators..........................................9 

Moffatt Enterprises 

541-548-1144......................................................................29 

NUCA Convention 2012 

www.NUCA.com................................................................17 

Pacific Boring 

www.pacificboring.com.....................................................41 

Underground Devices 

www.udevices.com...........................................................19 

World of Concrete 

www.worldofconcrete.com.................................................7 

Godwin Pumps 

www.godwinpumps.com....................................................2

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