Underground Infrastructure - October 2023 - 13

prepare gas distribution systems to avoid over
pressurization and to limit damage during
those incidents.
Finally, the plan calls for strengthening
response plans for gas pipeline emergencies,
including requirements for operators to
contact local emergency responders and keep
customers and the affected public informed of
what to do in the event of an emergency.
The notice of the proposed rules changes
will be published in the federal register,
kicking off a public comment period. The
agency will review the comments before
issuing final rules.
In 2019, the National Transportation
Safety Board, which investigates major
pipeline accidents, recommended tougher
nationwide requirements for natural gas
systems, including mandating all natural gas
infrastructure projects to be reviewed and
approved by a licensed professional engineer.
Nineteen states had such a requirement
at the time, but most had specifically
exempted the natural gas industry from
such review requirements. The board had
also recommended natural gas utilities be
required to install additional safeguards on low
pressure systems.
Regulators say the new proposal builds on
other national and international actions pushed
by Congress and the Biden administration to
reduce methane emissions - a greenhouse
gas with more than 25 times the global
warming potential of carbon dioxide.
Earlier this year, the first $196 million from
the nearly $1 billion Natural Gas Distribution
Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant
program were announced.
Long Island sewer system
unprepared for 2023
hurricane season
According to WABC, residents and businesses
in Long Island City are grappling with flooding
INNOVATIVE TRENCHLESS
SOLUTIONS
* Guided Boring Systems
* Microtunneling
* Pipe Jacking
* Sliplining
* Tunneling
* Earth Pressure Balance
due to an outdated sewer system damaged by
past hurricanes.
In 2018, the De Blasio administration
allocated $180 million for the city. Of the
funding, $95 million was supposed to go
towards upgrading the sewer system and
aging water mains. However, the project
hasn't made any significant headway since its
announcement five years ago.
Laura Rothrock, President of LIC
Partnerships, said that the sewer upgrade
project was " put into a 10-year capital plan,
but remains unfunded. "
As hurricane season progresses, with huge
storms like Hurricane Idalia ravaging parts
of Florida, Long Island City residents are
concerned about their aging infrastructure.
Rothrock continued, " We're in hurricane
season right now, and we're underprepared, "
expressing sentiments shared by locals across
the city. UI
Akkerman.com
UndergroundInfrastructure.com | OCTOBER 2023 13
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Underground Infrastructure - October 2023

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