industry insights

The nation’s top multifamily owner, developer, and manager is entering the infrastructure development space.

Charleston, South Carolina-based Greystar announced its expansion into infrastructure in a news release shared with Multifamily Dive. The company has hired industry veteran Michael Hoverman as its inaugural executive director of infrastructure to spearhead this new venture.

“Our expansion into infrastructure will leverage the global scale and breadth of our team, while also benefitting from the size and scope of Greystar’s real estate platform,” said Greystar Chief Investment Officer, Wes Fuller.

Greystar plans to venture into various infrastructure sectors poised for long-term growth, such as clean energy, data centers, transition fuels, social infrastructure, and transportation and logistics facilities. Although this initiative will primarily target the U.S., Hoverman noted that Greystar aims to leverage its extensive platform and network to broaden its infrastructure endeavors globally in markets where it has local execution capabilities.

Hoverman, who has worked in infrastructure for nearly 20 years, including more than a decade at Los Angeles-based real estate owner CIM Group, told Multifamily Dive that he intends to build an in-house team of experts that will work within the company’s existing platform.

“The infrastructure business will fit in seamlessly with the Greystar platform, leveraging the internal resources and scale of the broader business,” Hoverman said. “[The expansion will focus on] adjacent thematic opportunities in sectors offering long-term, secular growth, such as energy transition, digitization and transportation infrastructure, to support the communities and residents where Greystar is already active.”

“The continued convergence of real estate and infrastructure offers unique opportunities to create lasting value for Greystar’s partners,” Hoverman continued. “Greystar’s global platform [positions] us well to develop infrastructure projects that enhance urban living and support sustainable growth.”

The Need for Continued Infrastructure Investment

Infrastructure is the backbone of any economy, underpinning everything from transportation to energy delivery and digital communications.

In the United States, the need for continued and enhanced investment in infrastructure is more urgent than ever, particularly in sectors such as clean energy, data centers, and transportation and logistics facilities. These areas are crucial for maintaining economic stability and for driving future growth, achieving climate goals, and ensuring the nation's competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Economic Rationale for Infrastructure Investment

Investing in infrastructure has always been a sound economic strategy. Infrastructure projects generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and enhance productivity across industries. A recent report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) underscores that continued federal infrastructure investments could save U.S. industries over $1 trillion in gross output by 2033, while also providing significant savings for American households, estimated at nearly $700 per year if current investment levels are maintained.

Moreover, the resilience of infrastructure as an asset class, even during economic downturns, makes it a compelling investment for both public and private sectors. Infrastructure investments have consistently shown to outperform other asset classes, with returns that are stable and reliable across economic cycles.

Clean Energy: The Foundation of a Sustainable Future

The transition to clean energy is not just an environmental imperative, it is also a critical economic opportunity. The U.S. has made significant strides in renewable energy, driven by policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers long-term opportunities for investment in green projects. However, continued investment is essential to scale up these efforts and ensure that the U.S. can meet its climate goals while also securing energy independence.

Clean energy infrastructure, including solar farms, wind turbines, and energy storage facilities, requires substantial upfront investment but offers long-term benefits in terms of lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced energy security. Additionally, the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market further necessitates investments in charging infrastructure and sustainable fuels, which are crucial for decarbonizing the transportation sector.

Data Centers: The Digital Economy's Backbone

Data centers are the critical infrastructure supporting the digital economy. As the demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) applications grows, so does the need for robust, scalable, and energy-efficient data centers. The U.S. is currently a global leader in data center infrastructure, but to maintain this position, continuous investment is required.

Data centers are energy-intensive, and their expansion must be coupled with advances in energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources. This reduces the carbon footprint of these facilities and aligns with broader sustainability goals. Investments in data center infrastructure also have a multiplier effect, driving growth in related sectors such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and software development.

Transportation and Logistics: Connecting Markets and Communities

Transportation infrastructure is critical for the smooth functioning of economies. It connects markets, facilitates trade, and enables the movement of goods and people. The U.S. transportation network, however, faces significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, congestion, and a lack of investment in modern, sustainable transportation solutions.

Investing in transportation and logistics infrastructure, including highways, railways, ports, and airports, is essential for reducing inefficiencies and ensuring that the U.S. economy remains competitive on a global scale. Modernizing this infrastructure not only improves efficiency, it also reduces environmental impacts by cutting down on traffic congestion and enabling the shift to more sustainable modes of transport.

The Need for a Long-Term Commitment

The benefits of infrastructure investment are clear, but they require a long-term commitment from both the public and private sectors. Short-term, reactive investments are insufficient to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, technological advancements, and global competition. Instead, a strategic, forward-looking approach is needed, one that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and innovation.

Moreover, as the ASCE report highlights, reverting to pre-IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) spending levels would have a detrimental impact on the U.S. economy, reducing disposable income for families and hampering business productivity. Therefore, it is crucial that the current momentum in infrastructure investment is not only maintained but also expanded to address the growing needs of the future.

GPRS Can Help Support Your Infrastructure Projects

Continued investment in infrastructure, particularly in clean energy, data centers, and transportation and logistics facilities, is not just a policy choice but an economic necessity. These investments will drive economic growth, support the energy transition, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. As the U.S. navigates the challenges of the 21st century, robust infrastructure will be the foundation upon which future prosperity is built.

GPRS delivers a comprehensive suite of infrastructure visualization services aimed at preventing subsurface damage during construction, offering utility locating and mapping, precise concrete scanning and imaging, 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and mapping and modeling solutions.

The utility locating and mapping services at GPRS harness the power of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technologies to provide a complete visualization of the subsurface environment.

GPRS provides complimentary PDF and .KMZ maps of your site or facility with every utility locate we complete. We also provide you with a complimentary Personal subscription to SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cutting-edge, cloud-based infrastructure mapping solution. SiteMap^® serves as a centralized repository for the highly accurate data collected by GPRS Project Managers.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and most importantly, safe.

What can we help you visualize? Click the links below to schedule a service or request a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Click here to learn more.

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap^® allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user. More information can be found here.

Does GPRS offer same day private utility locating?

Yes, in many cases, our professional Project Managers can respond rapidly to emergency same-day private utility locating service calls on your job site. With over 500 Project Managers strategically stationed across every major market in the U.S., GPRS always offers our industry-leading utility locating services near you.

The recent acquisition of Allegheny Contracting by Lancaster, Ohio-based Precision Pipeline Services signals their intent to provide integrated services in the oil & gas industry. Precision, part of MPE Partners, has bought Allegheny Contracting – known for its expertise in gas transmission pipeline integrity – offers repair, maintenance, and replacement services for underground gas pipelines. This acquisition underscores the critical role of utility locating and concrete scanning in ensuring safe and efficient pipeline projects. Precision specializes in hydro and compressed air excavation to daylight utilities to ascertain their location.

The Importance of Pipeline Installation and Integrity Services

Pipeline installation is a complex and high-stakes process that demands precise planning, execution, and maintenance to ensure both safety and efficiency. The acquisition of Allegheny Contracting by Precision is a strategic move intended to enhance capabilities in this area, focusing on the critical elements that contribute to successful pipeline installation.

Allegheny's expertise in gas transmission pipeline integrity is particularly relevant. Pipeline integrity services are essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of gas pipelines, which transport highly flammable and potentially hazardous materials. These services include regular inspections, repairs, and the replacement of aging or damaged sections of pipelines. By integrating these capabilities, Precision shifts its focus into pipeline repair and maintenance.

The Strategic Value of the Acquisition

The acquisition of Allegheny Contracting is not just about expanding service offerings; it can also be seen as a strategic move to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. As regulatory requirements become more stringent and the demand for safe and reliable infrastructure grows, companies must continuously innovate and enhance their capabilities.

The acquisition emphasizes the critical role of pipeline integrity, utility locating, and concrete scanning in ensuring the success of pipeline installation projects. As infrastructure demands continue to grow, the integration of these services will be essential for companies looking to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant solutions.

Utility Locating: A Crucial Step Before Excavation

Utility locating is perhaps the most vital initial step prior to excavation – whether that excavation is for maintenance, repair, inspection, or installation. Utility locating involves identifying and marking the location of existing underground utilities such as water lines, electrical cables, and gas pipes. This process is essential to avoid damaging existing infrastructure during excavation, which could lead to costly repairs, project delays, or even hazardous situations.

Locating and mapping subsurface utilities is vital to any excavation project. That’s why it is federally mandated that anyone preparing to dig must call 811 for One Call public utility locating prior to excavation. While calling 811 is an important initial step, it only covers 35% of the likely utility lines. That is why it is critical, particularly in the gas & oil industry where every action could result in dangerous damages, that a private utility locating company be engaged to locate and map both public and private utilities on site.

The technologies utilized to locate and map on-site utilities can range from ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to electromagnetic (EM) locating and other complementary methods. The accuracy provided by these technologies, however, is greatly impacted by expertise and experience of those using it. When properly deployed, these technologies help prevent damage and ensure regulatory compliance for the protection of existing utilities during construction activities.

Concrete Scanning: Ensuring Safety in Complex Environments

In addition to utility locating, concrete scanning is another critical service that plays a significant role in pipeline installation. Concrete scanning is used to detect objects embedded within concrete structures, such as rebar, post tension cables, conduit, and other reinforcements. This is particularly important when pipelines need to be installed in or around existing concrete structures or near existing infrastructure like bridges and buildings. It can also be a valuable tool at upstream and midstream sites where petroleum products are refined, to locate potential voids.  

The concrete scanning process typically involves the use of GPR, which provides a detailed view of what lies within the concrete. This information is crucial for planning a pipeline installation route, avoiding potential obstacles, and ensuring the structural integrity of existing infrastructure. It may in fact, be more valuable later in the pipeline life cycle because of the need for periodic daylighting and inspection of pipes.

The Importance of Data Management for Gas & Oil Pipelines

Whether the project is the installation of new pipeline, pipeline maintenance, or repair, keeping up-to-date and accurate existing conditions documentation is critical. In an industry where one wrong move can cause catastrophe for workers, communities, and the environment, knowing where everything is underground and updating those records regularly, is mission critical for safety. GIS platforms have begun to play an important role in the gas & oil industry. However, one problem most software has yet to overcome is that it requires the data to be uploaded by the end-user. So, the quality and accuracy of the information is only as good as what is already on-hand.

A solution to this problem is SiteMap®, powered by GPRS, which relies on the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, and mapping data provided by the national private utility locator. It allows gas and oil operators to keep accurate, secure, and updated as-builts – upstream, midstream, or downstream – for their entire infrastructure. And, depending on their subscription level, the SiteMap® platform allows them to aggregate historical information for record-keeping purposes. SiteMap® allows users to securely share information within the platform, and GPRS has a nationwide footprint that allows them to capture data anywhere, so this particular GIS platform may be tailor-made for multi-state oil & gas projects, including compression stations, and even retail gas stations.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers nationwide. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydro excavation?

Hydro excavation is a digging process that uses pressurized water and a vacuum to excavate soil, daylighting underground utilities. While this method is technically non-destructive, it does disturb soil under high pressure, so it is important to know the precise location of the utilities or other underground facilities you are potholing before excavation.

What is compressed air excavation?

Compressed air excavation involves using high-pressure air to loosen soil, which is then vacuumed up. This method is similar to hydro excavation, but where hydro requires large quantities of water, compressed air does not. It is considered safe for digging around sensitive underground utilities and is often used in urban areas where avoiding damage to infrastructure is critical. However, also like hydro excavation, knowing the precise location of all subsurface features is essential before excavating.

How is video pipe inspection (CCTV camera inspection) used in the gas & oil industry?

Video pipe inspection (CCTV camera inspection) is used to assess the condition of pipelines, detect blockages, corrosion, or leaks, and ensure the integrity of the infrastructure. It allows for precise, real-time inspection without the need for extensive excavation because it can pinpoint structural defects, blockages, etc. from within, allowing the customer to pinpoint precisely where they need to dig before doing so.

The U.S. economy is in a state of cautious optimism as developers, particularly in the real estate and construction sectors, prepare for the expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.

With Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicating the possibility of an interest rate reduction to support economic stability, developers are positioning themselves to take advantage of lower borrowing costs. This strategic shift is especially pronounced in the hospitality sector, where hotel brands are increasingly focusing on conversion projects as a more viable alternative to new construction.

Impact of Anticipated Interest Rate Cuts on Development

The Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cut is being closely watched by developers across various sectors. Interest rates significantly influence the cost of financing projects, making them a critical factor in the decision-making process for developers. As borrowing costs have remained high, many developers have experienced challenges in securing the necessary funding for new projects, leading to a slowdown in construction activity.

However, the anticipation of an interest rate cut has already had a tangible impact on the market. According to data from ConstructConnect, project abandonments saw a significant decline in July 2024, marking one of the largest monthly decreases on record. This decline suggests that developers are optimistic about the potential reduction in borrowing costs and are holding off on abandoning projects in anticipation of more favorable financing conditions.

Conversion Projects: A Strategic Focus

In response to the current economic environment, many hotel brands are pivoting towards adaptive reuse projects – also known as conversions – as a strategic focus. Conversions involve purchasing and renovating existing properties, which can be a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to new construction, especially in times of financial uncertainty. This trend is evident among major hotel chains such as IHG and Marriott, both of which have reported significant growth in their conversion pipelines.

For instance, IHG, the parent company of Holiday Inn, reported that nearly 40% of its hotel openings in the first half of 2023 were the result of conversions. Similarly, Marriott International has seen a substantial increase in conversion activity, with 37% of its openings and 32% of its signings in the second quarter of 2023 coming from conversions. Marriott's leadership has emphasized that conversion projects have been a significant driver of growth, particularly in a high-interest-rate environment where new construction is more challenging.

Challenges and Opportunities in Financing

Despite the optimism surrounding a potential interest rate cut, the current financing environment remains complex. High-interest rates have made lenders more cautious, particularly in the private sector. For example, Shift Capital, a Philadelphia-based developer, recently paused conversion work on the Beury Building due to difficulties securing financing. This hesitation from lenders is a direct result of the high cost of borrowing, which has made new construction and even conversion projects more difficult to finance.

On the public side, however, the impact has been less severe. Publicly funded projects have seen fewer delays and abandonments, thanks to the availability of public funding. ConstructConnect data shows that projects on hold in the public sector decreased by 3.8% year-over-year, highlighting the relative stability of publicly funded initiatives even as private sector projects struggle.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Cut

As developers await a potential interest rate cut, many are taking strategic steps to position themselves for a shift in the economic landscape. For hotel brands, this means continuing to prioritize conversion projects that offer quicker returns on investment and lower initial costs compared to new builds. Marriott, for example, has reported a 40% year-over-year increase in construction starts in the U.S. and Canada, including both new builds and conversions. The company’s CEO has also expressed optimism about the continued momentum in conversions, indicating that this trend is likely to persist in the coming years.

Additionally, developers are being advised to remain flexible in their project planning and financing strategies. With the possibility of an interest rate cut on the horizon, those who can quickly adapt to changing financial conditions will be better positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that arise. This might include renegotiating financing terms, accelerating project timelines, or even revisiting projects that were previously put on hold due to high borrowing costs.

The anticipation of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve is creating a complex but potentially advantageous environment for developers. While the current high-interest rates have posed significant challenges, the prospect of lower borrowing costs is leading to renewed optimism and strategic shifts, particularly in the hospitality sector. Conversion projects have emerged as a key strategy for hotel brands looking to navigate these uncertain times, offering a more viable alternative to new construction.

As the industry continues to monitor developments from the Federal Reserve, developers who remain agile and adaptable will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. GPRS’ comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services help you stay on time, on budget, and safe, so you can respond to whatever the market throws at you.

Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What types of concrete scanning does GPRS offer?

GPRS provides two specific but different scanning services: elevated concrete slab scanning and concrete slab-on-grade locating. Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and more before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing a concrete slab-on-grade locating service typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or something similar.

Learn more

The hotel construction industry is experiencing significant growth as it adapts to evolving market demands and economic conditions.

Current trends highlight a robust expansion of hotel supply in the United States, with predictions pointing to a considerable increase in new hotel openings through 2026. This growth is being driven by a combination of economic recovery post-pandemic, rising travel demands, and strategic investments in infrastructure.

Surge in Hotel Construction Projects

One of the most striking trends in hotel construction is the sheer volume of projects currently in the pipeline. According to a recent report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), there are over 6,000 projects representing more than 700,000 rooms under various stages of development as of the second quarter of 2024. This represents a notable year-over-year increase, reflecting both the resilience of the hospitality industry and the strong investor confidence in its future.

A significant portion of these projects is focused on the upper midscale and upscale chains, which together account for 60% of all projects. These segments are particularly attractive to developers due to their broad appeal to business and leisure travelers alike. The upper midscale chain scale alone has more than 2,200 projects in the pipeline, underscoring its dominant position in the market.

Emphasis on Extended-Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels continue to be a key focus area within the broader hotel construction landscape. This trend is partly driven by increasing demand from business travelers and long-term guests who require the convenience and comfort of home-like amenities. LE's data reveals that extended-stay hotels make up 36% of all projects currently under construction. This segment is expected to see sustained growth, with 363 new extended-stay hotels anticipated to open in 2026, marking a steady increase from the years prior.

The popularity of extended-stay hotels is also reflected in the distribution of projects across different brand tiers. Middle-tier extended-stay brands are particularly prevalent, accounting for 64% of all extended-stay projects. This trend indicates a shift towards providing affordable, yet comfortable, accommodations that cater to a wide range of travelers.

The Role of Federal Investments

Federal investment in infrastructure is another critical factor influencing the hotel construction industry. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $550 billion over fiscal years 2022-2026, plays a significant role in supporting not only traditional infrastructure projects but also the development of hotel properties. These investments are crucial in facilitating the growth of hotel supply, particularly in areas that are seeing increased tourism and economic activity because of improved infrastructure.

Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act is expected to contribute over $5 billion through September 2026 to various Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) programs, indirectly benefiting the hospitality sector. Programs like the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program and the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants are designed to enhance the connectivity and environmental sustainability of areas where new hotels are being constructed.

Sustainable and Smart Hotel Designs

Sustainability continues to be a central theme in hotel construction, with many new projects incorporating eco-friendly designs and technologies. The emphasis on reducing carbon footprints is evident in the adoption of energy-efficient building materials, renewable energy sources, and smart technology integrations. These innovations not only appeal to environmentally conscious travelers but also help hotel operators reduce long-term operational costs.

Moreover, the integration of smart technology in hotel design is transforming the guest experience. From keyless entry systems to smart room controls, hotels are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance convenience and personalization for guests. These advancements are becoming standard in new constructions, particularly in upscale and luxury segments.

Geographic Distribution and Market Dynamics

Geographically, the U.S. hotel construction pipeline is concentrated in regions with high economic activity and strong tourism markets. Key markets like New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami continue to attract significant investment, driven by their robust demand for accommodations and ongoing urban development projects.

However, there is also notable growth in secondary and tertiary markets. Cities like Nashville, Austin, and Charlotte are emerging as hotbeds for hotel construction, benefiting from their rapidly growing populations and increasing appeal as business hubs. These markets are seeing a surge in midscale and upper midscale hotel projects, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the U.S. hotel market is poised for continued growth through 2026. LE forecasts that nearly 1,000 new hotels, with over 100,000 rooms, will open in the U.S. by the end of 2026. This expansion represents a 1.8% increase in new supply, signaling sustained confidence in the hospitality industry’s long-term prospects.

The construction boom is expected to be supported by declining interest rates, which will likely accelerate the progression of projects currently in the early planning stages. As these projects move forward, the industry will continue to adapt to changing traveler preferences, economic conditions, and technological advancements.

The ongoing trends in hotel construction reflect a dynamic and evolving industry that is responding to both challenges and opportunities. The surge in new projects, driven by federal investments, the popularity of extended-stay accommodations, and the integration of sustainable and smart designs, underscores the resilience and adaptability of the hospitality sector. As the U.S. hotel market continues to grow, developers and investors are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that the industry remains a vital component of the global economy.

GPRS supports construction projects of all shapes and sizes, including hotels, through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services. Utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, 3D laser scanning, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers we prevent utility strikes when you need to dig, cut, or core, and help you plan with the confidence that comes with having accurate as-built data.

All this data is at your fingertips thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets and people.

With GPRS and SiteMap^®, you can plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

Click below to schedule your free, personal SiteMap® demonstration today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Click here to learn more.

Does SiteMap® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap® allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user. More information can be found at SiteMap.com.

A contractor has been selected to construct the New Jersey portion of a train tunnel that will connect the Garden State to New York City.

On August 1, the Gateway Development Commission (GDC) Board of Commissioners announced that they’d awarded the $456.6-million Palisades Tunnel Project contract to Schiavone Dragados Lane JV. This is the first contract the board has awarded for the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), which will see a new rail tunnel constructed between New York and New Jersey.

Work on the Palisades Tunnel Project is expected to begin in the coming months and be completed in 2027.

Schiavone Dragados Lane JV will construct the first mile of twin-tunnels on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River as part of the Palisades Tunnel Project. This will include boring two tunnels approximately 5,100 feet long with an inside diameter of 25 feet 2 inches and six cross passages, as well as furnishing and installing a concrete tunnel lining with waterproofing membrane. The contractor will also be responsible for constructing the Hudson County Shaft, which will be used to remove the tunnel boring machines when digging is complete.

In a joint statement, Alicia Glen, New York GDC Commissioner and Co-Chair, Balpreet Grewal-Virk, New Jersey GDC Commissioner and Co-Chair, and Tony Coscia, GDC Amtrak

Commissioner and Vice Chair, said, “When we signed the full funding grant agreement for the Hudson Tunnel Project in July, we said that construction would ramp up quickly. Today we are following through on that commitment with dramatic steps forward for our first heavy construction and tunnel boring projects. Advancing both of these projects is a major step in the construction phase of the HTP, and we will maintain the disciplined process that enabled this achievement.”

The federal government has invested nearly $11 billion through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loans through the DOT’s Build America Bureau to help build the tunnel and rehabilitate the existing North River Tunnel. At nearly $6.9 billion, the CIG funding represents the largest grant ever signed by FTA.

“For decades, Americans watched one of the most heavily used train tunnels in the hemisphere deteriorate and become a bottleneck that affected travelers from New England to the Mid-Atlantic and beyond,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “…Using funds from the [Bipartisan Infrastructure] Law we are building a new tunnel that improves train travel for millions of Americans and revitalizes a rail corridor that is essential to so much of the nation's economy. And as one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure, this project can demonstrate America's capacity to build big things together in the 21st Century.”

The GDC Board of Commissioners also approved the authorization of a Notice to Proceed for Phase Two of the Hudson River Ground Stabilization (HRGS) Project, the first heavy construction project of the HTP. Phase One of the HRGS Project began in May and is expected to be conclude this fall, while Phase Two is expected to be completed in 2027.

Weeks Marine, Inc. is overseeing the HRGS Project, which involves injecting a mix of soil, concrete, and water into the riverbed in 1,200 feet of the shallow area on the Manhattan side of the Hudson River to ensure the tunnel boring machines can excavate the new tunnel and protect the riverbed from disruption. Temporary sheet pile cofferdams – a watertight enclosure from which water is pumped to expose the bed of a body of water – will enclose the work zone, and construction will be timed to avoid disrupting fish spawning seasons, in an effort to limit impacts on the river ecosystem.

The Hudson Tunnel Project is a key component of the broader Gateway Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing resiliency and capacity along a crucial 10-mile segment of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Newark, New Jersey, and New York City's Pennsylvania Station (PSNY).

The NEC is the busiest passenger rail line in the United States, with over 2,000 intercity and commuter trains facilitating around 800,000 daily passenger journeys across eight states and Washington D.C. The specific 10-mile portion being addressed by the Gateway Program includes the North River Tunnel under the Hudson River, which has suffered from age-related deterioration, heavy usage, and damage caused by saltwater exposure during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

The HTP is expected to generate 95,000 jobs and $19.6 billion in economic activity, according to a report released in April by the Regional Plan Association (RPA).

“The $1 billion in construction contracts we’ve awarded so far are already creating thousands of jobs and pumping millions of dollars into the economy, and it’s only the beginning,” GDC CEO Kris Kolluri said when the RPA report was released. “Now this report shows the overall impact of the project will be even greater than we thought, and that the Hudson Tunnel Project is a big win for the region and the nation.”

America’s roads, bridges, and mass transit systems received a D rating in the latest Report Card for America’s Infrastructure by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

In their findings, the ASCE highlighted a “backlog of rehabilitation needs,” urging that “Federal, state, and local governments must prioritize strategic investments to improve and preserve roadway conditions that enhance public safety on existing systems while also preparing for future roadways that will accommodate connected and autonomous vehicles.”

How GPRS Services Support Large Infrastructure Projects

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $550 billion in new federal investments for fiscal years 2022-2026, targeting roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act provides over $5 billion through September 2026 for three new FHWA programs: the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program, the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants, and the Environmental Review Implementation Funds program.

With this federal investment comes an increased focus on ensuring these projects are completed on time, within budget, and safely.

GPRS offers a full range of services for subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management to help you meet these goals.

We use cutting-edge technology, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanners, electromagnetic (EM) locators, 3D laser scanners, and remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers, to safeguard your buried infrastructure and prevent subsurface damage during excavation. Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can transform the field-verified, accurate data collected by our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers into a format that supports your planning and operations & maintenance (O&M) needs.

All this information is accessible to you and your team 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone through SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you and your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What types of concrete scanning does GPRS offer?

GPRS provides two specific but different scanning services: elevated concrete slab scanning and concrete slab-on-grade locating. Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and more before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing a concrete slab-on-grade locating service typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or something similar.

Learn more

The $3.6-billion Brent Spence Bridge project reached a major milestone this spring when the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the project cleared the environmental review process.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced in a joint press release that the states received federal environmental approval, which allows the project to advance to design and construction. The plan is to upgrade the existing, 61-year-old bridge, and build an additional bridge dedicated to interstate drivers to improve traffic along a critical freight route that runs from Canada to Florida.

“This is an important step forward in bringing efficiency to our nation’s supply chain,” Gov. DeWine said. “The project will address one of the worst truck bottlenecks in the nation by improving safety and travel on an interstate connection that carries more than $400 billion worth of freight every year. It’s also a big step in reducing the frustration and inconvenience drivers have experienced in the corridor for more than 20 years.”

“The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project is a testament to what can happen when we work together to get things done,” said Gov. Beshear. “The federal approval is a major milestone for us, and we’re grateful to all our partners and communities for their feedback. We look forward to completing this project, which will further boost our economic growth and create more good jobs for our families.”

FWHA based its “Finding of No Significant Impact,” on a supplemental environmental assessment conducted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Governors DeWine and Beshear’s joint statement said that this assessment “evaluated the social, economic and environmental effects of the project as well as measures to mitigate unavoidable impacts.”

“The decision is also based on FHWA’s consideration of public and agency comments received during the public comment period,” the statement reads.

The double-decker, three-lane Brent Spence Bridge originally opened in November 1963 and was designed to carry 80,000 vehicles per day, but it carries twice that many due to the rapid growth of the Greater Cincinnati area over the past 60 years. A fourth lane of traffic was added on each deck in 1985 to alleviate the traffic issues, but this resulted in the elimination of full-width emergency lanes.

The American Transportation Research Institute currently ranks the bridge as one of the worst bottlenecks in the U.S.

According to a press release on the DOT’s website, the Brent Spence Bridge project has received $1.6 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“…This bridge carries over $1 billion in freight and over 160,000 drivers every day, and today we are proud to mark the completion of the environmental review for the new Brent Spence Bridge, enabling the project to move to construction in the coming months,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“This is a big step in supporting the President’s commitment to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure,” added Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “This bridge is a vital connector of goods to thousands of people in Kentucky and Ohio, and the investment in the Brent Spence Bridge will ensure the surrounding communities, and communities across the entire country, benefit from these improvements for decades to come.”

GPRS Helps Keep Infrastructure Projects On Track

America’s roads, bridges, and mass transit systems received a D rating in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) most recent Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

The ASCE cited the growing “backlog of rehabilitation needs” in the summary of their findings, adding that “Federal, state, and local governments will need to prioritize strategic investments dedicated to improving and preserving roadway conditions that increase public safety on the system we have in place, as well as plan for the roadways of the future, which will need to account for connected and autonomous vehicles.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $550 billion over fiscal years 2022-2026 in new federal investments in roads, bridges, and mass transit, as well as water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act provides over $5 billion in funds available through September 2026 for here new FHWA programs: the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program; the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants; and the Environmental Review Implementation Funds program.

Because of this federal investment, there’s an even greater emphasis placed on keeping these projects on time, on budget, and safe.

GPRS offers a comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services designed to help you achieve this goal.

We utilize state-of-the-art technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners, electromagnetic (EM) locators, 3D laser scanners, and remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers to ensure the integrity of your buried infrastructure and help you avoid subsurface damage when breaking ground. Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can visualize the field-verified, accurate data collected by our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers to suit your planning, and operations & maintenance (O&M) needs.

All this information is at you and your team’s fingertips 24/7, accessible via any computer, tablet or smartphone thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you and your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What types of concrete scanning does GPRS offer?

GPRS provides two specific but different scanning services: elevated concrete slab scanning and concrete slab-on-grade locating. Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and more before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing a concrete slab-on-grade locating service typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or something similar.

Learn more

What could it mean to mid and downstream oil & gas providers, water system managers, and power system operators if they could receive critical underground infrastructure data like temperature fluctuations, pipe strain, and acoustics, giving them real-time information to mitigate risk to their pipeline and transmission infrastructure before they become disastrous?

What is the Scope of the Problem for Pressurized Pipeline Leaks?

According to data compiled by the National Transportation Safety Board, 827 “high consequence” oil & gas leaks and 167 reported transmission line accidents occurred; and 1.05 million individual repairs were made to oil & gas transmission infrastructure from 2017-2022. And those are just the figures for oil & gas mid and downstream pipelines.

Pressurized water infrastructure, while less of an immediate threat to people and property than petroleum products, is arguably more valuable because delivery of clean water is vital to survival.

There are more than 2.2 million miles of transmission and distribution mains in the U.S., and one of them breaks every two minutes. Overall, it is estimated that there are a minimum of 10 active leaks for every 100 miles of pipe, spilling some 2.5 trillion gallons of water annually.

How many of those leaks, accidents, and expensive repairs could have been avoided by applying real-time sensor data to pipeline infrastructure?

What are the Best Practices for Predicting Pipeline Damages?

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued important risk model reporting and guidelines to assist oil and gas system managers in mitigating risk among four major risk model types:

Qualitative – Created with verbal or ordinal category inputs and outputs. The model’s logic defines output categories from calculated combinations of input categories.

Relative Assessment/Index – This model is synonymous with the risk index model and is based on a unit-less risk measurement calculated from ordinal input information, although an index model “does not attempt to adhere to the laws of probability.”  

Quantitative System – Created with inputs and outputs that are both quantitative and model the physical and logical relationships of risk factors to provide quantitative outputs for the likelihood and consequences; represented as standard units of frequency, probability, and expected loss.

Probabilistic – The inputs that populate this model are quantities and/or probability distributions to calculate probability distributions. This model does attempt to adhere to the laws of probability.

Each of these models was developed and algorithmically evaluated for its ability to “support pipeline risk management decisions and regulatory requirements.”

While the PHMSA determined that Quantitative and Probabilistic models are the most flexible and offered the most ability for complexity, they reiterated that “adequate and accurate data is needed for the application of all risk model types.”

Further, they cited that “Pipeline operators should take ongoing actions to improve and update data quality and completeness over time… operators should select the best model approach and then populate the model with the best information currently available…”

How Do You Get the Most Accurate Pipeline Assessment Data?

Utilizing any of the risk mitigation models and measures recommended by the federal government all have one thing in common – the need for the most accurate, real-time data possible.

For pipeline operators that means release detection sensors and SCADA-style systems. SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition – a computerized system that collects and analyzes pipeline sensor data.

It also means having accurate and up-to-date utility infrastructure maps, and regular leak detection and water loss surveys to discover potential risks before they become big, expensive, and dangerous problems.

All kinds of valve, pressure, and release sensors are available to help monitor pressurized pipelines. A new player has recently emerged on the field: VIAVI Solutions, Inc. and its NITRO Fiber Sensing technology. According to reporting from Underground Infrastructure, the NITRO system derives real-time continuous data reportage from fiber lines “deployed at strategic locations, including along power cables and pipelines… [NITRO] provides valuable infrastructure health data that can be used to drive proactive maintenance and prevent downtime.” NITRO offers Distributed Temperature Sensing, Simultaneous Temperature and Strain Sensing, and Distributed Acoustic Sensing technologies for critical oil and gas pipelines, pressurized water lines, power distribution, and data lines.

It requires a hefty investment, to be sure, for the installation of such sensitive real-time data capture. It also requires the application of directional drilling to install fiber lines near critical transmission lines. So, an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the existing conditions of all underground utilities and their locations is essential before installing this new sensor technology.

GPRS offers comprehensive pre and post-cross bore inspections for directional drilling projects nationwide, plus 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and mapping, pinpoint acoustic leak detection, and NASSCO-certified Video Pipe Inspection reporting.

We are the nation’s largest company committed to Intelligently Visualizing The Built World® for our customers. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do oil pipelines leak?

The frequency of oil pipeline leaks varies depending on a number of factors; maintenance, technology, and regulation all play a role in pipeline risk mitigation. In the U.S., the PHMSA reported an average of 289 significant pipeline incidents annually between 2017 and 2021. These incidents include leaks, spills, and other hazardous situations. According to a 2021 report by the Environmental Defense Fund, the U.S. experiences approximately one pipeline leak per day. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that while pipeline leaks are relatively rare compared to the volume transported, the environmental impact can be significant, especially when leaks go undetected for extended periods. Enhanced monitoring, improved materials, and stricter regulations have reduced the frequency of large leaks, but small leaks remain a persistent challenge.

For more information on Upstream, Midstream and Downstream pipeline risk mitigation solutions and safety planning, click here.

How often are pipelines inspected?

Oil, gas, and water pipelines are inspected regularly, though requirements vary depending on the type of pipeline, regulations, and risk factors. U.S. federal regulations mandate that oil and gas pipelines in high-consequence areas (HCAs) be inspected at least once every seven years using inline inspection tools, the most popular of these tools is known as a "smart pig." A smart pig are devices outfitted with sensors, and data recording and transmission systems, that can also clean the pipeline as needed.

According to the PHMSA, pipelines are also required to undergo additional monitoring and maintenance based on their age, material, and environmental risks. Water pipelines, governed by different standards, typically undergo inspections every one to five years, depending on the system's condition and the potential for contamination. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recommends more frequent inspections for older or high-risk systems to ensure safety and reliability.

To learn more about non-destructive pipeline system mapping and leak detection, click here.

What would you do if you discovered water surfacing in your facility’s parking lot due to a broken underground water line?

For industrial and commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, electrical, sheet metal and thermal insulation company, Denali Construction Services out of Dallas, Texas, the answer was to contact the SIM-certified team of Project Managers at GPRS.

The Problem: Underground Water Line Leak & Unknown Surrounding Utilities

Denali Construction Services was experiencing surfacing water in their parking lot due to a suspected underground water leak. They knew they would need to saw cut the pavement to fix the leaking pipe, but like most people experiencing a pressurized water line leak, they did not know where to start excavating. Their suspected saw cutting area was populated with unknown underground hazards – additional water, gas, electric, sewer, and communication lines. To mitigate the risk of damages from severing these critical underground utilities, the team at Denali contacted GPRS Project Manager, Adam Kubicki, to perform utility locating services on the property.

Kubicki quickly located and mapped all underground utility lines on site, collected the data in GPRS’ GIS utility mapping platform, SiteMap®, then ensured the Denali team understood what each of the utility marks meant.

A New Opportunity: GPRS Performs Leak Detection Services

While on site, Kubicki discovered the reason his utility locating services had been requested was to ensure a safe saw cut to remediate a leaking water line. Now, that the water line was accurately marked on the ground and displayed within SiteMap®, the only thing left was for Denali to decide who to call to pinpoint the underground water line leak.

Kubicki shared that GPRS has a nationwide network of subsurface leak detection Project Managers. So, Erick Morales, GPRS Leak Detection Specialist, arrived on site to perform acoustic leak detection services on the suspected water line to pinpoint the leak location.

The Challenge: Hidden Under the Asphalt & Sewer

Due to the suspected location of the leak and asphalt between the underground water line and the surface, Morales instructed the maintenance crew on site to core drill two locations on top of Kubicki’s water line markings. Once completed, they found that the water line was a ¾’ copper pipe located directly under the sanitary sewer pipe on site. Once direct access to the water line was obtained through core drilling, Morales was able to accurately listen for the leak in the line.

How to Find a Leak in a Buried Water Line

Through the use of multiple forms of cutting-edge technology, such as grounding rods, the S30 Leak Detection Analog System, and a well-trained ear, Morales was able to pinpoint the leak. To get a good connection to the line, he hammered his grounding rod into the hole connected directly to the ¾’ copper pipe shown below, and immediately heard the distinct sound of an underground water leak.

Morales, in a post-inspection interview shared "I couldn't hear the leak at first until we drilled holes in the concrete and I hammered my grounding rod into the hole. Then I heard the leak."

Morales utilized acoustic leak detection techniques to listen to the pressurized water line, then pinpointed the suspected leak, marked it on the surface with an X, and watched as the Denali team cut through the concrete and dug on his marks.

The Big Reveal: X Marks the Spot

Within a few moments, the team dug up the line on the exact location that was identified by Morales. Immediately, Denali’s team discovered that Morales was spot on with his determined location of the underground water leak as shown in the image below.

Morales, reflecting on the success of the locate, shared, "I was able to stick around and watch them dig it up to see that I was spot on with my leak locate. It was a very good feeling."

The line, spewing out dozens of gallons of water per hour, was replaced, and the ground was paved over, fixing the issue and for the Denali team.

Benefits of Calling GPRS for Your Leak Detection Service Needs

The Denali team, with the help of GPRS' utility locating and leak detection services, was able to avoid damages to existing underground utilities on site when saw cutting and excavating to repair their water line, all thanks to GPRS’ markings. They were able to cut a 3x3 area around the suspected leak, to the exact location where water was exiting the pipe.

Denali was also able to mitigate any further damages and expenses caused by the underground water leak, including, but not limited to:

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• Sink hole formation

• Drinking water contamination

• Increased water bill

• Flooded surrounding property

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This quick response to surfacing water paired with the easy and accurate markings and reports of GPRS, saved them time, money, and provided them the peace of mind they needed, knowing that their problem on site was solved.

To learn more about how a GPRS Leak Detection specialist can help keep more money in your pocket, time on your side, and mitigate safety risks due to broken water infrastructure on your property, request a quote or schedule a service, today.

And to learn how you can practice proactive planning in your water and wastewater infrastructure management, sign up for a complimentary Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week 2024 talk, today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week?

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW) is an annual safety initiative sponsored by GPRS that aims to connect Water and Wastewater Engineers, Facility Managers, Public Works Officials, and Property Management Organizations with the knowledge and resources they need to better maintain and mitigate threats to the underground assets and systems they care for.

How Do You Locate An Underground Water Line?

Great question! GPRS utilizes a technology called ground penetrating radar (GPR) that can find all types of material underground, regardless of conductivity. This makes it an excellent choice for locating buried water lines as well as other subsurface infrastructure.

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The news on EVs and charging infrastructure can seem like it’s all over the place. The New York Times decried the “slow rollout” of a national charging network that was funded in 2022 with $5 billion from the federal government, and a Business Insider article in June of 2024 decried the “bleak” state of EV charging, worrying that drivers may “ditch their EVs” in increasing frustration. Yet, in March of 2024, the “fastest EV chargers in the U.S.” opened in New York City, and Price Waterhouse Cooper predicted that the U.S. EV charging network could “grow nearly tenfold” by 2030.

Instead of chasing headlines down rabbit holes, GPRS cut through the noise and went straight to the source because providing subsurface utility locating, utility mapping, and concrete scanning support to EV charging networks is important to their safe, efficient installation, operation and maintenance. So we asked, who is investing in EV charging infrastructure near you and how much are they putting into it? When you evaluate the market information through that perspective, it paints a picture of a market and industry that has barely started its growth, and the numbers back it up.

Big Oil Goes Big Into EVs

If there’s one word to sum up where oil & gas companies see the future, it is diversification. For instance, BP’s future-casting is centered on a portfolio of five “transition growth engines,” as it moves to position itself as an integrated energy company. The five areas of growth they have identified are electric vehicle charging, bioenergy, convenience, renewables and power, and hydrogen.

Yahoo! Finance reports that several key oil and gas companies are expanding their EV charging station investments to meet demand. U.S. O&G companies like Shell, Chevron, and Phillips 66 join multinationals TotalEnergies, Eni, Repsol, Pkn Orlen, and Petronas in the EV charging station race. However, even the most invested oil company in the U.S., Shell, is still spending “a fraction of their capex on clean energy investments.” And it’s worth noting that some petroleum giants – Exxon Mobile, Valero, and Conoco Phillips, specifically – have decided to stay in their lane and focus on oil & gas, even though fossil fuel energy use is expected to stagnate by 2030.

As part of their diversification and transition strategy, BP inked a new deal in July 2024 to roll out ultra-fast Gigahubs, large fast-charging EV hubs located in high-demand areas, to 75 Simon® locations. The deal is expected to add 900+ new charging bays near shopping, dining and entertainment, and mixed-use areas held by the Simon Property Group. The first of these Gigahubs should go online in early 2026. This investment is part of BP’s commitment to investing $1 billion in EV charging hubs. Currently, the company has 29,000 EV charge points worldwide. Their goal is 100,000 sites by 2030.

EV Arms Race Fueled by Shell & BP

BP’s Gigahub investment seems to be positioning the company in an attempt to overtake Shell in the U.S., but they’ve got some catching up to do. Shell currently has approximately 55,000 public charge points worldwide, with stated expansion goals of 70,000 by 2025 and 200,000 by 2030.

Chevron, meanwhile, has sunk cash into ChargePoint and put additional investment capital into Electric Era Technologies’ PowerNode™ EV charging stations through its VC arm, Chevron Technology Ventures.

Other key retail gas station players in the EV charging arms race include Kum & Go (Maverik), Buc-ee’s, Pilot, and Sheetz, all installing EV chargers at a rapid pace.

The Verge’s Umar Shakir likens the surge in EV charging stations in the U.S. to the “smartphone charging wars” of the early 2000s, with pricier hardware. Because just like the frustration of realizing there’s no USB-C port available when you need it and the need for standardization for device charging, the race between leading EV charging hardware components, CCS and NACS is heating up. Ford, GM, Toyota, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Fisker, Hyundai, Stellantis, Volkswagen, and BMW have all signed on to use the new NACS port for their new EV models in the U.S. NACS refers to North American Charging Standard, the rebranded name of Tesla’s EV charging connector, which the company opened up for standardized use. However, the first of the new NACS-equipped vehicles won’t roll off assembly lines until the 2026 model year.

The allure of the ChargePoint technology for Chevron is that it “automatically delivers the right connection for your car,” eliminating the need for an adapter.

Underlying the importance of emerging EV charging technologies and infrastructure expansion is the portfolio planning, pre-construction site prep, and safe excavation for hubs required by every EV charging installation company. That’s where GPRS comes in.

Our 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and mapping, guaranteed accurate concrete scanning, and 3D above and below-ground existing conditions capture allows us to capture the precision data EV charging installers need to safely complete their projects. GPRS’ national Rapid Response team of SIM-certified Project Managers means we can usually be on site within 48 hours of your call, if not sooner. And, our industry-leading site and facility data management software, SiteMap® (patent pending), can put you in complete control of your data, allowing you to securely access and share vital information with contractors, subs, trades, and stakeholders, from anywhere, 24/7.

So, whether you need a basic locate before excavation, or require fully integrated above and below-ground 3D conceptual site models for multiple sites nationwide, GPRS and SiteMap® can help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World® to bring your projects in on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who installs EV charging stations?

Anyone who has met the U.S. Department of Energy’s requirements procurement process requirements knows that there are many contractors who claim they install EV chargers, but as with any infrastructure project, hiring a certified electrical contractor, general contractor, and a private and public utility locating & mapping contractor with proven track records with EV charging installation is important.

How much does it cost to install an EV charging station? (public and private)

The base cost of a commercial EV charging station is between $1,000 and $2,500 according to information from the EV Charging Summit. However, that is merely the cost of the unit itself, and those costs change dramatically when looking at home installations.

A Level 1 private (home) EV charger will cost between $300 and $1,000, not including cost to install. A Level 2 home charger, on the other hand, will cost from $700 - $1,800, again not including installation, and commercial public units can cost $12,000 or more for commercial installation.

To help keep costs low, doing your due diligence with complete subsurface facility mapping prior to any excavation is crucial. Accurate utility locating and concrete scanning can mitigate the risk of damages caused by utility strikes and prevent accidents.

According to the National Park Service, humans are responsible for about 85 percent of all wildfires each year in the United States.

Additionally, the Annual 2022 Wildfires Report from the National Centers for Environmental Information revealed that over 7.5 million acres of wildland were consumed by fire that year. However, wildfires can also be sparked by other factors, such as unusually long bolts of hot lightning. Wildfires have increasingly become a major concern, particularly in regions prone to dry conditions and high winds. In response to these growing threats, XCEL Energy has unveiled a new wildfire mitigation plan, committing $1.9 billion to initiatives that prominently feature undergrounding technology. This strategy, supported by advanced utility mapping services like those provided by SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, marks a significant advancement in protecting both infrastructure and communities.

What does this $1.9 billion plan entail? How does technology like GPR aid in undergrounding efforts? And how are initiatives like this reshaping our infrastructure across the nation?

XCEL Energy’s $1.9 Billion Wildfire Mitigation Plan

XCEL Energy, a leading utility provider, has recognized the critical need to adapt and upgrade its infrastructure to reduce wildfire risks. Their updated wildfire mitigation plan includes groundbreaking investments in undergrounding power lines, a strategy that significantly lowers the risk of wildfires caused by downed or damaged electrical equipment and helps protect utility lines during active wildfires. This strategic initiative responds to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged various regions, particularly in the Western United States, Texas, and Alaska.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, Texas leads the country in the number of wildfires, while Alaska has the most acres burned. California, however, frequently experiences the largest, most destructive, and deadliest wildfires.

XCEL’s plan centers on relocating power lines underground in high-risk areas. This approach minimizes the chances of electrical faults igniting fires and enhances the reliability and resilience of the power grid. Undergrounding is a proactive measure that not only reduces the likelihood of wildfires but also helps preserve utilities during other natural disasters, such as storms, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Key elements of the XCEL plan include:

• Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Program: This program involves de-energizing parts of the transmission and distribution systems to prevent wildfire ignitions. XCEL Energy is also planning to offer energy support rebates for income-qualified and medically vulnerable residents.
• Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Program: This initiative uses sectionalized protective devices to operate the system more conservatively under heightened wildfire risk conditions.
• Expanded Situational Awareness: XCEL Energy is increasing its expertise and adding new weather stations in high-risk areas, along with implementing AI-driven cameras.

The plan also includes system resiliency upgrades and the introduction of a new process for regular inspections.

The Role of Undergrounding in Wildfire Mitigation

Undergrounding power lines involves burying electrical infrastructure below ground, protecting it from environmental hazards like wind, lightning, and falling trees. In California, many neighborhoods built after 1950 already have underground power lines, making them largely immune to various adverse conditions.

Undergrounding offers several key benefits:

• Fire Prevention: By placing power lines underground, the risk of fires caused by electrical sparks is significantly reduced, especially in areas with dense vegetation and dry conditions.
• Increased Reliability: Underground power lines are far less vulnerable to weather-related disruptions, making them nearly immune to many conditions except for excess moisture from flooding. This results in fewer power outages and a more stable electricity supply, which is crucial during emergencies.
• Aesthetic and Environmental Benefits: Removing overhead lines enhances the visual appeal of landscapes and reduces the need for tree trimming and maintenance. Ever noticed how much cleaner a place looks without power lines?
• Long-Term Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment in undergrounding is substantial, it can prove more cost-effective over time due to lower maintenance and repair costs. According to the California Public Utilities Commission, the initial costs for undergrounding can range from $350 to $1,150 per foot, or $1.85 million to $6.072 million per mile. Although repairs can be more expensive, underground utilities are more durable and require less frequent maintenance, reducing long-term costs.

The benefits of underground utilities are so significant that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $34 million investment in 12 projects across 11 states. These funds aim to strengthen and modernize America’s aging power grid through the development of undergrounding technologies.

SiteMap^® and GPRS: Leading Utility Mapping Services

To successfully implement undergrounding projects, accurate and comprehensive utility mapping is crucial. This is where advanced utility locating services like those provided by GPRS come into play. Companies like ours, along with platforms such as SiteMap^®, deliver the technology and expertise needed to create detailed maps of existing underground utilities, ensuring safe and efficient project execution—all with the same trusted 99.8% accuracy that our clients depend on.

SiteMap^®

SiteMap^® excels in providing high-resolution mapping solutions that capture the precise locations of underground utilities. Their services include:

• Data Integration: SiteMap^® integrates utility data into comprehensive, layered maps, allowing project managers and engineers to easily access and analyze the information.
• Interactive Maps: SiteMap^® offers interactive underground utility maps that enable stakeholders to visualize and plan projects with greater accuracy.

SiteMap^® also provides a variety of features:

• Secure cloud-based storage
• Ability to upload and store as-built drawings and site records
• Capability to import existing infrastructure data
• Options to attach videos, photos, GPR data, and other documents
• Access to GPRS data

GPRS

GPRS is a leader in utility locating and subsurface discovery services, offering a range of solutions to support undergrounding projects:

• Subsurface Scanning: GPRS uses GPR technology to locate and map underground utilities, ensuring that construction activities do not inadvertently damage existing infrastructure. GPRS also offers advanced services such as 3D Laser Scanning, Video Pipe Inspection, Leak Detection, Drone Imagery, and more.
• Utility Mapping: Our Mapping & Modeling Team can provide anything from simple GPS-enabled locating maps to highly detailed 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models, depending on your specific needs.
• Safety and Compliance: GPRS ensures that projects adhere to safety regulations and helps avoid costly utility strikes.

Is Utility Mapping Worth It?

The question, "Is utility mapping worth it?" is essential for any organization involved in underground construction. The answer is unequivocally yes. Accurate utility mapping is critical for several key reasons:

• Safety: Preventing accidents and damage to existing utilities is crucial for protecting both workers and the public.
• Cost Savings: Avoiding unexpected utility strikes minimizes costly repairs and prevents project delays.
• Efficiency: Detailed maps enable more precise planning and execution, which helps streamline project timelines.
• Regulatory Compliance: Accurate mapping ensures that projects comply with safety and environmental regulations.

Broader Impact of Undergrounding Technology

While XCEL Energy's wildfire mitigation plan is a significant step forward, the benefits of undergrounding technology and advanced utility mapping go well beyond wildfire prevention.

These technologies are transforming industries worldwide, including:

Telecommunications

• Enhanced Connectivity: Underground fiber optic cables provide more reliable internet and communication services, crucial for both urban and rural areas.
• Reduced Interference: Underground cables are less prone to interference, ensuring better signal quality and fewer outages.
• Reduced Tampering: While not excessively common everywhere, some metropolitan areas may find tampering to be a problem with certain utility lines. When underground, the lines become resistant to human interference, as well as animals, and nature.

Water and Sewer Systems

• Leak Detection: Advanced mapping helps identify leaks and weaknesses in underground pipes, facilitating timely repairs and reducing water loss. New undergrounding systems make it easier for utility locates to manage and inspect pipes for leaks, stopping them from becoming serious issues.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Accurate maps support the planning and execution of upgrades to aging water and sewer systems.

Transportation

• Road and Rail Safety: Mapping underground utilities is essential for the construction and maintenance of roads and railways, preventing damage and ensuring safety.
• Smart Infrastructure: Integrating utility data with transportation systems supports the development of smart cities, enhancing traffic management and public services.

XCEL Energy's $1.9 billion wildfire mitigation plan, centered on undergrounding power lines, represents a forward-thinking, and revolutionary approach to addressing the increasing threat of wildfires, as well as other threats to our infrastructure system. XCEL Energy is not only enhancing the safety and reliability of its power grid but also setting a precedent for other utility providers.

Undergrounding requires utility mapping services, such as those provided by SiteMap® and GPRS. GPRS can provide the precise, comprehensive maps needed to execute undergrounding projects safely and efficiently. Looking beyond wildfire prevention, undergrounding technology, which is made possible by advanced utility mapping, is driving progress across multiple industries, from telecommunications to transportation. Go underground, it’s the cool thing to do.

Contact GPRS to learn more about our services, and how they can best serve your project, whether below or above ground.

Have you ever tried to unravel a tangled mess of cords or wires? No matter how carefully you trace the knot, it's hard to determine where it starts and ends. This challenge mirrors the complexities faced in construction and project management. Keeping track of all your subcontractors and trades can be overwhelming, especially when tasks require a strict sequence — for example, ensuring MEP work is completed before HVAC installation and roofing.

By partnering with GPRS through the JobSite Plus program, you bring in a single trusted company to handle all on-site needs: utility locating, concrete scanning, pipe inspection, 3D laser scanning, and the creation of cutting-edge CAD drawings, maps, and models tailored to your project. GPRS' JobSite Plus Program is designed to meet your specific requirements by leveraging advanced technology to scan and map underground utilities before construction begins, greatly improving the project's success. So, what are the benefits of early site scanning? What role does SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, play? And how do these components enhance the efficiency of the JobSite Plus Program?

The Importance of Early Subsurface Scanning

Early subsurface scanning has become an essential step in modern construction practices. This process uses cutting-edge technology to detect and map underground utilities before breaking ground. The proactive nature of early scanning offers numerous significant advantages. Chief among these is enhanced safety. Construction sites often conceal hidden dangers like gas lines, electrical cables, and water pipes. Accidentally striking any of these can lead to serious injuries, project delays, or even fatalities. By pinpointing the exact locations of these underground utilities before any excavation begins, early scanning dramatically reduces the risk of accidents, creating a safer work environment for everyone involved.

In addition to improving safety, early scanning helps to structure the project lifecycle in a way that boosts efficiency. Having detailed knowledge of the subsurface conditions allows for more accurate and effective project planning. Engineers and project managers can design construction strategies that avoid conflicts with underground utilities, thereby streamlining the entire construction process. This level of foresight helps to prevent unforeseen delays and issues, ultimately saving both time and resources.

Since the JobSite Plus Program requires clients to utilize GPRS for data capture services, all information is organized and streamlined to maximize efficiency and workflow management. Early scanning, facilitated by JobSite Plus and GPRS, can enhance project flow, budget management, and timelines, making the entire process smoother and more manageable.

Explaining JobSite Plus

The GPRS Job Site Plus Program is crafted to deliver a full suite of services, ensuring that construction projects begin with a robust foundation. By leveraging GPRS's expertise and state-of-the-art technology, this program provides precise and dependable subsurface data.

The JobSite Plus Program includes a variety of services, such as:

• Subsurface Utility Locating: This service involves identifying and mapping site utilities using advanced techniques and technologies. GPRS's mission is to Intelligently Visualize The Built World^®. We offer comprehensive mapping of both aboveground and underground facilities and infrastructure, serving industries like construction, facility management, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. Our offerings include accurate 3D BIM models, utility locating and concrete imaging with over 99.8% accuracy using GPR, NASSCO-certified Video Pipe Inspection (CCTV) reports, 2D CAD drawings and floor plans through FLRPLN, Conceptual Site Models (CSM), 3D construction progress reporting via ProCap, and 3D virtual tours with WalkThru 3D.
• Concrete Scanning: This service detects embedded objects within concrete structures, such as rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, and potential voids. Concrete scanning is essential for projects involving modifications to existing structures, ensuring that new work doesn't compromise the building's integrity.
• 3D Laser Scanning: Utilizing this advanced technology, GPRS captures detailed 3D images of structural elements with 2-4mm precision. It can be combined with GPR and electromagnetic imaging to map the subsurface environment, offering a comprehensive view of the site's underground utilities. 3D laser scanning is especially valuable for complex projects requiring highly accurate data for planning and execution.

SiteMap^®: A Powerful Tool Backed by GPRS

A noteworthy addition to GPRS and the JobSite Plus Program is SiteMap^®, an advanced visualization service that plays a pivotal role in early site scanning. Powered by GPRS's expertise, SiteMap^® offers a suite of features that enhance the effectiveness of GPRS's data capture and mapping services. It provides users with an intuitive way to interact with facility and location data. Furthermore, SiteMap^® serves as a digital storage platform for all your existing conditions documentation, including blueprints, as-built drawings, maintenance records, and permits. Whether managing a single building or multiple facilities across the U.S., SiteMap^® offers a unified view of all your information, delivering numerous benefits such as:

Interactive Underground Utility Maps

SiteMap^® features a layered, interactive underground utility map that provides detailed, accessible data about the subsurface environment. This tool allows construction teams to precisely plan their activities by accessing information on the location and depth of utilities. The user-friendly map lets you toggle lines on or off, drill down into specifics like tie-ins and manholes, and is easily accessible to project managers, engineers, and field teams, ensuring everyone is aligned. Every GPRS utility locating customer receives a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription, granting 24/7 access to their data from anywhere, often within minutes of finalizing the field locate.

Accurate Visualizations

The precision of SiteMap^® is vital for the success of any construction project. It intelligently visualizes and delivers your GPRS data with the trusted 99.8%+ accuracy rate that GPRS clients depend on. This level of accuracy helps prevent utility strikes and ensures that construction activities are conducted safely and efficiently. By offering a clear and accurate underground utilities map of your site, SiteMap^® significantly enhances the overall quality of the project.

Seamless Integration

SiteMap^®’s GIS platform integrates seamlessly with GPRS and the JobSite Plus Program, offering exceptional data portability with any existing GIS platform you may use, while also supporting user-uploaded data, photos, as-builts, and more. This provides a comprehensive solution for subsurface scanning and utility mapping. The integration and portability ensure that every aspect of the project is covered, from initial planning to final execution. By combining SiteMap^®’s capabilities with GPRS’s expertise, the JobSite Plus Program delivers outstanding service and results.

Easy Updates

Given the dynamic nature of construction projects, adjustments based on new information are often necessary. SiteMap^® offers secure, easy-to-access progress updates, depending on the products you choose, ensuring that your team and stakeholders have the latest data, whether on-site or across the country. This feature is particularly valuable in fast-paced construction environments where timely information is crucial for informed decision-making. Regular construction progress updates within SiteMap^® help maintain momentum and prevent delays. Additionally, SiteMap^® is user-friendly and accessible from your favorite device, anywhere, anytime.

Benefits of the JobSite Plus Program and Early Scanning

GPRS and their JobSite Plus Program, with its emphasis on early subsurface scanning, offer numerous benefits that contribute to the success of construction projects.

Enhanced Safety

Safety is paramount in construction, and it’s a core focus for GPRS. Our JobSite Plus Program is designed with this priority in mind. Through this program, we enable early scanning by having greater control over the sequence of services. By identifying and mapping underground utilities before construction begins, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. This proactive strategy ensures that construction sites are safer for workers and minimizes the potential for costly and dangerous utility strikes.

GPRS's commitment to safety begins with our elite training programs. Our Project Managers are not only trained in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), the industry’s most stringent educational standard, but they also undergo comprehensive safety training, which includes:

• OSHA 10
• OSHA 30
• HAZWOPER 40 HOUR
• Monthly hazard recognition and safety training
• Toolbox talks
• Near miss/incident reporting and investigations
• Site-specific safety training and planning
• Pre-task and job reviews for every project
• New hire safety training and orientation
• Regular safety manual reviews and updates

Improved Efficiency

Efficiency is another major advantage of the Job Site Plus Program. When GPRS manages your critical services, we can customize our data capture to align with your workflow needs while also taking steps to enhance efficiency, which often involves early scanning. Early scanning and precise utility mapping allow construction teams to plan their activities more effectively. With a clear understanding of the subsurface environment, project managers can develop construction plans that avoid conflicts with underground utilities. This foresight streamlines the construction process and helps prevent delays.

Cost Savings

JobSite Plus provides complete transparency in your costs, eliminating unexpected price increases, delays, or inaccuracies that often arise when working with multiple subcontractors. Unexpected encounters with underground utilities can cause substantial financial setbacks. GPRS helps mitigate these risks by delivering precise and dependable data, which can be utilized for SiteMap^® utility mapping. By avoiding utility strikes and preventing costly repairs, the program ensures that your projects remain on budget and are completed on schedule.

Environmental Responsibility & EST

In 2019, approximately 11% of global primary energy was generated from renewable technologies. While this progress is encouraging, the intensifying climate challenges indicate that more action is needed. Protecting the environment is a crucial aspect of modern construction and various other industries. Early scanning and accurate mapping play a significant role in reducing the ecological impact of construction activities. By avoiding unnecessary excavation and preserving natural habitats, JobSite Plus supports sustainable and environmentally responsible construction practices.

The GPRS Job Site Plus Program, enhanced by SiteMap^®, helps streamline and optimize your construction processes. By prioritizing early subsurface scanning and delivering accurate utility mapping services, the program provides you with control that boosts safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility in construction projects. SiteMap® ensures that construction teams have access to top-tier digital deliverables, tools, and data, empowering them to plan and execute projects with confidence and precision.

JobSite Plus and GPRS eliminate the uncertainty in an already complex field. By leveraging advanced technology and expertise, GPRS, SiteMap^®, and the JobSite Plus Program enhance efficiency, safety, and overall success. Early scanning is key, allowing the order of operations to flow more efficiently and systematically for greater project success.

Contact GPRS today to learn how JobSite Plus and early scanning can make a significant difference in your next project.

According to a 2022 MTA report, New York City's subway system serves approximately 3.2 million riders daily, while the bus system accommodates around 1.4 million. That's an enormous number of people depending on this essential resource. However, over time, these transit lines have become degraded, overcrowded, and inefficient. To address these issues, a plan was proposed to expand and modernize the system.

The Second Avenue Subway project in New York City is a monumental and complex endeavor that has garnered significant attention from urban planners, engineers, and the public. With a budget of $3.4 billion, this project marks a major advancement in the city's transportation infrastructure. However, executing such an ambitious project is only possible with the support of cutting-edge technologies like those provided by GPRS and SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS. So, what exactly is the Second Avenue Subway project? What is the vital role of utility mapping and site mapping software in this context? And how are these technologies enabling large-scale infrastructure projects? Read on to discover the answers and more!

The Second Avenue Subway Project: A Brief Overview

The Second Avenue Subway project, often known as the "T Line," is an expansion of New York City's subway system designed to ease congestion on the Lexington Avenue Line, one of the busiest subway lines globally. The project's first phase, which opened in 2017, extended the Q line from 63rd Street to 96th Street. Now, with a $3.4 billion federal investment, the current phase will extend the line further north from 96th Street to 125th Street, adding three new stations at 106th Street, 116th Street, and 125th Street. These new stations will also feature ADA-accessible stops at 106th, 116th, and 125th Streets, serving approximately 300,000 daily riders across both Phase 1 and Phase 2.

This phase is vital for improving transit access to East Harlem, an area historically underserved by public transportation. The new stations will not only enhance connectivity but are also expected to stimulate economic development and job creation in the neighborhood.

This expansion marks the continuation of a project that has been in the works for nearly a century. Planning for the Second Avenue Subway began in the 1920s when the cost of constructing the city's transit system was significantly lower. Although Phase 1 opened in 2017, it was the result of almost 100 years of planning.

Originally, the Second Avenue Subway was intended to include 16 stations, but to date, only three—at 72nd, 86th, and 96th Streets—have been completed. This 1.5-mile segment, often dubbed a “stubway,” cost $4.6 billion, a figure that has ballooned from an original mid-20th century budget of $335 million for the entire project, making it the most expensive train line in world history. Even after adjusting for inflation, the cost per station was 25 times higher than when the system was first built in 1904.

Although the project technically started in the 1970s, it has undergone numerous changes and budget revisions over the years. Phase 1, which extended the Q line from 63rd Street to 96th Street, represented the most significant expansion of the subway system in 50 years. Service began on January 1, 2017, with additional stations at 72nd Street and 86th Street. Since then, the Second Avenue Subway has carried over 130 million passengers, with more than 200,000 passengers using it on a typical pre-pandemic day. A tunnel segment for Phase 2, built in the 1970s, runs from 110th Street to 120th Street along Second Avenue.

The Role of Federal Funding

Securing $3.4 billion in federal funding was a pivotal milestone for the Second Avenue Subway project. This significant investment highlights the federal government’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and improving public transportation. The funds are allocated to cover various elements of the project, including construction, engineering, and the integration of essential technologies.

Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Adriano Espaillat played key roles in securing this funding, underscoring the project’s significance for the future of New York City.

“The advancement of the Second Avenue Subway Phase II project into engineering is fantastic news for the residents of East Harlem and all of New York City,” Schumer said. “Long envisioned – but unfortunately too long delayed – the project is now moving full-speed ahead. I was proud to secure the historic $23 billion in grant funding for mass transit capital projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs law, and I will continue to fight to ensure this critical project receives its fair share.”

The Importance of Utility Mapping and Site Mapping Software

Large-scale infrastructure projects like the Second Avenue Subway are intricate endeavors that demand careful planning and precise execution. A significant challenge is maneuvering through the dense web of existing underground utilities in New York City. This is where technologies from companies like GPRS and SiteMap^® prove to be essential.

GPRS and SiteMap^® The Secret Tool

GPRS specializes in utility locating services that are essential for preventing costly and hazardous utility strikes during construction. With a proven 99.8% accuracy in utility locating and concrete scanning, our SIM-certified Project Managers offer rapid and reliable services you can trust.

Our offerings include:

• Utility Locating: Utilizing a suite of advanced technologies, GPRS accurately detects and maps underground utilities such as water lines, gas pipes, electrical conduits, and communication cables.
• Concrete Scanning: Using GPR, we scan concrete to reveal rebar, post-tension cables, electrical conduits, voids, and more. This method is also effective for structural reviews, including concrete slab measurement and rebar spacing.
• 3D Laser Scanning: Accurate measurements are crucial for avoiding costly errors, reworks, and change orders. GPRS’s 3D Laser Scanning services deliver 2-4mm precision by capturing 2 million data points per second, supporting efficient planning, design, and construction.

And much more! Our wide range of services includes NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection, pinpoint leak detection, reality capture, and 3D photogrammetry. These services provide up-to-date and accurate construction as-builts, existing condition drawings, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, digital twins, point clouds, updated floor plans (FLRPLN), and more, all tailored for construction design, prefabrication, clash detection, facility modifications, and asset management.

SiteMap^® offers more than just high-resolution mapping solutions; it is an essential tool for any major project.

Data Integration: SiteMap^® seamlessly integrates utility data into comprehensive, interactive maps, making it easier for engineers and project managers to visualize and plan construction activities. It also ensures exceptional data portability between SiteMap’s GIS interface and any existing GIS platforms you may already use.

Interactive Maps: GPRS uses SiteMap^® to deliver GPS-located, layered, interactive maps of underground utilities, which are invaluable for coordinating complex construction projects.

Easily Shared: SiteMap^® provides the simplest way to access and securely share your data. Those with access can view their information from anywhere in the world, 24/7, on their preferred device.

SiteMap^®’s greatest strength is its flexibility. Nearly any location data and documentation can be uploaded and organized. Users can view and store information such as:

• Utility layouts
• As-built drawings
• 3D models
• Floor plans
• Structural drawings
• Subsurface void information
• Drone imagery
• Sewer and manhole video inspection data
• Underground storage tank information
• Aboveground storage tank information

As new information becomes available, the system can grow with the user. Additionally, SiteMap^® allows for data export to other systems, giving clients the flexibility to use their information on the platform of their choice. GPRS’s elite Mapping & Modeling team can provide these services, along with many other valuable deliverables, such as digital twins and virtual tours.

Utility Mapping: An Investment in Safety & Efficiency

A common question that arises during large infrastructure projects is, "What is the cost of utility mapping?" While the initial expense of utility mapping may seem substantial, it is an essential investment that yields significant long-term benefits. Accurate utility mapping is crucial for preventing utility strikes, which can result in costly repairs, project delays, and serious safety hazards. By investing in utility mapping services from GPRS, and leveraging the capabilities of SiteMap^®, project managers can ensure that construction progresses smoothly and safely.

The cost of utility mapping is a fraction of what an OSHA violation, a utility strike repair, or, even worse, a wrongful death lawsuit could entail. In the USA, the average cost of utility strikes is $61 billion. Avoid these incidents and their associated costs by making a smart investment from the start with SiteMap^®, backed by GPRS’s 99.8% accuracy.

Map of Underground Utilities: Essential for Planning & Execution

A detailed map of underground utilities is an essential asset for any construction project. In the case of the Second Avenue Subway project, these maps empower engineers to:

• Identify Potential Obstacles: Understanding the location of existing utilities allows engineers to identify potential challenges and plan construction activities to avoid them.
• Coordinate with Utility Companies: Accurate utility maps make it easier to collaborate with utility companies for the relocation or protection of utilities during construction.
• Enhance Safety: By preventing utility strikes and other hazards, these maps help construction teams operate more safely, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

SiteMap^®: Revolutionizing Infrastructure Projects

SiteMap^® is transforming how infrastructure projects are planned and executed. This advanced platform enables the creation of interactive maps that integrate multiple data sources, offering a comprehensive view of the project area.

The benefits of site mapping software, including SiteMap^®, are numerous:

• ‍Enhanced Visualization: Interactive maps provide a clear, detailed view of the project site, making it easier to spot and address potential issues early on.
• Improved Collaboration: Site mapping software fosters better collaboration among project stakeholders by ensuring that everyone has access to the same accurate, up-to-date information.
• Streamlined Planning: By integrating various data sources, site mapping software simplifies the planning process, allowing for more efficient and effective project management.

The Broader Impact of the Second Avenue Subway Project

The Second Avenue Subway project is more than just an upgrade to public transportation; it embodies a broader commitment to modernizing urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for New Yorkers. This new subway line will:

• Reduce Congestion: By offering an alternative to the overcrowded Lexington Avenue Line, the new subway line will alleviate congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the transit system.
• Boost Economic Development: Enhanced transit access to East Harlem is expected to drive economic growth in the area, attracting businesses and creating job opportunities.
• Enhance Connectivity: The new line will improve connectivity throughout the city, making it easier for residents to commute to work, school, and other destinations.
• Improve ADA Conditions: With the addition of three new stops, individuals with disabilities will find it much easier to navigate the city.

Utility locating and mapping services are crucial for managing the intricate network of underground and aboveground utilities and anomalies in urban areas. The integration of these technologies in infrastructure projects will continue to drive progress and enhance the quality of life globally. The Second Avenue Subway project stands as a prime example of how technology, funding, and vision can unite to create lasting positive change.

In this context, the innovative technologies offered by GPRS and SiteMap^® are paving the way for safer, smarter, and more efficient infrastructure projects, ensuring that cities like New York continue to thrive and grow.

Visualize your future with SiteMap^® — contact us today to learn how we can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and build better!

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced that 20 high-voltage, interstate transmission and community infrastructure projects across 16 states will receive up to $371 million in grant funding.

According to the department’s website, the funding is part of the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program and intended to “accelerate the permitting” of these transmission projects, which will occur “along major new and upgraded transmission lines.”

The TSED Grant Program is a $760 million total investment through the Inflation Reduction Act. It includes grants for siting and permitting activities, and grants for economic development activities. Four of the 20 selected projects are siting and permitting projects, which received more than $17 million in funding combined, while the other 16 were economic development projects which received a combined investment of over $353 million.

One of the projects selected, which will see a microgrid powered by renewable energy constructed at a school complex in Barnstable, Massachusetts, was highlighted in a recent article in Engineering News-Record. This project received $42 million in TSED funding.

Barnstable, a Cape Cod town of less than 50,000 people, and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources plan to build the microgrid at the Barnstable High School and Intermediate School complex. Options being considered reportedly include a mix of solar canopies, rooftop solar, HVAC electrification, fleet charging and battery storage infrastructure.

“We’re investing in clean energy for the sake of our children, and it is exciting that workforce development and training opportunities be offered for Barnstable High students,” Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said in a statement.

The DOE expects to release the second TSED funding opportunity in Fall 2024.

America’s Transmission Problems

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave America’s energy infrastructure a C- in its 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

Specifically, the ASCE pointed to the 638 transmission outage events reported from 2014 to 2018, which were mainly blamed on severe weather.

“Additionally, distribution infrastructure struggles with reliability, with 92% of all outages occurring along these segments,” the ASCE wrote. “In the coming years, additional transmission and distribution infrastructure, smart planning, and improved reliability are needed to accommodate the changing energy landscape, as delivery becomes distributed, and renewables grow.”

According to the ASCE, annual spending on high voltage transmission lines grew from $15.6 billion in 2012 to $21.9 billion in 2017. Spending has only increased as federal funding has stepped up to address reliability issues.

GPRS Services Support Transmission Projects

You don’t want subsurface damage to derail your transmission project – especially when that project is supported by federal funding.

The average total cost (including direct and indirect cost) of a single utility strike is $234,324, according to data compiled from the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and Common Ground Alliance.

Since 2001, GPRS has partnered with major companies like Duke Energy, American Electric Power, Ameren, and Exelon to complete Transmission ROW scanning and substation projects.

When clients seek out a utility locating company, they aim to work with the best. At GPRS, we take pride in our extensive experience and expertise. Our highly trained project managers deliver prompt and precise reports on subsurface utilities, enabling you to complete your projects safely and effectively. We have experience across various T&D settings, including overhead transmission rebuilds, underground transmission planning, substation as-built updates, foundation mapping, and more. With our wide range of reporting options, we offer clients current records of underground utilities for future reference.

At GPRS, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can you find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

The thought of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection can send shivers down the spine of many employers.

The fear of heavy fines, potential citations, and the unknown aspects of the inspection process can make even the most diligent business owner uneasy. However, understanding what to expect during an OSHA inspection and how to prepare for one can greatly reduce the anxiety surrounding it and help ensure a clean inspection.

OSHA's primary mission is to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.” While this mission is undoubtedly positive, many employers fear the day OSHA shows up at their door unannounced. This fear often stems from uncertainty or a lack of preparation. Here, we'll break down what you can expect during an OSHA inspection and how you can prepare to ensure a smooth process.

OSHA’s Inspection Priorities: Why They Might Show Up

OSHA doesn’t have enough inspectors to visit every workplace in the United States, so they prioritize inspections based on a “worst first” approach. This means they focus on industries and companies with higher risks, such as those with hazardous occupations or a history of violations. The typical reasons OSHA may choose to inspect your job site include:

• Imminent Danger: Situations that could cause death or serious physical harm
• Fatality or Catastrophic Incident: Following up on serious incidents that have occurred
• Complaints and Referrals: Often the result of employee complaints or referrals from onsite contractors
• Targeted Inspections: Industries or companies targeted due to known hazards
• Follow-Up Inspections: Verifying that previously cited violations have been corrected

In industries with high-risk activities like confined-space entry or trenching, OSHA inspections are more common due to the inherent dangers involved.

The Unannounced Arrival: Be Prepared

One of the most unsettling aspects of an OSHA inspection is that it’s typically unannounced. While you do have the legal right to refuse entry, this often results in the inspector returning with a search warrant. Cooperation from the start is usually the best course of action, as it sets a positive tone for the inspection and can influence the outcome favorably.

If an inspector shows up, the first step they will take is to hold an opening conference. During this meeting, they will explain the purpose of the inspection and outline the areas they wish to examine. It’s crucial to have a member of management present at this conference, and you should always check the inspector’s identification, which will include a USDOL ID card with a photo and serial number.

Documentation Is Key: Keep Records Updated

During the opening conference, the inspector will likely request to see various records, including injury/illness logs, safety policies, training records, equipment inspection records, and other documents relevant to the inspection. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records is essential, as these documents provide evidence of your commitment to safety and compliance with OSHA standards.

Stick to the Scope: Avoid Volunteering Extra Information

Once the inspection begins, it’s important to adhere strictly to the areas specified by the inspector. Offering a plant tour or volunteering additional information, even if you believe your site is fully compliant, is not advisable. The inspector is required to cite any violations they observe in “plain view,” so expanding the scope of the inspection could lead to additional citations.

Employee Cooperation: Honesty Is Crucial

During the inspection, the OSHA officer may interview employees, take photographs, conduct instrument readings, and take notes. It’s important that your employees understand the importance of honesty during these interviews. Any attempt to mislead or withhold information from the compliance officer could result in stiffer penalties and potentially even civil penalties against the company.

Be Present During the Inspection: Follow the Inspector

As an employer or manager, you have the right to accompany the inspector throughout the job site. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your cooperation and to document any findings or violations that the inspector points out. If the inspector identifies any violations, ask for clarification on how to correct them, and if possible, correct the issue immediately. This proactive approach shows good faith and can positively influence the inspector’s final report.

The Closing Conference: Understanding the Next Steps

Once the inspection is complete, the officer will hold a closing conference. During this meeting, they will discuss any issues they observed and give you the opportunity to ask questions. They will also inform you of any citations they are recommending and the timeframes within which you must correct the noted problems. It’s important to remember that the actual citations and any associated fines will be determined by the area director, not the inspector.

The factors that influence the amount of the fines include:

• Nature of the Violation: How severe the violation is
• History of Violations: Previous citations may lead to higher fines
• Good-Faith Efforts: Demonstrating a commitment to safety and correcting violations promptly
• Size of Your Operation: Smaller businesses may receive reduced fines

If you wish to contest any fines or citations, you must do so within 15 business days of receiving the official paperwork.

Turning an Inspection Into a Positive Experience

While an OSHA inspection can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. In fact, it can serve as an opportunity to identify and correct potential hazards before they result in serious injury or even death. By approaching the inspection with a cooperative attitude, maintaining accurate records, and demonstrating a commitment to safety, you can greatly increase the chances of a clean inspection.

OSHA inspectors are there to ensure that workplaces are safe for employees. If you show good faith in correcting any violations they find, they are likely to work with you to resolve the issues. In the long run, a positive relationship with OSHA and a proactive approach to workplace safety can protect your employees and your business from the consequences of non-compliance.

By preparing ahead of time, staying calm during the inspection, and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure that your next OSHA inspection is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

GPRS is committed to helping make your job site as safe as it can be, both through our suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation and construction & facilities project management services, as well as through the variety of safety initiatives we sponsor and host. At GPRS, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep you and your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPRS Perform S.U.E. Work?

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) reduces the risk and improves the accuracy of subsurface utility readings. It is broken down into four levels of quality, governed by ASCE Standard 38-02. GPRS does not provide engineering services. If you need professional engineering services, please contact a professional engineer. GPRS does not perform SUE work, but our utility locating and mapping services support SUE at QL-B.

How quickly can GPRS respond to an emergency need?

Because we have a nationwide team of SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers, GPRS can respond within 24-48 hours of contact, in most circumstances, to an emergency need. Click here for an online quote form.

The Washington State Department of Ecology recently announced a round of grants and loans to support new clean water projects and ongoing infrastructure investments.

The $309 million in funding will support 136 projects, including stream restoration on the Touchet River near Prescott and engineered wetlands providing stormwater treatment in Ferndale, according to a press release on the department’s website.

“Our top priority is to support communities,” said Water Quality Program Manager, Vince McGowan. “Across Washington, we are using innovative ideas to help put money to work faster and with greater benefits. We are excited to support clean water pilot projects that are already proving successful and to continue trying new approaches.”

Washington’s clean water funding includes both state and federal funds – $40 million of which come from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – dedicated to improving and protecting water quality.

According to the department’s press release, this year’s project list includes new approaches to its clean water funding work: a pilot process where communities can apply for wastewater funding outside of the annual funding cycle.

“Through off-cycle planning, Ecology will work with communities or utilities that have an urgent need for funding wastewater planning projects,” the release states. “This could include post-emergency recovery efforts from natural disaster or projects that have received funding from other sources but still need to meet some of Ecology’s prerequisites.”

The first project funded under this pilot program will see Ecology provide $60,000 to help the Town of Metaline Falls update their general sewer plan, with a focus on identifying and replacing aging infrastructure to prevent future emergencies.

“This investment will help the community make necessary progress on wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements and better protect the Pend Oreille River,” the press release states.

Additionally, this year’s clean water funding list incorporates an Environmental Justice Assessment for grant or loan projects over $12 million, as required under Washington’s HEAL Act.

These assessments provide the department an opportunity to evaluate a wide range of environmental justice impacts that an action may have in the early developmental stages of the process, with the goal of helping the department and its partners make informed decisions to reduce environmental harms and address environmental and health disparities in overburdened communities.

Six wastewater-related projects selected as part of this round of funding require environmental justice assessments, which the department says it will finish in the coming months and prior to finalizing each project’s funding agreement.

The bulk of the funding ($255 million) is earmarked for wastewater projects, and 28 of them will occur in communities eligible for financial hardship consideration.

“Given the critical service that wastewater treatment facilities provide, Ecology prioritizes supporting the planning, design, and construction of these facilities, particularly in areas where these investments would create a financial burden for residents,” the release states.

A full list of all 136 projects is available both as an interactive map and in the final offer list publication.

Washington’s Department of Ecology accepts clean water project applications every August through October. More information about the application process can be found on the department’s clean water funding webpage.

Protecting Your Water Project from Subsurface Damage

Protecting your existing water and wastewater infrastructure from damage during excavation is vital to protecting the communities these systems serve.

GPRS helps prevent utility strikes by mapping subsurface utilities for you prior to you breaking ground – so you know where you can and can’t safely dig.

Using state-of-the-art technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers, our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

To ensure seamless sharing of the vital infrastructure visualization services we provide, GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending): our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets and people.

Compatible with your existing GIS platform and accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you, your team, and your subcontractors are all working off the same accurate data. With SiteMap^®, you can plan, design, manage, dig, and build better.

Every GPRS client receives a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription with every utility locate we conduct.

GPRS SiteMap® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo today!

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week Returns

GPRS is committed to assisting municipalities, facility managers, and similar entities in enhancing the maintenance and protection of their water and wastewater infrastructure. With that goal in mind, we are thrilled to announce that the second annual Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week will take place from October 21-25, 2024.

By participating in a complimentary WSDAW presentation, your team will gain insights into:

• The increased vulnerability of infrastructure to damage in today’s environment
• The risks posed to your systems’ equipment due to improper or infrequent maintenance
• The importance of regular water loss surveys and proactive maintenance plans for water, sewer, and stormwater systems to prevent service interruptions and safeguard your entity’s reputation
• Strategies to minimize non-revenue water (NRW) loss, protecting both your community and financial resources
• Methods to mitigate the risks associated with cross bores
• And much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity – Sign up for your free WSDAW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can GPRS find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Can GPRS locate a pipe in addition to evaluating its integrity?

Yes! Our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers use VPI technology equipped with sondes, which are instrument probes that allow them to ascertain the location of underground utilities from an inaccessible location. This allows them to use electromagnetic (EM) locating to map sewer systems while evaluating them for defects.

As the United States continues to grapple with power supply shortfalls, particularly during periods of extreme demand and adverse weather conditions, the potential of solar power as a solution has come under increased scrutiny.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has highlighted significant risks of electricity shortages across much of North America during the summer months, largely driven by the increased electrification of the economy, the retirement of conventional power plants, and the challenges posed by widespread heat events. Given these risks, it's crucial to explore whether solar power can be a reliable and sufficient solution to America's power supply issues.

The Current Landscape: Growing Risks and Solar's Role

According to NERC’s 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment, many regions in the U.S. are at an elevated risk of power shortfalls during peak summer conditions. This risk is exacerbated by a combination of factors, including extreme weather, growing electricity demand due to factors like increased adoption of electric vehicles, and the retirement of traditional power generation assets. Solar power has played a significant role in mitigating some of these risks, with a record 25 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity added in the past year alone. However, the assessment also points out that solar power’s effectiveness is often limited during critical periods, such as late afternoon and evening hours when solar generation diminishes but demand remains high.

Solar power contributes significantly to the grid, especially during sunny days when demand is high. However, its variability—particularly its decline in output as the sun sets—poses a challenge during periods of peak electricity demand. This limitation is a significant concern for grid operators, especially in regions like Texas and California, where solar power constitutes a large portion of the energy mix. Without sufficient backup from other energy sources, these areas remain vulnerable to supply shortfalls during periods of low solar output.

The Potential of Solar Power to Meet Demand

Solar power's potential to solve America’s energy shortfalls lies in its scalability and the rapidly decreasing costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Solar energy has the advantage of being a renewable and increasingly cost-effective source of electricity, with the U.S. Department of Energy projecting that solar could power up to 40% of the nation’s electricity needs by 2035. This ambitious goal would require a massive scale-up of solar infrastructure, including the integration of advanced energy storage systems to address solar’s intermittent nature.

Energy storage, particularly in the form of batteries, is crucial to making solar power a more reliable source of energy. By storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, batteries can provide power during periods when solar generation is low, such as during the night or on cloudy days. The combination of solar power and storage solutions could potentially address some of the grid reliability concerns highlighted by NERC, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promise of solar power, several challenges must be addressed to fully realize its potential in solving power supply shortfalls. One of the primary concerns is the need for substantial investment in grid infrastructure to accommodate the integration of large-scale solar power. This includes upgrading transmission networks to handle the increased load and ensuring that solar installations are resilient to grid disturbances.

Moreover, the variability of solar power means that it cannot be relied upon as the sole solution for meeting peak electricity demand. NERC’s assessment emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse energy mix, including natural gas and other dispatchable energy sources, to ensure grid reliability during periods when solar output is insufficient. The assessment also points to the need for enhanced coordination between gas and electric systems to manage supply shortfalls effectively.

Another critical factor is the speed at which solar power can be deployed. While solar installations are growing rapidly, the pace of deployment must accelerate to meet the increasing demand for electricity and replace retiring conventional power plants. Policymakers and industry leaders must work together to streamline permitting processes, incentivize solar adoption, and invest in research and development to improve solar technologies and storage solutions.

A Partial Solution with Great Potential

Solar power holds significant potential to contribute to America's energy needs, particularly as part of a broader strategy to diversify the energy mix and enhance grid resilience. However, it is not a silver bullet for the nation’s power supply challenges. To effectively address the risks identified by NERC, a combination of strategies is required, including continued investment in solar power, the expansion of energy storage capacity, and the retention of reliable, dispatchable power sources.

In the face of growing electricity demand and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, solar power can play a crucial role in mitigating some of the risks to the power grid. However, to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, solar power must be integrated into a well-planned and diversified energy system that includes other renewable sources, storage technologies, and conventional generation. By doing so, America can move closer to a sustainable and resilient energy future while minimizing the risks of power supply shortfalls.

GPRS has served the power and renewable energy industries throughout our 23-year history. We provide subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services to keep you and your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPR differentiate between different objects embedded within concrete?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can usually differentiate between rebar, electrical conduit, post tension cables, rebar, and other objects that may be embedded within your concrete slab.

In addition to GPR, GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers can use electromagnetic (EM) locators to determine the location of conduits in the concrete. If we can transmit a signal onto the metal conduit, we can locate it with pinpoint accuracy. We can also find the conduit passively if a live electrical current runs through it.

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Officials are still trying to determine the identity of the contractor who struck a 30-inch water main while doing work in an Edison, New Jersey neighborhood August 13.

According to an article on the local NBC affiliate’s website, the break sent a geyser of water shooting up onto the roof of a house consisting of two single-family homes. The water damaged the roof on the right side of the residence, leading to the evacuation of the entire building. In a Facebook post, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said that no one was injured in the incident and nearby residents were not expected to have water flow disrupted due to the damaged line being separate from the residential distribution system.

Joshi added that his office is working to determine the identity of the contractor who caused the damage, and which company they were working for.

“The home obviously cannot be occupied,” Joshi said. “I’ve spoken to the resident, she said she was gonna find another place to [stay]. Again, no one was injured, but it took a couple of hours for the water main break to slow down because there were a lot of valves that had to be shut off.”

Middlesex Water Company, which owns and operates the main that was damaged, told the local ABC affiliate that the contractor who hit the water main was not working for them during the time of the incident. The company said it is reviewing the matter.

“Repairs are still continuing, and the road remains closed,” the water company said in a statement. “We anticipate having the road re-opened tomorrow mid-day and that the main will be returned to service by Friday mid-day.”

Elizabethtown Gas, which owns the gas lines in the area, said in a statement that the contractor who caused the damage was not working for them either.

“The Fire Department alerted Elizabethtown Gas about the incident last night and asked Elizabethtown Gas to shut off the gas to two houses for safety reasons,” the company said in a statement. “Elizabethtown Gas and our contractors did not have any crews working in Edison [on August 13], when the incident occurred. Our priority is always the safety of the customers and the communities we serve.”

Srujana Panda, a nearby resident, said the incident left them and their neighbors terrified.

“It was coming at a certain angle,” Panda told the ABC affiliate. “If it came at another angle, it could’ve hit any of these other houses.”

Frank Adinolfe, whose home is attached to the damaged house, said he raced outside when he heard the water gushing.

“I was afraid if I opened the door, we would see a lot of water,” Adinolfe said. “But no water at all, so we really lucked out. But my neighbor really got it next door to us.”

GPRS Services Help Prevent Utility Strikes

Whether it’s a 30-inch water main or a gas line, striking an underground utility while digging can endanger you, your team, and the surrounding community.

GPRS helps prevent utility strikes by mapping subsurface utilities for you prior to you breaking ground – so you know where you can and can’t safely dig.

Using state-of-the-art technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers, our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

But even our 99.8%+ accurate utility locating services can’t help you if you aren’t able to easily share that data with everyone working on site. That’s why GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets and people.

Compatible with your existing GIS platform and accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you, your team, and your subcontractors are all working off the same accurate data. With SiteMap^®, you can plan, design, manage, dig, and build better.

The best part: every GPRS client receives a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription with every utility locate we conduct.

GPRS SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo today!

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week Returns

GPRS aims to help municipalities, facility managers, and more enhance their water & wastewater infrastructure maintenance and protection planning. To that end, we are excited to announce that the second annual Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week will run October 21-25, 2024.

During your free WSDAW presentation, your team will learn:

• Why your infrastructure is more vulnerable to damage than ever before
• The risks to your systems’ equipment posed by improper/infrequent maintenance
• How routine water loss surveys, and proactive water, sewer, and stormwater system maintenance plans eliminate service interruptions and maintain your entity’s reputation
• How to keep non-revenue water (NRW) loss from hurting your community and your bottom line
• How to mitigate the risks of cross bores
• And more!

Click here to sign up for your free WSDAW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can GPRS find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Can GPRS locate a pipe in addition to evaluating its integrity?

Yes! Our SIM- and NASSCO-certified Project Managers use VPI technology equipped with sondes, which are instrument probes that allow them to ascertain the location of underground utilities from an inaccessible location. This allows them to use electromagnetic (EM) locating to map sewer systems while evaluating them for defects.

Whether reimagining what mixed-use developments or adaptive reuse can look like, utilizing outdoor spaces to enhance indoor experiences, or creating something new that honors the flavor of the neighborhood it inhabits, the 2024 Architecture & Interiors Award winners prove that beauty and function are never mutually exclusive.

A jury of three notable voices in design: Ben Crawford of Omniplan, Dallas, John Frane of HGA, Los Angeles, and Brooke Horan of HDR, New York, were moderated by Paul Makovsky as they selected an eclectic slate of honorees to represent “a diverse range of commercial architecture and interior design projects showcasing innovation and ingenuity in all its forms” for Architect Magazine.

There were 34 awards in all: 11 projects won Honors awards and another 23 received Merit awards. The projects spanned the globe from the Honor award for the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India to the mixed use project Die Macherie in Munich, Germany, from striking interior staircase Special Entry, FIXTURE Award honoree in New York City to the Theatre de Verdure in Montreal, and the astonishing use of indoor space by Honor award winner, the Neil Campbell Rowing Center, also in Canada (Ontario), the breadth and depth of talented architects, designers, engineers, and the developers and general contractors who executed their designs is apparent.

Below, you’ll find a quick overview of some of the winners and why they stood out among the thousands of new projects developed each year.

Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2: Biophilic Design

The fantastical sense of whimsy captured in Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s design for Terminal 2 at the airport in Bengaluru evokes “a calming oasis for travelers… as well as a nod to Bengaluru’s reputation as the ‘garden city,’” with its use of biophilic design, developed with landscape architect Grant Associates, that includes “massive living walls and meandering paths to gardens of hanging planters” and even indoor waterfalls that serve to cool temperatures while providing meditative focal points.

The central design element of cross-laid, engineered bamboo adorns ceilings, covers structural elements, and is even used to clad the two-story pavilions on the site, evoking traditional Indian cane.

The execution of the award-winning design was Rs 5,000 crore ($595.986 million USD) sustainable project, completed in 2023, with general contractor Larson & Toubro bringing it to reality. The terminal also won the Indian Green Building Council Platinum Certification and is the largest terminal in the world to receive pre-certification as LEED Platinum by the USGBC.

What Is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design provides the opportunity for people and nature to comingle in commercial spaces – bringing nature indoors, if you will – to promote looking beyond the human experience to focus on people’s place in the natural scheme of things.

Arts & Letters Creative Co.: Honoring the Past While Creating a Modern Space with Adaptive Reuse

When you are adapting a historic building, especially converting a manufacturing site into an open-plan, collaborative space, striking the perfect balance between old and new while providing the modern infrastructure, MEP features, and functional elements required for a modern business can be a very heavy lift. However, ARCHITECTUREFIRM, partnering with AFK Group, Engineering Solutions, and GC DPR Construction made the very difficult project look easy.

The design makes the most of the natural light by preserving the industrial window design and adding skylights, and the exterior honors the building’s past – as a Lucky Strike Tobacco power plant, dating to the 1930s. By incorporating exposed beams and ceiling fans, white walls, and light wood details, the designers made the most of the industrial brick walls and steel structural elements to create an inviting space that allows creative juices to flow.

The 20,400 s.f. adaptive reuse project was completed in 2021 with a final cost of $3,822800 and houses the creative firm, Arts & Letters Creative Co.’s 160-person team.

Die Macherie: A Mixed-Use Neighborhood Full of Surprises

Multiple architectural firms collaborated to create Europe’s first LEED-GOLD neighborhood that includes a 10-story hotel, coworking spaces, retail shops, restaurants & entertainment, and offices that completely transformed a barren industrial tract into a “vibrant, emotionally engaging community.”

The design brainchild of HWKN Architecture, OSA, m3 Architekten, and Holger Meyer Architektur broke ground in 2019 with Dibauco as the general contractor, hired to bring to life 18,580.6 square meters of mixed-use space. The cost is confidential, but with so much unique development over some 200,000 s.f., its completion in 2022 had to have cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The buildings share some common themes, like the brickwork exteriors that pay tribute to Munich’s brick-making past. Each structure has its own unique personality; none more so than the Scandic Munchen Macherie hotel that towers above the neighborhood layout that includes three “pedestrian canyons” clad in orange brick. The hotel’s façade feels like the building itself is in mid-motion, like a Rubic’s Cube that’s about to click into place at any second.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The certification levels provide the most globally recognized rating system for green construction with over 197,000 projects throughout 186 countries and territories, and more than 29 billion square feet of buildings.

A LEED certification is a “globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.”

There are four LEED certification levels: from Certified (green), through Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These levels are earned by adhering to strict sustainable construction standards that factor in carbon footprint, energy, water use, waste, and transportation, among others. A project can be LEED certified in almost any sector:

• Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
• Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
• Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
• Neighborhood Development (ND)
• Homes
• Cities

Each of the 34 winners has a unique perspective on architecture and design, with many integrating structural design, interior design, and landscape design and engineering to create a seamless, holistic space.

You can view the full slate of winners, here.

The massive collaborative effort required to develop and realize such complex builds is testament to the individual talents of the architects, engineers, designers, and contractors involved, and also to the obvious emphasis put on pre-planning. Because without an intricate and precise pre-construction plan, that includes clash detection, exacting existing conditions documentation, and construction progress capture, any of these award-winning projects could have failed.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers throughout the U.S. What can we help you visualize?

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