As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, employees of Empire Group eagerly gear up for one of the highlights of the season: the Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic. This beloved tradition brings together staff and their families for a day filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. This year’s event was held on Saturday, October 12th at the picturesque farm of Todd and Karen O’Neill, and truly captured the essence of camaraderie and enjoyment making it a memorable outing for all involved.

In the modern world, it's easy to take the utilities industry for granted. Yet, behind the scenes, there lies a complex network fraught with dangers that often go unnoticed by the average consumer. From electrical hazards to environmental risks, the utilities sector presents a myriad of challenges that demand attention and action. Let’s take a look at the top four jobsite risks and hazards in the utilities industry.

It's hard to believe that spring is here! DVUC completed a variety of utility projects this winter in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Each one required a strategic solution to achieve successful results. Let’s take a look at some project highlights from our New Jersey team. Installing an Electric Service Our skilled technicians can take care of any pipe or cable installation quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. We recently installed a new electric service in a rural development. Our crew utilized F5 locating equipment to ensure accuracy and the horizontal directional drill to bore a path to the determined location.

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of 2023! We are grateful for another great year. There have been many projects we have been involved in, and we are proud of the services we have provided to our customers. Below are some project highlights from this year.

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) has gained popularity across many industries allowing greater durability and accuracy. Costs are reduced since there is no need for large crews, road closures, multiple machines, and restoration. HDD offers the flexibility needed for today’s utility projects, especially when pipes must be run under a driveway, road, culvert, sidewalk, river or wetlands. We recently installed a sanitary force main for a new apartment complex in Manchester, New Jersey, where the pipe ran along the shoulder of a road.

DVUC provided horizontal directional drilling service to connect an HDPE pipe to an existing manhole as part of a home renovation.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) has revolutionized the way underground utility installations and other drilling projects are carried out. As technology continues to advance, the future of HDD holds great promise for increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced project outcomes. Let’s take a look at the top four emerging trends and developments shaping the future of HDD. Increased Automation: One of the significant trends in HDD is the growing integration of automation technology into drilling operations. Automated steering systems, using real-time data and advanced algorithms, allow for more precise control and guidance of the drill head during the drilling process. This automation not only improves accuracy but also reduces the need for constant manual intervention, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Enhanced Drilling Fluids: Drilling fluids, also known as drilling mud, play a crucial role in HDD projects by lubricating the drill string, carrying cuttings to the surface, and stabilizing the borehole. The future of HDD includes the development of enhanced drilling fluids with improved environmental properties. These fluids will be designed to minimize their ecological impact while maintaining their effectiveness in providing stability, cooling, and lubrication during drilling. Advancements in Drilling Rig Technology: Drilling rigs are at the heart of HDD operations, and technological advancements in this area are set to reshape the future of HDD. Future drilling rigs will likely incorporate more advanced telemetry systems, allowing real-time monitoring and control of drilling parameters. Additionally, compact and lightweight rigs equipped with improved power efficiency will provide easier access to confined spaces and reduce overall project costs. Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics: As connectivity continues to improve, remote monitoring and diagnostics will become more prevalent in the HDD industry. This technology enables project managers and technicians to remotely access and analyze critical data from the drilling site, providing valuable insights into drilling performance, equipment health, and operational efficiency. This real-time monitoring capability allows for proactive maintenance, timely troubleshooting, and data-driven decision-making. As the HDD industry continues to evolve, embracing these emerging trends and developments will lead to more sustainable and successful drilling projects. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, HDD professionals can seize the opportunities presented by the future of HDD and unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation in underground drilling operations. At DVUC, our experienced technicians utilize this trenchless method to provide smooth installations. Contact us today to learn more!

No matter the size of the school, the sanitary force main system plays a vital role in ensuring waste and wastewater are transported to a wastewater treatment plant without the threat of backing up or leaking. Where gravity helps move the waste and wastewater through the pipes to a wastewater treatment plant, a force main utilizes a pump station to pump or force waste through the pipes because of the low elevation. And when there is a change, whether it’s an increase in students or a new building, this is when an upgraded force main is needed. DVUC recently had the opportunity to provide this vital utility service to the Solebury School in Bucks County, PA. The project began with our crew setting up their horizontal directional drill installation on the beautiful campus. Below are the rest of the steps that completed the installation.

Now that construction projects have picked up from last year, the threat of equipment theft is even higher. When equipment is stolen, it not only affects you, but it also affects your customer. The project will be delayed, and you have take money out of your pocket to replace what was stolen. Equipment theft, from stealing generators to excavators, amounts to around $1 billion dollars annually in terms of direct and indirect costs. To help safeguard your equipment, here are the top five tips on keeping equipment where it belongs. 1. Go Low Tech – When we say low tech, we mean the things you can do that do not cost a lot of money. Keeping your job site well-lit is a good theft deterrent. Thieves look for dark areas on a site to move around in as well as for maneuvering the equipment. Adding a fence is another way to protect your site. You want to make sure there is no easy access to your site during off-hours. 2. Put Up a Virtual Barrier – Geofencing has become popular for protecting equipment. It’s software that creates a virtual fence around your site. It can alert you via your smartphone when your equipment or materials have entered or exited the job site. 3. Provide a Job Site Box – If applicable, tools should be locked up in a safe and secure place. A job site storage box is a valuable solution. 4. Keep Records – It’s important to document all your equipment not only inventory purposes, but also for insurance requirements. There should be a record for each piece, which includes the make, model, serial number, PIN, purchase date, and production date. It’s also important to take pictures of your equipment. It’s another way to prove ownership if any of the numbers are unreadable. 5. Register Your Equipment – Along with documenting your equipment, you should also register it (e.g., National Equipment Register ). The register can aid law enforcement in the recovery and returning of the stolen items. While using these tactics won’t guarantee your equipment won’t be stolen; they will, however, be strong deterrents to thieves targeting your job site. At DVUC, we utilize measures to help keep our equipment secure on each site. When you employ DVUC, you can count on a safe and secure job site!