Business View Magazine | February 2019

to secure reasonable funding for capital projects and/or to win public support for these necessary efforts.” The question on everyone’s mind should be: Is there a way we can rehabilitate existing systems and install new systems that is economically feasi- ble as well as environmentally sensitive and social- ly responsible? The answer is clearly“Yes,” and the technique that owners should consider is trench- less technology. By definition, trenchless technol- ogy is a progressive, civil engineering process for the installation, replacement, or renewal of under- ground utilities with no or minimal excavation and surface disruption.These innovative methods have been used successfully for all underground utilities including water mains, storm and sanitary sew- ers and gas mains, along with electrical and fiber optics conduits. The social and environmental benefits of trench- less technology are noticeable when employed in urban areas.These substantial benefits include dramatically reduced disruption to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, business activities, residential areas, and environmentally sensitive areas. Recent advancements in robotics have allowed trenchless technologies to provide pipe condition diagnostics never before available, permitting utility owners to more accurately identify infrastructure priorities. In most cases, trenchless techniques will also dem- 203 AT A GLANCE NORTH AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY WHAT: A non-profit organization promoting the interests of trenchless technology WHERE: Cleveland, Ohio WEBSITE: www.nastt.org