Several years ago, an article was featured that reviewed the U.S. Green Building Council?s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program as a tool to encourage environmentally compatible elements in buildings, including improved energy and water efficiencies.

The National Clay Pipe Institute (NCPI) was recently called upon to aid the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) of Southern California in an investigation into possible causes of an unknown material building up in some of its gravity sewer lines.

Construction spending fell for the sixth straight month in May, touching an 11-year low, as shrinking public outlays and residential construction swamped a rise in private nonresidential work, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.

Leadership was the theme of this year?s American Water Works Association?s Annual Conference and Exposition held in Washington, D.C., June 12-16. Thousands of water professionals from around the world gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to take part in educational sessions and view exhibitor products and services.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Carey Lykins, President & CEO of Citizens Energy Group, praised the July 13 approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) of the transfer of the community?s water and wastewater utilities to Citizens.

America?s infrastructure investments ? levels of which have long trailed behind those of Asia and Europe ? will be further stifled this year by pressures to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit, compelling cities to be evermore creative and resourceful in securing partnerships to start or continue infrastructure projects, according to Infrastructure 2011: A Strategic Priority.

Speaking before the Citi Climate Change and Water Conference recently in London, Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said that the water-energy nexus will play a large role in future of the company with respect to environmental and business opportunities.

Pure Technologies Ltd. announced June 13 that it has purchased the business and assets of Electromechanical Technologies Inc. (EMTEK), a Salt Lake City-based developer of advanced pipeline inspection technologies.

Garney Companies Inc. has been awarded more than $375 million in contracts to improve Colorado?s water infrastructure, the company announced recently. Two projects were awarded independently by the Denver Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Colorado Springs Utilities.

CDM and Wilbur Smith Associates (WSA) announced the acquisition of WSA by CDM. The combined organization expands both firms? global, full-service capabilities in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities.