In preparation for the upcoming PE Showcase in Dallas, Texas, December 1st – 3rd, we are seeking nominations for the Municipal Leadership Awards.
The Municipal Leadership Awards recognize outstanding individuals, utilities, projects and organizations that have embraced HDPE pipe as a solution for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. The program celebrates leadership, innovation and achievement while recognizing those who are helping advance the use and understanding of HDPE pipe systems. Join us at PE Showcase 2026. Register at pe-showcase.org. For additional information, contact Peter Dyke at pdyke@pepipe.org.
We encourage you to submit your own projects as well as those of your customers, clients, contractors and end users. Please also share this call for nominations with colleagues, municipal contacts, engineers and field personnel. Help us recognize the people and projects making a meaningful difference in our industry.
- Creative Trenchless Installation – Recognizes the most consequential trenchless HDPE installation of the year, including HDD, pipe bursting, compression fit or sliplining projects.
- Innovative PE Solutions – Recognizes a completed HDPE project that demonstrates exceptional innovation in design, installation, problem-solving or application.
- First Time User – Recognizes a municipal entity that has successfully completed its first significant HDPE pipe project.
- Dedicated User – Recognizes a municipal entity for its continued and dedicated use of HDPE pipe as an important part of its infrastructure program.
- Environmental Sustainability – Recognizes an HDPE project that demonstrates environmental stewardship through its design, installation or long-term performance while minimizing impacts on the surrounding environment.
- National Government Leadership – Recognizes a federal or state government agency for leadership demonstrated through a significant HDPE project, program or series of projects.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Recognizes an individual whose career, work, leadership and influence have made a lasting contribution to the HDPE industry, the municipal water market and, in particular, the Alliance for PE Pipe.
- Significant Contributor Award – Recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement, education or adoption of HDPE pipe through their professional work, leadership or service to the industry.
- Scoby Award – Recognizes a municipal staff member or civil engineer who advances the cause of better utility management through the thoughtful specification and use of HDPE pipe systems.
- Golden Heater Award – Recognizes the well-trained field technician whose skill, professionalism and dedication to proper fusion help ensure successful HDPE water and wastewater installations.
- Advocate Award – Recognizes an engineer, owner or contractor who is willing to speak publicly and share their experience about the advantages and successful use of HDPE pipe.
- Influencer Award – Recognizes an individual who maintains an influential social media presence and consistently advances awareness and understanding of HDPE pipe through project stories, photographs, case studies and other industry content.
Please Specify the organization(s) that should appear on the award. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 24th, 5:00 PM EST.
NEW FOR 2026
The Alliance is pleased to offer three new categories of awards this year to recognize more people who are making a difference in our fantastic industry.
Golden Heater Award – Recognizes the well-trained field technician whose skill, professionalism and dedication to proper fusion help ensure successful HDPE water and wastewater installations.
Advocate Award – Recognizes an engineer, owner or contractor who is willing to speak publicly and share their experience about the advantages and successful use of HDPE pipe.
Influencer Award – Recognizes an individual who maintains an influential social media presence and consistently advances awareness and understanding of HDPE pipe through project stories, photographs, case studies and other industry content.
Know anyone who is deserving? Drop us a note and we will help you submit an application!
Please Specify the organization(s) that should appear on the award. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 24th, 5:00 PM EST.
For further information and submission, go to: pepipe.org/municipal-leadership-award-program
2025 Municipal Leadership Award Winners
Creative Trenchless Installation
Dare County Emergency Transmission Line Replacement
Dare County, North Carolina
30″ IPS DR 9 | 5,200 FT | HDD
Presented to Consolidated Pipe & Supply
Submitted by Roy Hardee
Dare County replaced a deteriorating 24 inch cast iron transmission main that supplies the Outer Banks. With peak season approaching, crews installed a new 30 inch DR9 HDPE main by HDD. Consolidated Pipe supplied materials, with North Country Directional Drilling and Appalachian Pipeline Contractors completing the work.
All 5,200 feet were fused into a single string and maneuvered under a bridge and over a roadway, enabling a seamless pull and meeting an aggressive schedule. The new line was placed into service in May, restoring reliability ahead of summer demand.
Contractor: North Country Directional Drilling / Appalachian Pipeline Contractors
Distributor: Consolidated Pipe and Supply
Owner: Dare County NC
Creative Trenchless Installation
2100 Sewer Upsize and Renewal
Salt Lake City, UT
15″ and 18″ DIPS DR 17 | 4,100 LF | Pipe Bursting
Presented to Murphy Pipeline Contractors
Submitted by: Bill Fussner
Salt Lake City renewed and upsized a 12 inch clay gravity sewer using pipe bursting instead of open cut. Through value engineering with the City and prime contractor, Murphy Pipeline converted major open cut segments to trenchless installation, including more than 2,700 feet of 15 inch and 2,800 feet of 18 inch HDPE.
The trenchless approach minimized disruption in a high traffic urban corridor, preserved medians and trees, and reduced the contract cost by $1.8 million. It also shortened the schedule by 30 days. Work included complex traffic control, coordinated bypass pumping and close communication with nearby schools and businesses.
Owner: Salt Lake City Public Utilities
Contractor: Murphy Pipeline Contractors
Engineer: Bowen Collins
Distributor: ISCO Industries
Creative Trenchless Installation
South Area Water System Upgrades
Shemya Island, Alaska
3”, 4”, 10”, 16” DIPS DR 9 | 20,00 LF | Pipe Bursting and Open Cut
Presented to ISCO-AHMcElroy
Submitted by: Jeff Lore
The United States Air Force is upgrading water and sewer systems at Eareckson Air Station, replacing aging AC, ductile iron, galvanized and early HDPE with new DR9 HDPE. Brice Environmental Services is installing 20,000 feet of pipe using both pipe bursting and open cut, with materials supplied by ISCO and manufactured by WL Plastics.
Custom spools, in-ditch fusion and restrained joints helped crews manage unknown utilities and challenging island soils. The upgraded system increases capacity, meets fire protection needs and provides long term reliability for the remote base.
Owner: United States Air Force
Contractor: Brice Environmental Services Corporation
HDPE Manufacturer: WL Plastics
Distributor: ISCO-AHMcElroy
Creative Trenchless Installation
Gold Coast Seaway
Queensland, Australia
1200 mm (48″) SDR 11 | 900 m | HDD
Presented to GEM Industrial Services
Submitted by: Darren Chandler
The City of Gold Coast installed a 1200 mm recycled water pipeline beneath waterways and riverbeds to avoid disruption to major beaches and tourist areas. GEM Industrial fused and pulled 900 meters of SDR 11 HDPE under the Nerang River using HDD, with pipe manufactured and supplied by Iplex.
Crews completed 75 fusions with a MegaMc 1600 at The Spit, managing a busy public beach environment through careful staging and daily site adjustments. The project is part of the city’s long term recycled water plan and supports future population growth.
Owner: City of the Gold Coast
Contractor: GEM Industrial
Engineer: John Holland Group
Innovative PE Solutions
Waterbury, CT 42″ Transmission Main Rehabilitation
Waterbury, Connecticut
42″ IPS DR 11 | 8,125 LF | CompressionFit
Presented to Murphy Pipeline Contractors
Submitted by: Marissa Maring
The Waterbury Bureau of Water is renewing a critical 42 inch PCCP transmission main that supplies more than 110,000 residents. Open cut replacement was not feasible, so CompressionFit HDPE was selected to provide a fully structural, leak tight renewal while preserving hydraulic capacity.
This installation is the first DR11 CompressionFit project in the world. Crews are completing downhole fusion, engineered pull pits and bypass systems, with pull forces exceeding 200 tons through narrow streets, traffic corridors and dense utilities.
The project delivers a durable and cost effective trenchless solution and sets a new benchmark for large diameter rehabilitation. This lead came from a 2022 webinar.
Owner: Waterbury Bureau of Water
Contractor: Murphy Pipeline Contractors
Engineer: Tighe & Bond
Distributor: ISCO Industries
Innovative PE Solutions
SAWS Ruby Crossing
San Antonio, Texas
20″ DIPS DR 11 | 9,000 LF | Open Cut and Bore Installation
Presented to Milford a Winsupply Company
Submitted by: Erik Elizondo
San Antonio Water System is installing 9,000 feet of 20 inch DR11 HDPE for a new force main at Ruby Crossing. Fusion work is being completed by Pesado Construction and Milford Fusion Techs using a Tritan 560 and a TracStar 630i.
About 45 percent of fusions were completed with the Tritan. Its ability to perform in-ditch fusions in narrow excavations reduced excavation needs and saved both time and cost, especially where another active line limited available space.
This project demonstrates how HDPE and the right fusion equipment improve efficiency, safety and overall project performance.
Owner: San Antonio Water System
Contractor: Pesado Construction / Milford Fusion Techs
Engineer: Cude Engineering
HDPE Manufacturer: Pipeline Plastics
Distributor: Milford a Winsupply Company
Innovative PE Solutions
Dominion Wind Farm
Coastal Virginia
36″, 42″, 48″ IPS | 20,000 LF | HDD and Slip Lining
Presented to ISCO Industries
Submitted by: David Osborne
Dominion Energy is building the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project using extensive HDD and slip lining to connect offshore turbines to shore. Michels Pipeline installed steel conduit through nine HDD shore approaches, followed by slip lining of 36” HDPE supplied by ISCO and manufactured by WL Plastics.
Additional HDDs under Lake Rudee and Lake Christine installed 48” and 42” HDPE carrier pipes to house electrical conduits. Three MegaMc 1648 units supported continuous fusion for the large diameter system. This project demonstrates the scale and reliability of HDPE conduit systems for major renewable energy infrastructure.
Owner: Dominion Energy
Contractor: Michels Construction
HDPE Manufacturer: WL Plastics
Distributor: ISCO
Innovative PE Solutions
Bonnybrook Siphon Bypass
Calgary, Alberta
24″ IPS DR 11 | 8,300 FT (Dual 4,150 FT) | Trenchless
The City of Calgary installed an emergency sanitary bypass to replace a failing 36” steel siphon. LBCO constructed dual 24” DR11 HDPE lines through an urban and environmentally sensitive corridor (Bow River) with Sandale supplying materials, fusion equipment and on-site support.
Crews fused 8,300’ of HDPE in 30 days, including more than 20 bends and multiple large fittings, while adjusting the route, crossing a bridge and working along the riverbank. The system was activated 65 days after kickoff and handled a major rain event immediately, proving the strength of the design and HDPE solution.
Owner: City of Calgary
Contractor: LBCO
Engineer: Associated Engineering
HDPE Manufacturer: Infra
Distributor: Sandale Calgary
Innovative PE Solutions
RC Harris WWTP Zebra Mussel Control
Toronto, Ontario
24″ IPS DR 9 | 110 mm DR 11 | 36,000 FT | Float, Sink and Pull Through
The City of Toronto is upgrading zebra mussel control at the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant with new HDPE casing and chlorination lines. Alberici fused, floated and sunk 24” DR9 HDPE on Lake Ontario, with Sandale providing materials, fusion equipment and support.
Four abrasion resistant chlorination pipes will be installed inside the casing to improve long term durability. The upgraded system supports new lake monitoring technology and enhances protection of the plant’s raw water intake.
Owner: City of Toronto
Contractor: Alberici
Engineer: RVA
Distributor: Sandale Utility Products
First Time User
Wickson Creek Transmission Line
Brazos County, Texas
34″ HDPE | 9 Miles | Open Cut
Presented to ISCO Industries
Submitted by: Ryan Ruiz
Wickson Creek SUD selected HDPE for the first time for a new transmission line project, prioritizing constructibility, schedule certainty and long term system reliability.
The project includes approximately 9 miles of 34 inch HDPE installed via open cut by Texas KB Utilities. HDPE was selected to streamline construction, reduce delays and maintain cost control over a long alignment.
ISCO Industries, Inc. supported the installation through fusion training, technician certification and field assistance, helping the project team successfully implement HDPE on its first application. The project demonstrates how HDPE can be effectively adopted by first time users to improve efficiency and confidence in large diameter transmission work.
Owner: Wickson Creek SUD
Contractor: Texas KB Utilities
Engineer: STV
Distributor: Pipeline Plastics
Environmental Sustainability
Grover’s Hill Irrigation District Canal Pipeline Replacement
St. Johns, Arizona
48″ IPS DR 32.5 | 29,000 FT | Open Trench
Presented to Core & Main
Submitted by: Darin Predmore
GHID replaced a deteriorated concrete-lined open ditch with 48” DR 32.5 HDPE to improve water delivery, reduce losses and lower long term maintenance costs. E.W. Parker installed 29,000’ of pipe by open trench, supported by C&M’s technical guidance and equipment. Lead source PEA seminar.
The sealed HDPE pipeline eliminates evaporation, seepage and vegetation intrusion, while providing a smoother interior surface for improved flow. Installation averaged more than 900’ per day, ahead of engineering estimates. Field electrofusion saddles replaced old sluice gates, improving measurement accuracy and saving an estimated 400 acre-feet of water per year.
Owner: Grover Hill Irrigation District
Contractor: E.W. Parker
Engineer: Robert Toy, PE
Distributor: Core & Main
Environmental Sustainability
Sicard Flat Pipeline Upgrade Project
Browns Valley, California
8-48” | 9.6 Miles | Canal Conversion
Presented to Core & Main
Submitted by: Richard Eoff
Replacing the leaky Sicard Flat Ditch with a closed pipeline system will conserve approximately 2,880 AF of irrigation water each year, equivalent to six percent of the usable storage capacity of Collins Lake, the reservoir from which BVID draws the supply for this system.
These water savings are significant for the Browns Valley Irrigation District (“BVID”) because its water supplies are susceptible to drought due to the relatively small size of the reservoir and the fact that it is entirely dependent on rainfall.
Owner: Browns Valley Irrigation District
Contractor: In-house
Engineer: In-house
Distributor/ Fusions: Core & Main
Lifetime Achievement
Municipal Leadership
“On the Road and on the Phone”
In recognition of a lifetime of achievement in the HDPE pipe world, The PE Alliance bestows the Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard Kolasa. He has devoted over 40 years of his life to the industry as a resin designer, pipe manufacturer and technical expert to help grow and make the industry the best practice in pipeline design and quality.
Recognized in both the US and Canada as one of the most innovative thinkers and problem solvers in the industry, Richard has shared his extensive knowledge and experience with all levels of the industry including end users, pipe sales people, design engineers, standards organizations, PPI and the PE Alliance. In particular, Richard’s support of the Alliance mission has helped it make a significant difference in municipal water and wastewater projects.
Significant Contributor
Stephen Boros
Stephen Boros (Pipeline Plastics) is Vice-President of Engineering for Pipeline Plastics. He has 30 year’s experience in the plastic piping industry, having worked in polyethylene pipe resin development and formulation, as well as pipe and fittings manufacturing. He is a former Technical Director of the Plastics Pipe Institute. He has also served on PPI’s Hydrostatic Stress Board, the AWWA 263 Committee, the US Technical Advisory Group for ISO TC 138 on Plastic Piping among other standards and code committees. Stephen regularly volunteers his time in helping the PE Alliance build the market share in municipal water. Contact: sboros@pipe.us
Significant Contributor
Ron Zachau
Ron Zachau (Strongbridge International) started his HDPE career in the 1980s as a McElroy fusion equipment repair technician for Crow Company, a six-person Tucson business owned by Jack and Mary Madore. Over the years, he helped grow the company before its acquisition by Ferguson Enterprises. That opportunity launched a career that took him across the U.S. and around the world, including India, Japan, Scotland, Mexico, Canada and Australia, where he spent four years working on the QCLNG project—all in HDPE. Ron has been incredibly supportive of the PE Alliance through his truck duty, demonstrations and all around great attitude. Contact: rzachau@strongbridge.us
