Join us for an educational luncheon on problems associated with artesian pressures, cobbles/boulders, abrasive soil/bedrock, coal mines, gravel pits, excessive settlement/ground loss, mixed face conditions, high groundwater, and other relevant issues.
Over 40 Years of Navigating Geotechnical Challenges in Trenchless Crossings Trenchless crossings are an efficient and effective means of crossing unstable terrain, watercourses, environmentally sensitive areas or areas of congestion and urban development. While trenchless technologies have improved dramatically over the last decades, they can still be adversely affected by ground conditions that are either not properly investigated or inadequately understood. New trenchless methods, such as drill-intercept (HDD) and Direct Pipe, have enabled crossings to be considered in ground conditions that would have previously been deemed not feasible. This talk will highlight Bob Saunders’ experiences with some of the challenges posed by geotechnical conditions with various types of trenchless crossing methods. He will address specific problems associated with artesian pressures, cobbles/boulders, abrasive soil/bedrock, coal mines, gravel pits, excessive settlement/ground loss, mixed face conditions, high groundwater, and other relevant issues.
Presenter: Robert (Bob) Saunders, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Bob Saunders is an associate and geotechnical Engineer with Thurber. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Calgary (1981) and a master’s in geotechnical engineering from the University of Alberta (1989). Bob has over 40 years of experience with civil engineering projects in Western and Northern Canada, primarily focusing on pipelines and geohazards. His early experience was with the Foothills gas pipeline project in the Yukon. He has specialized in trenchless construction, with his first HDD being completed in 1990, and has assessed hundreds of trenchless crossings of landslides, watercourses, and civil infrastructure since then.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – If you are an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $20 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. If you are NOT an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $40 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. Checkout will show a $0 balance, but this is simply because the payment is differed.
Join us for an educational luncheon on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Applications in Condition Assessment and Asset Management of Collection Systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming water and wastewater utilities by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This presentation explores how AI technologies can improve condition assessment activities, enable proactive maintenance, and reduce costs. AI-driven commercially available applications will be presented and illustrated using case studies.
Presenter: Erez Allouche, Ph.D., P.Eng. | Trenchless Technology and Innovation Leader | Stantec
Dr. Erez Allouche has devoted much of the past three decades to research and practice in the field of underground infrastructure. His work focuses on the development of new condition assessment technologies and the design and analysis models for underground construction using trenchless methods. He specializes in the design of complex Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and microtunneling crossings, and to date, has completed the design and/or construction oversight of more than 160 such crossings around the world. These installations have included crossing of major highways, railways and rivers. His design experience also covers crossings utilizing other trenchless methods such as Direct Pipe™, pipe jacking, auger boring, pipe ramming, down-the-hole hammer and horizontal direct bores. Prior to joining Stantec, Erez was a Professor of Civil Engineering at Louisiana Tech University and the Director of the Trenchless Technology Center. He is the inventor/co-inventor of 17 patents in the area of trenchless technologies, and the author/co-author of more than 260 publications in the areas of buried infrastructure management and pipeline installation using trenchless techniques. Erez is a former member of NASTT’s Board of Directors.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – If you are an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $20 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. If you are NOT an active member of NASTT, you will be asked to pay the deferred $40 attendance fee at the door of this event using cash or check. Checkout will show a $0 balance, but this is simply because the payment is deferred.
To kick-off the 2025-26 season of NASTT events in Edmonton, the Edmonton Section is hosting a free BBQ over lunch at the Crossing Company yard in Nisku. The yard will have varied microtunneling, direct steerable pipe thrusting (DSPT)/Direct PipeTM, auger boring, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment and tooling on site for attendees to see up close with the Crossing Company staff available for any questions attendees may have.
There will be opportunity to tour the yard, or to just enjoy the free BBQ and spending some informal time with other people in the trenchless industry!
Must bring a hard hat, reflective vest, and CSA Grade 1 or 2 protective footwear.
Free parking will be available.
The Rocky Mountain Chapter of NASTT is teaming up with NUCA of Colorado for this year’s Annual Clay Shoot! This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with trenchless and utility construction professionals from across the region while enjoying a fun, competitive day on the range.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or brand new to the sport, this is a great chance to network with industry peers, build stronger relationships, and support both organizations as we continue to strengthen our community of professionals.
Event Schedule
What’s Included
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10 stations • 100 sporting clays per shooter
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Shells, breakfast & lunch, beverages
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Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place teams
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Door prizes with favorites like: Traeger Grill, YETI Cooler, Cash, Shotgun, Solo Stove, Spirit Wagon, Dinner for Two & more
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Extra door prize tickets: 1 for $25 or 5 for $100
Rental guns are available directly through Kiowa Creek—please contact them to reserve.
Registration
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$1,200 Member Squad (4 shooters)
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$1,700 Non-Member Squad (4 shooters)
Early Bird: 10% off through Friday, September 12
Please complete your waiver/release form in advance to speed up check-in.
Northeast Chapter is currently accepting abstracts through Semptember 15, 2025:
Submit Here!
Join us for the 2025 Northeast Regional Chapter Trenchless Conference at the Sheraton Nashua in Nashua, NH on November 10-11, 2025! This trenchless conference will be filled with technical demonstrations and presentations on trenchless technology applications for water, sewer, stormwater, gas and power transmission. Planning, condition assessment, risk-based engineering & construction for trenchless projects and more.
Monday, November 10 | Network with trenchless peers at our Opening Reception in the Sheraton Lobby from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Tuesday, November 11 | A full day of technical sessions, live demonstrations, education, and networking opportunities.
Key Highlights Include:
– Latest Trenchless Technologies & Methods
– Inspection, Leak Detection, and Asset Management Strategies
– Rehabilitation Techniques and Best Practices
– Regulatory Frameworks and Upcoming Standards
– Case Studies from Local and Regional Projects
– Opportunities to Network with Industry Leaders
Who Should Attend:
This event welcomes NASTT members, non-members, owners/municipalities, students and all trenchless technology enthusiasts interested in gaining insight, fostering connections, and advancing their work through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of trenchless technology. Join industry experts, network with peers, and gain invaluable insights that will propel your work forward.
