Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is used to directly install pipelines underground by avoiding the need to dig trenches. This method is widely used to install infrastructure under sensitive areas like waterways, wetlands, and roads. HDD is used to install a range of infrastructure such as telecom cable and fiber optic line installation, to water, sewage or natural gas pipes.
With Pennsylvania’s infrastructure development, this method has been broadly utilized across the state – driven by its efficient and safe function. A significant portion of this development comes thanks to natural gas. However, more infrastructure is needed to expand energy connectivity across the state and to tap into the wealth of resources in the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays.
According to a recent piece by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Pennsylvania is in great shape to benefit from the thriving energy economy thanks to natural gas. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is inadequately prepared to do this without increased pipeline infrastructure development. It is not enough to have the energy resources if we cannot transport those resources to where they are needed in a manner that is efficient and safe for local communities.”