When it comes to pipeline installation, traditional methods often face challenges related to environmental impact, labor costs, and material durability. However, opting for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) presents advantages that address these concerns. HDD allows for the placement of new pipes underground with minimal damage to the surrounding area, leading to a more streamlined installation process. By reducing soil displacement and minimizing the disturbed area, HDD not only saves time but also cuts down overall labor costs. With less soil to replace, teams can focus on completing the job efficiently, avoiding unnecessary tasks that often prolong the project timeline.
Installing pipelines under rivers and roads poses challenges due to the potential for disruption and the need for extensive permits and planning. Deeper installations facilitated by HDD simplify this process by allowing utility services to be laid beneath these obstacles with minimal surface disruption. Jeremy Herman, Field Operations Manager, says “a benefit of HDD is there is less disturbance of the surrounding area. In environmentally sensitive areas, the impacts of construction can be profound; therefore, HDD’s ability to minimize ecosystem disturbance helps protect wildlife habitats and reduces the likelihood of soil erosion, ensuring compliance with regulations and building public trust.”
HDD provides a protective advantage for utilities by reducing their exposure to environmental elements, which leads to less wear and tear over time. This not only prolongs the lifespan of the pipes but also decreases the frequency and cost of repairs and maintenance. If you think of how many times ice and wind have caused power outages over the last few winters, it makes sense to start putting those utilities underground where there is less of a chance for the elements to play a role. This process not only improves sight lines within the community but is a way to minimize downtime for crucial electrical services.
As industries continue to innovate and prioritize sustainable practices, the trend toward HDD installations is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pipeline projects, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Vision of S&S Directional Boring
Our companies are committed to excellence in our respective industries, guided by our core philosophy of being DRIVEN. Each letter in this acronym represents essential qualities we seek in our employees: Dedication, Respect, Integrity, Vision, Excellence, and Nobility. These guiding principles not only distinguish us within the industry but also are the leading factors to our success. Together, our commitment to being DRIVEN, paired with unwavering faith in our mission, forms the foundation of our organizations.
The employees of S&S are dedicated to the company’s success whether they are on a job site, attending a convention, or doing other things for the company’s benefit. During 2024, crews worked on many jobsites and other employees attended a variety of job conventions, showcasing the company and its abilities to future contractors.
A goal of S&S is to leave our worksites better than how we found them. Using our methods of directional boring, we can respect the environment and be less destructive than other methods. It is also non-negotiable that each employee has respect for one another.
Integrity is the third core value that is vital to the success of the company. As Dustin puts it, “what you do when no one’s looking matters.” Our company’s image and reputation are shaped by the dedication of our hardworking team members.
It is vital for a company’s success to set goals to strive for each year. That is where the fourth core value, vision, comes into play. Creating a vision board is a way for the company as well as its employees to gain a sense of direction for the year.
Our company strives to be excellent, and the employees do as well. Excellence isn’t something that is achievable, but it is something to strive for. Do you continue to try to do something better than you did before? Is there something we should be doing to improve our product or process?
S&S wouldn’t be what it is today without the hard work and dedication put forward by Dustin and Tod Schlachter. Their nobility and perseverance are the reason for the company’s success over the past 26 years. Both Dustin and Tod have always pushed themselves to become better leaders, and that trickles down through the company to all of the employees.