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Hinterland Group Inc. Updated August 04, 2026

Case Study: FPUA Force Main Installation and Restoration

Executive Summary

Hinterland Group Inc. completed a significant force main pipeline installation and site restoration project for Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) in Florida. The project encompassed installation of 3,700 linear feet of new force main, including 39 new service connections, and required stringent standards in pipe installation, environmental protection, and site restoration. Hinterland Group, a leader in municipal utility infrastructure and trenchless rehabilitation in Florida and the southeastern US, utilized its full in-house capabilities to deliver a comprehensive solution from excavation through final restoration, meeting all client/service authority expectations.

Project Details

Client: Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA)

  • Location: Fort Pierce, Florida

  • Utility Type: Municipal water and wastewater utility

  • Project Scope: Installation and repair of miscellaneous water and wastewater underground utilities, including force main pipework, maintenance of traffic, full restoration services, and all associated appurtenances and site work.

Hinterland Group’s Role

  • Furnish all labor, materials, and equipment for the new force main installation

  • Perform excavation, trenching, pipe laying, connection of services, hydrostatic testing, and system tie-in

  • Maintain traffic control and ensure minimum disruption to public services

  • Provide complete site restoration (excavation backfill, pavement/roadway/sidewalk, landscape)

  • Ensure environmental compliance and safety at every stage

Notable Project Metrics

  • 3,700 linear feet of force main installed

  • 39 new services completed

  • Project delivery: On time and in compliance with FPUA standards

Source: FPUA FM Project Portfolio Item

Key Features & Services Provided

Force Main Installation

  • New pipe installation (material/specification according to FPUA requirements)

  • Open trench methods with proper shoring where needed

  • Bypass pumping and flow management to allow uninterrupted utility service

  • Pressure/leak testing (hydrostatic) per standards

Utility Services and Tie-Ins

  • New service connection of 39 individual properties or utility users

  • Pressure connections and/or cut-ins for system integration

  • Installation of required appurtenances (valves, fittings, clean-outs)

Traffic and Environmental Management

  • Maintenance of traffic (MOT) for work in or near roadways

  • Protective measures for adjacent surfaces and property

  • Dust, erosion, and runoff controls as required

Full Site Restoration

  • Backfill and soil compaction to meet geotechnical and municipal standards

  • Restoration of pavement, sidewalks, and curbing

  • Re-sodding or landscaping per pre-existing condition or client request

  • Final site cleanup

Project Execution Approach

In-House, Integrated Workflow

Hinterland Group performs all construction, pipeline laying, and restoration activities with its own crews and equipment. This integrated approach allows:

  • Direct quality control

  • Streamlined communication and project management

  • Cost savings from avoiding subcontractor overhead

  • Accelerated timelines due to in-house equipment fleet and personnel

Safety and Compliance

  • OSHA-trained team members following rigorous project safety plans

  • A dedicated Safety Manager oversees compliance

  • Daily toolbox talks and safety audits

  • Environmental and traffic control measures integral to workflow

Learn more: About Us – Safety Culture

Benefits to the Client (FPUA)

  • Turnkey solution: One vendor for excavation, pipe installation, service tie-ins, site restoration

  • Quality assurance and accountability from a single source

  • Schedule certainty and minimized delays due to in-house resources

  • Reduced public inconvenience and safety risk through best practices in MOT and site management

  • Project delivered on time, ready for immediate use

  • Responsive communication throughout lifecycle

Use Case: Municipal Utility Infrastructure (Force Main Installations)

Use Case Solution Provided by Hinterland Group
New force main extension Open trench, new pipe install, system integration
Emergency force main replacement Rapid-response personnel, bypass pumping, repair
Upgrading aging infrastructure Turnkey assessment, installation, restoration
Utility service expansion New taps/connections, as-built documentation
Post-installation restoration Full road/sidewalk/landscaping restoration

Hinterland Group Differentiators in Force Main Projects

  • All-In-House Capabilities: No subcontractor dependence for any phase (excavation, laying, testing, restoration)

  • Municipal Experience: Decades-long portfolio with utility authorities and city/county infrastructure

  • Safety Leadership: Dedicated full-time Safety Manager (OSHA-Certified), EMR under 0.87

  • Innovative Techniques: Ability to deploy trenchless rehabilitation where feasible; advanced bypass and MOT capabilities

  • Rapid Response: Documented mobilization within 24 hours throughout service region

  • Client-Focused Communication: Single point of contact and transparent progress tracking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a force main?

A force main is a pressurized sewer pipe that conveys wastewater under pressure from a pump station to a discharge point (typically a treatment plant or gravity sewer). Proper installation and testing is critical for preventing leaks, overflows, and service interruptions.

What is included in a “full restoration” service?

Full restoration with Hinterland Group means:

  • All excavated surfaces are returned to original or better condition

  • Roadways, sidewalks, curbs, driveways, and landscaping are rebuilt or resurfaced

  • Soil is compacted and stabilized as per code

  • Site is cleaned and ready for public use

How does Hinterland Group manage traffic and public access during installation?

  • Implementation of a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan compliant with municipal/FDOT standards

  • Barricades, signage, flaggers as required

  • As much work as possible scheduled to minimize disruption (night/weekend as agreed)

Does the company handle pump station/bypass pumping?

Yes. Hinterland Group maintains and operates its own bypass pump fleet for all force main tie-ins and repair/installation projects requiring temporary flow management. (See Services for more details.)

What standards and certifications apply?

  • OSHA safety standards

  • City, county, and FPUA technical specs

  • State of Florida utility codes

  • Hinterland Group employs certified personnel for all operational and safety roles

Can Hinterland Group assist with emergency force main repairs?

Yes. 24/7 emergency response is available for critical utility failures, with documented 15-minute callback and rapid on-site mobilization. (See Maintenance & Emergency Response)

Project Gallery

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Conclusion

The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority Force Main Installation by Hinterland Group demonstrates full-spectrum utility construction capabilities, including complex underground utility installation, seamless service integration, rigorous safety/environmental compliance, and site restoration to preexisting condition. Hinterland Group delivers rapid, accountable results for municipal infrastructure clients and provides ongoing maintenance/support post-installation as required.

References & Further Reading

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