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By Sarah Grimm, WBG
Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches:

Underground Utility Construction

“An ounce of prevention is worth can achieve meaningful returns through Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
a pound of cure.” Though Benjamin targeted, lower-cost maintenance also play a vital preventative role. Regular
Franklin coined this phrase in 1753 activities, including: inspection and maintenance of assets
in reference to fire safety, it remains • Routine ditch and channel cleaning such as: bioretention areas, permeable
highly relevant to today’s Public Works • Debris and sediment removal pavement systems, sand filters and
professionals tasked with managing • Vegetation management to maintain detention basins can improve water
aging infrastructure and increasingly flow paths quality while protecting infrastructure
constrained budgets. These efforts help prevent blockage that sediment buildup and corrosion.
For agencies managing stormwater, can redirect water flow, accelerate erosion, Proactive SCM management also supports
water distribution, and transportation and lead to flooding, roadway subsidence, regulatory compliance and safeguards
networks across Tennessee, preventative and pipe failure. downstream ecosystems.
maintenance is not just a best practice, it
is a critical strategy for protecting public
safety, maintaining service reliability, and
maximizing limited resources.
Across municipalities, from small rural
communities to large utility providers,
the balance between proactive and
reactive maintenance often is driven by
cost considerations. While preventative
programs require upfront investment,
they consistently deliver long-term value
through improved system performance
and reduced lifecycle costs.
Proactive approaches: STORMWATER SYSTEMS
• Reduce emergency repairs
• Minimize service disruptions
• Extend asset life
• Support regulatory compliance
The key challenge is ensuring these
investments produce measurable
outcomes. Drawing on more than two
decades of infrastructure construction
experience, Nashville-based Walker
Building Group highlights practical,
results-driven strategies across major
utility systems.
Stormwater Systems: Targeted WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Maintenance with High Impact
Stormwater infrastructure lifespans
vary significantly. Corrugated metal pipe
(CMP) systems typically last 15–20 years
without showing signs of degradation,
while reinforced concrete pipe (RCP)
can exceed 50 years, depending on soil
conditions, flow characteristics, and
environmental factors.
Given the high cost of full system
replacement, large-scale upgrades often
are deferred until failure is imminent.
However, Public Works departments ROADWAYS & SIDEWALKS
22 TPW July/August 2026