Improving Municipal Infrastructure: Data-Driven Solutions for Wastewater Systems With Eric Petersen

Eric Petersen is Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. Eric brings 20 years of architectural experience, leveraging his expertise in digital modeling, problem-solving, and collaboration with city officials to optimize infrastructure maintenance and data-driven decision-making. Serving Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, he specializes in tools like the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (SL‑RAT) and condition-based inspection methods, providing technical expertise and client support for acoustic assessments and manhole evaluations. In this episode… Municipal wastewater systems are facing significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, inefficiencies, and increasing demand for modernization. As cities look for ways to maintain and upgrade these critical systems, how can they improve their operations while managing costs and minimizing disruptions to residents? Eric Petersen, an expert in wastewater infrastructure management, suggests that adopting innovative technologies like digital twins, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and acoustic sensors can greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of wastewater system management. By using digital twins, cities can create accurate, real-time models of their infrastructure, enabling better decision-making and maintenance scheduling. Eric also emphasizes the importance of quickly identifying problem areas using sensors, such as those that detect inflow and infiltration, to prevent costly system failures and help optimize resources. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Chad Franzen interviews Eric Petersen, Senior Account Manager at RH Borden. Eric delves into digital twin technology, GIS mapping, and acoustic sensing to modernize wastewater systems, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. He also explores the challenges of implementing new technologies, the growing issue of fats, oils, and grease in sewer systems, and how data-driven solutions can streamline city infrastructure management.