With Panasonic’s $4 billion EV battery plant reshaping Desoto’s future, Iowa Trenchless is helping build the interceptor sewer infrastructure needed to support the surge in development. The project originally called for pipe ramming through challenging soils using TT Technologies’ 24-inch “Taurus,” based on geotechnical reports predicting very poor ground conditions
However, once work began, actual soils proved more favorable, allowing Iowa Trenchless to adjust in real time and increase efficiency. A key milestone included installing 140 feet of 32–54 inch casing under the BNSF Railroad, utilizing:
- An Akkerman Guided Boring Machine for precision
- A Michael Byrne auger boring machine for power and productivity
- 30-foot casing sticks to reduce welding time and speed up the crossing
The first of seven total bores is now complete—four of which will eventually cross under Kill Creek. Foreman Jon Kile and his crew (Joe James, Jim Herbst, Mason Jones, and Tony Curry) continue leading the effort safely and efficiently.
This work is essential to powering Desoto’s rapid growth and the region’s expanding clean-energy economy.
