FAQs

Below, we’ve gathered the most common questions we receive from developers, EPCs, utilities, and construction partners about our services, capabilities, and approach.

We work across several key markets:

  • Oil & Gas – pipeline construction, HDD crossings, and restoration
  • Utilities – gas and electric distribution, trenching, plowing, and fusing
  • Renewable Energy – Solar, wind, battery storage, and RNG systems
  • Energy Infrastructure – trenchless design-build, HDD, restoration, and drain tile mitigation
  • Data Centers – underground utilities, pipeline, and water line installation

ECI Contracting is headquartered in the Midwest, with projects completed across the U.S. We mobilize crews and equipment nationwide for energy, utility, and infrastructure work.

Experience, safety, and partnership. We’ve built long-standing relationships with leading utilities, general contractors, and engineering firms nationwide by consistently delivering quality work in tough conditions. Our team brings forward-thinking solutions and a safety mindset.

We deliver full-scope underground construction including:

  • Pipeline and utility installation
  • Horizontal directional drilling (HDD)
  • Trenching and plowing
  • Gas and electric distribution
  • Drain tile repair and mitigation
  • Soft and hard surface restoration
  • Design-build services

Yes. Our trenchless Design-Build approach streamlines communication, reduces change orders, and keeps projects on schedule. We handle preliminary design, feasibility analysis, cost estimating, GIS mapping, and full project execution, all under one contract.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless construction method that installs pipelines, conduits, or cables underground without open excavation. It’s ideal for crossing beneath roads, rivers, railways, and sensitive areas. ECI’s in-house HDD crews and large rig fleet handle everything from small utility bores to major pipeline crossings.

Absolutely. ECI provides turnkey utility installation services, including gas main construction, electric placement, plowing, trenching, fusing, welding, and vacuum excavation. We’re a trusted partner for utilities and contractors seeking safe, reliable underground distribution solutions.

ECI’s drain tile services are powered by Ellingson, our sister company with more than 50 years of agricultural experience. We perform temporary and permanent repairs, tile mapping, and GIS documentation to ensure every landowner’s system is restored to equal or better condition after pipeline or utility work.

Yes. Restoration is part of our promise to respect every job site. We provide soft surface restoration (landscaping, seeding, erosion control) and hard surface restoration (asphalt, concrete). Our goal is to return each site to pre-construction conditions, or better.

Safety is built into everything we do. ECI maintains active memberships and compliance with leading safety organizations, including NCMS, Energy Worldnet, ISNetworld, Minnesota Safety Council, and Distribution Contractors Association. We also follow OSHA, DOT, and industry-specific safety standards for every market we serve.

We have a dedicated and professional Safety Team that oversees all planning, training, and field audits. Safety isn’t an extension of our work — it’s engrained in our processes. Every employee is empowered to stop work if unsafe conditions arise.

We take environmental protection seriously. Our crews implement erosion control, drilling fluid management, hydrofracture evaluation, and restoration best practices to minimize impact on surrounding areas.

Ideally, during the feasibility or design stage. Early collaboration helps identify constructability challenges, streamline permitting, and reduce overall costs. Our Design-Build model allows clients to benefit from engineering input before breaking ground.

Transparency is at the heart of our process. We maintain consistent updates on progress, schedule, and safety through dedicated project managers who serve as single points of contact.

Yes. We frequently collaborate with EPCs, engineering firms, and general contractors as part of larger infrastructure projects. Our goal is always to complement your team and ensure project success.

You can fill out our Contact Form at ecicontracting.us/contact or call our office directly. Whether you have a defined scope or are still exploring project options, we’re ready to discuss your goals and deliver Confidence Underground.