BEVERLY, Mass., March 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Envista Corporation, a provider of web-based software for infrastructure project coordination, today announced Columbia Gas of Ohio (COH) will implement their map-driven technology for projects in 2009 and beyond. Columbia Gas of Ohio, a subsidiary of NiSource, Inc. (NYSE:NI), is executing a modernization program for safe delivery of natural gas. Columbia will invest more than $2 billion in the next 25 years replacing 4,000 miles of natural gas infrastructure. The renewal project will essentially replace an aging infrastructure of pipelines, and deliver benefits of fewer repairs, lower maintenance costs, and a reduction in service interruptions. Envista's technology enables Columbia Gas to manage renewal projects internally, but also introduces a new way to share maintenance and construction projects and schedules with municipalities and other utilities working concurrently in the "right of way." This capability translates into less digging in neighborhoods and streets, and fewer disruptions for Ohio residents and commuters.
David Roy, Columbia Gas Manager, Field Engineering states, "Underground infrastructure is clearly a challenge to maintain, and replacing 4,000 miles of pipeline is a huge and important undertaking. The Envista solution is very timely as we are at the beginning of this effort. We can leverage this sophisticated technology to effectively manage projects in the short term and the long term. This software not only gives us capital planning capabilities but enables us to share our plans with other infrastructure players executing renewal programs in the same work zones. Our Ohio customers and commuters will realize the benefits of effective collaboration. from less digging to better scheduling of projects to relieve the impact on traffic and neighborhoods."
"We are proud to have Columbia Gas of Ohio as a new subscriber," states Envista CEO Rick Fiery. "Columbia Gas will be working on this project for over twenty years. The ability to plan today and look far into the future allows them to take advantage of opportunities to work and collaborate with municipalities and other agencies in the same vicinity. Envista is the visual, map-driven repository for all of that project information. With Envista's automatic conflict generation, Columbia Gas will be able to see potential problems with other infrastructure players, and troubleshoot them quickly."
About Envista Corporation
Envista is a provider of web-based software for the management oversight of infrastructure that is built and maintained by utility companies and government agencies. The company provides the only centralized, map-driven solution for the exchange and coordination of construction and maintenance projects online. Envista's patent-pending solution for infrastructure project coordination leverages construction budgets and optimizes the planning of utility and roadway projects while reducing the impact of street cuts on local communities. Envista headquarters are located north of Boston in Beverly, MA. For more information, Envista can be reached at (978) 232-6300 or visit the web site at www.envista.com
The Envista Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5007
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI). Serving approximately 1.4 million customers in 60 of Ohio's 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve approximately 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio is available at: www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com
Link to press release: http://www.envista.com/columbia-gas-of-ohio-adopts-envista