Underground Construction articles from August 2004

Underground Construction archives from August 2004

Turning point.(Editor's Log)
August 1, 2004... In the August issue of Underground Construction each year, we publish the most comprehensive and beneficial listing of equipment suppliers to the underground construction and rehabilitation markets. You don't have to wade through road building...

Wal-Mart settles dispute over stormwater violations.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... The U.S. government and Wal-Mart reached a settlement in May for alleged stormwater violations under the federal Clean Water Act at 24 construction sites in nine states. Wal-Mart agreed to pay a $3.1 million penalty, the largest for stormwater...

Houston Public Works Director retires.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... City of Houston Public Works Director Jon Vanden Bosch has retired after having worked for three mayors and doing business with even more. He was public works director under former Mayor Kathy Whitmire from 1984 to 1989. He was called back into...

Increased aid for water SRF in works.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... Republican members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee are circulating a draft plan that could increase aid for state revolving funds aimed at water infrastructure. However, supporters don't think the proposal will be enacted...

New appointments in Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... Jack Ravan has relinquished the day-to-day responsibilities of Atlanta's Commissioner of Watershed Management and assumed the responsibility of Special Advisor to the Mayor for Environmental Matters. His primary responsibilities will include...

Likes June Underground Construction.(Reader Feedback)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... I thought your June book was great! Terrific message from you and your support staff. I cannot even watch TV news anymore. Please keep banging away. Paul McEntyre McEntyre Associates Rockaway, NJ

MaxLiner certified to ANSI/NSF standards.(Reader Feedback)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... I enjoyed reading your article in the May issue on lateral rehab in St. Petersburg. Your magazine is doing an excellent job of promoting trenchless rehab technologies. However, I would like to point out that the following quote in that...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
August 1, 2004... IPEX Inc. was inadvertently omitted from Underground Construction's Pipe Selection Chart which was published in the June 2004 edition. We regret the error. IPEX Inc. 2441 Royal Windsor Drive, Missis.saga, Ontario, L5J 4C7, Canada ph:...

Environmental coalition seeks increased water quality funding.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... The Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA), along with over two dozen coalition members consisting of water industry and environmental activist groups, sent a letter to Senate and House Appropriations Committees and VA-HUD...

OSHA publishes Whistleblower Rule.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... Earlier this year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published an interim final rule spelling out the legal protections for employees who report pipeline safety violations. Under the interim rule, employees who feel they...

GCTA promotes education through scholarships.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... The Gulf Coast Trenchless Association is committed to the promotion of education, training, research, development and information concerning trenchless technology and to the promotion of the use of trenchless technology. The association...

SBC to invest in fiber.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... In an effort to compete with cable companies, SBC Communications Inc. plans to bring a new generation of integrated digital IV, super-high-speed broadband and voice over IP (Internet Protocol) services to residential and small business...

In memorial.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... Rolland B. (Bob) Lyons, Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) past president, has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Lyons, 74, died June 17 at his Dexter, MI, home with his family at his side. Lyons attended the University of...

New strategy to share groundwater discussed at GCTA.(Newsline: for the latest industry development)
August 1, 2004... At the monthly meeting sponsored by the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association (GCTA) held on June 9 in Houston, North Harris County Regional Water Authority General Manager Jimmie Schindewolf presented a history of the Authority, touching on the...

OSHA to consider trenching safety initiatives.(Washington watch)
August 1, 2004... An industry task force will be making recommendations to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on how the agency can obtain better compliance with its excavation standard. The task force first met in April after the OSHA...

GTI, PRCI feel the financial pinch.(Washington watch)
August 1, 2004... The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) is scrambling to compensate for a $60 million annual stipend from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which disappeared on Aug.1. That contribution, funded by a mandatory surcharge assessed by FERC...

Pipelines oppose relocation of OPS.(Washington watch)
August 1, 2004... Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta's proposal to move the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) in to the Federal Railroad Administration hasn't gone over well with gas pipelines. Mineta made the proposal last December when he announced his...

Bobcat.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... Skid steer loaders are known for their versatility because of their attachment-carrying capability. This is especially true with the Bob-Tach backhoe from Bobcat, which can be quickly mounted to the loader and offers the operator a digging...

Case.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... Case's family of skid steers features three models--the 40XT, 60XT and 70XT--plus an enhanced series of the 75XT, 85XT, 90XT and 95XT. The 40XT, 60XT and 70XT models replace the Case 1800 Series, including the 1845C. The XT line ranges from 60...

ASV.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... Combining power and performance with a rugged design, ASV Inc. announces the new RC-60 All Surface Loader. The machine, which fits between ASV's RC-50 and the new RC-85 in the R Series lineup, provides contractors with a midsize loader that...

John Deere.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... With more than 100 improvements, John Deere's new 300 Series Skid Steers are more productive and more reliable than ever before--and at a lower daily operating cost. The 300 Series' stability is delivered by a low center of gravity due to...

Takeuchi.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... The TL140 is a third generation rubber track loader that complements the well-established Takeuchi lineup of track loaders, combining the power of the TL150 with the versatility of the TL130. Powered by a fuel-efficient, 81-horse-power Isuzu...

Vermeer.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... The ride-on design of the $600 offers excellent visibility and keeps the operator out of work site debris, such as mud, while reducing operator effort. The independent all wheel drive feature is available with skid steer and turf the options,...

Caterpillar.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... The new Caterpillar 268B Skid Steer Loader features the high flow XPS hydraulic system, a load sensing, pressure-compensating system that delivers maximum power regardless of work tool speed or load. The 268B also features vertical lift linkage...

TrynEx International.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... Designed for cleanup of all wet or dry materials, the new SweepEx MegaPlus broom attachment series features task packages catering to multiple service vehicles and an industry exclusive two-year warranty covering the entire broom. With choices...

Ditch witch.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... The SK500 is a track-mounted, walk along mini skid steer powered by a 24 horsepower Honda engine. Only four levers are needed to run all functions, and each control is color-coded. Independent hydraulic circuits help the SK500 turn tightly for...

General equipment.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... For greater job site versatility, General Equipment Company's expanded DIG-R-TACH line allows for use with both small and large hydraulic systems. Ideal for use with skid steer loaders, small excavators, knuckleboom cranes and small backhoes,...

Thomas equipment.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... The new model 35 series tracked mini skid steer loader has been redesigned from the ground up and features an enclosed drive system, integrated, large volume fuel and hydraulic oil reservoirs as well as a larger operator compartment. The 35DT...

McLaughlin Mfg.(Equipment spotlight: skid steer leaders & attachments)
August 1, 2004... The M4500MS horizontal earth drill attachment is easily attached to a mini skid steer loader using a quick-attach system and is powered by the loader's hydraulics. The durable heavy-duty motor produces 100 rpm at 9 gpm. This versatile...

Municipal Trenchless Workshop set for West Coast: September 27-28.(UCT Seminar Series)
August 1, 2004... Preparations are almost complete to bring the industry's highest quality educational program to the West Coast. The UCT Seminar Series' next Municipal Trenchless Sewer & Water Workshop is scheduled for Sacramento CA, on Sept. 27-28, at the...

Loader-backhoes vs. mini-excavators, skid-steers: market remains strong for traditional loader-backhoes despite increased competition from mini equipment.
August 1, 2004... For years, the venerable tractor-mounted loader-backhoe (TLB) has been considered by many to be the most versatile construction machine ever developed, and arguably backhoes are found on more types of construction sites than any other machine....

Big Dig: Big Dig rewires Boston s web of utilities.
August 1, 2004... Beneath any city's streets you will find a tangle of utility infrastructure. There are electrical power lines, telecommunications copper wires, fiber optic lines, cable television lines, low-pressure and high-pressure water pipes, wastewater...

Greenbook: leadership changes at Pipeline Rehab Task Force.
August 1, 2004... Walter K. Shioji recently retired after serving more than a decade as the chairperson for the California Greenbook's Pipeline Rehabilitation Task Force. Shioji's outstanding contributions to the pipeline rehabilitation industry and his 12 years...

Going underground: aerial lines remain more economical, but advantages pushing more utilities underground.
August 1, 2004... Burying utilities is nothing new. Water, sewer and natural gas lines have traditionally been buried for centuries and more than 40 years ago, the first electrical and telephone cable began being placed underground. By the 1970s. realtors...

UCT looks forward to strong market: rebounding underground economy promises powerful event.
August 1, 2004... Celebrating 10 years of industry service, the annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Jan. 25-27, 2005. Always the first and...

RehabZone to offer surprises.
August 1, 2004... It's hard to top a winner--especially three years in a row--but that's exactly what's planned for the 2005 version of the most talked-about and highly praised industry phenomenon in recent years--the RehabZone. The 'Zone is a unique...

Pigging equipment selection charts.
August 1, 2004... Pigging Equipment Selection Charts BUYER'S GUIDE PIPELINE PIGS Mandrel pigs Foam pigs ...

Company listings.(2004 Buyer's Guide)
August 1, 2004... 3M Locators Austin Center, Bldg. A130-4N-36 6801 River Place Blvd. Austin, TX 78726 Phone: (800) 426-8688 Fax: (800) 626-0329 www.3m.com A & L Underground 14700 West 107th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Phone: (913)...

Product classification.(2004 Buyer's Guide)
August 1, 2004... Abrasives: wheel Osborn International Partner Industrial Products Pferd, Inc. Pipeline Supply Co. Weiler Corporation Alignment equipment Pinpoint Laser Systems, Inc. Anchors BKW, Inc. Chance Co.,...

Rain for Rent.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Rain for Rent, a supplier of rental tanks, pumps, and pipe and filtration equipment has hired Bill Herlehy to be branch manager of its Houston, TX office. Herlehy, a native Californian, comes to Rain for Rent after working for 12 years for Onyx...

Advantica.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Advantica has been awarded two contracts by the United Kingdom Department of Trade and industry (DTI) to research the effects of changes in the quality of future UK natural gas imports. Advantica will first analyze and research the cost,...

Black & Veatch.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Black & Veatch Corporation announced Wayne F. Hall, vice chairman, president of the Gas, Oil & Chemicals Division (GOC), and board of director member, who retired hl July will be replaced by Bob Germinder. Hall will continue working for Black &...

McElroy Mfg. celebrates 50 years.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... McElroy Manufacturing's 50th anniversary marks a major milestone for a company that started its beginnings in a converted garage. Today, the company is a worldwide leader in manufacturing fintube and fusion equipment. By the end of the...

Perma-Liner offers refresher courses.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... At its Florida headquarters, Perma-Liner Industries regularly holds an open house and refresher courses that offer presentations, instruction and live demonstrations of the Perma-Lateral Lining System and the Perma-Liner Point Repair System....

American Water Works Association.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Kathryn L. McCain, a longtime leader within the American Water Works Association and the worldwide water community, took the reins as AWWA president on June 16, at the 2004 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) in Orlando, FL. She is the first...

Breaker Technology Inc.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Breaker Technology Inc. (BTI) recently made several management changes. Dun Sissons has joined Breaker Technology Inc. (BTI) as Plant Operations & Engineering manager. Sissons has many years experience in manufacturing and heavy equipment...

Pneutech, Thomas Equipment.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Clifford M. Rhee, president and CEO of Pneutech Inc., has announced an agreement to purchase the assets of Thomas Equipment Ltd., a Canadian manufacturer of skid-steer loaders, potato harvesters and other equipment. Rhee states: "Our goal...

InfraSource Service.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... InfraSource Services announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. InfraSource completed its initial public offering on May 12, 2004. Revenues for the first quarter 2004 Increased $38.0 million, or 34 percent, to...

Michigan State University.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... Michigan State University's Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) has announced the appointment of Kevan C. Taylor, president and CEO of Detroit- based ProLine Technologies to its board of directors. As a member...

Stupp Bros.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... The board of Stupp Bros. Inc. has elected John E Stupp, Jr. as president. He had been executive vice president and COO of SBI and remains president of the Stupp Corporation Pipe Manu facturing Division located in Baton Rouge, LA. He has been...

Amitech makes inaugural shipment of Polycrete pipe.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... In May, Amitech USA Ltd. shipped its first order of Meyer Polycrete pipe from its new facility in Zachary, LA, to Irvine, CA. The project, named the Jeffery Rood Trunk Sewer--part of California's Irvine Ranch Water District--will require...

OYO USA, Cobra Technologies.(Business: general industry reports)
August 1, 2004... OYO USA and its Blackhawk subsidiaries have appointed Cobra Technologies of Smyrna, GA, as exclusive North American representative for its DSET pipeline Digital Scanning and Evaluation Technology Systems. As an exclusive representative, Cobra...

Vermeer.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... Vermeer Mfg. introduces the D300x500 Navigator horizontal directional drill, combining a powerful, large rig with efficient design, mobility and transportability to serve a growing amount of larger utility work. The D300x500 integrates the...

IPEX.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... TerraBrute is the first AWWA C900 PVC pressure pipe system specifically engineered for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and other trenchless applications. Now you can standardize on PVC throughout your potable water and sewer...

Caterpillar.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... The H160D s hydraulic hammer is ideally matched to Cat 330C and 34513 II hydraulic excavators, as well as comparably sized competitive machines. The hammer measures 116.2 inches from the top plate to the tip of the tool. Its operating weight is...

Steve Vick sealant used on live gas mains insertion.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... Niagara Mohawk, a National Grid company, recently undertook a gas mains insertion project in West Albany, upstate New York, which was carried out 'live' using a special technique pioneered in the United Kingdom. Live mains insertion allows...

Hannay reels.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... The Hannay NSCR700 cable reel features a compact design with a sturdy, narrow frame for use with live electrical cable. It can be mounted in confined spaces and is ideal for use with power tools, lights, machinery and generators. A heavy-duty...

Neptune Research.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... Repair pipes from 1/2 inch to 54 inches with Syntho-Glass, a patented fiberglass cloth, pre- impregnated with a resin that can be activated by salt or fresh water. Packaged in a hermetically sealed foil pouch, it is ready to use and does not...

Rogers Brothers.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... Rogers' Ultima Series lowboy trailers are produced in 35, 50, 55 and 60 ton capacity models. Cambered mainbeams, fabricated with 100k psi and 130k psi materials, reduce the trailer's tare weight while maintaining strength and durability....

Water meter repair ... vaXcavator style.(New products: the latest product developments)
August 1, 2004... The new VSK100D vacuum excavator by Vacuum Source is simple to operate, slides easily into the back of a full size pickup truck and can be used in a variety of applications. The versatility and productivity of the VSK100D was demonstrated...

Calendar.(Calendar)
August 1, 2004... 2004 Sept. 12-15, American Public Works Association Annual Congress, Convention Center, Atlanta, GA, PH: (816) 472-6100 Sept. 16-18, Power & Communication Contractors Association, Mid-Year Meeting, Snake River Lodge & Spa, Teton...