Public Works articles from August 2003

Public Works archives from August 2003

Selling yourself.(editorial viewpoint)
August 1, 2003... Having worked on association staffs for many years, I know the peculiar agony of answering to a thousand bosses--every member feels entitled to your time since they plunked down their $100 membership fee and don't want to see you wasting it....

The Bush administration has proposed a $247 billion, six-year highway and transit program that Congress is certain to reject.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... The Bush administration has proposed a $247 billion, six-year highway and transit program that Congress is certain to reject. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has drafted its own $375 billion program and the Senate is...

The American Highway Users Alliance praised DOT's funding proposal for placing more emphasis on roadway safety and for innovative proposals to reduce traffic congestion.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... The American Highway Users Alliance praised DOT's funding proposal for placing more emphasis on roadway safety and for innovative proposals to reduce traffic congestion. Diane Steed, president and CEO of the Highway Users, said, "Safety has...

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) and Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) introduced bills to raise the minimum guaranteed funding for states under TEA-21 from 90.5 percent to 95 percent rate of return.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) and Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) introduced bills to raise the minimum guaranteed funding for states under TEA-21 from 90.5 percent to 95 percent rate of return. The bills, called the...

The Road Information Program (TRIP) says one of four major urban roads in the U.S. needs resurfacing or reconstruction.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... The Road Information Program (TRIP) says one of four major urban roads in the U.S. needs resurfacing or reconstruction. The transportation research group claimed that motorists in major urban regions are paying $396 per year in extra vehicle...

Cities and counties were disappointed that Congress cut $4 billion, earmarked for local governments, from the final version of the omnibus tax cut bill in May.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... Cities and counties were disappointed that Congress cut $4 billion, earmarked for local governments, from the final version of the omnibus tax cut bill in May. John DeStefano, president of the National League of Cities and mayor of New Haven,...

The sudden resignation of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christine Todd Whitman has set the stage for a major political battle over her successor.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... The sudden resignation of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christine Todd Whitman has set the stage for a major political battle over her successor. The Senate confirmation hearings and floor debate over the nominee will give...

Water utility groups said a pending amendment to the Senate energy bill could force communities to pay more than $29 billion to clean methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethanol contamination from groundwater supplies while granting immunity to gasoline, ethanol, and MTBE manufacturers.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... Water utility groups said a pending amendment to the Senate energy bill could force communities to pay more than $29 billion to clean methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethanol contamination from groundwater supplies while granting immunity...

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has urged states to do more to protect energy generation and transmission facilities from terrorist attacks, accidents, or natural disasters.(Washington report)
August 1, 2003... The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has urged states to do more to protect energy generation and transmission facilities from terrorist attacks, accidents, or natural disasters. It said states should have a coordinated plan,...

Surface water treatment plant contract awarded.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Surface water treatment plant contract awarded. The city of Eagle Pass, Texas, has awarded Ionics, Inc. (Watertown, Massachusetts) a contract to build a new 15 mgd ultrafiltration (UF) membrane treatment system. The UF system, which will...

Two new sewer repair projects total over $8 million in Jacksonville.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Two new sewer repair projects total over $8 million in Jacksonville. Between now and the end of September, nearly 20 additional miles of Jacksonville, Florida, sewers will be rehabilitated or replaced under two new contracts awarded by JEA, the...

Consultant helping city to develop CMOM program.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Consultant helping city to develop CMOM program. CDM is assisting the San Antonio (Texas) Water System to develop a capacity, management, operation, and maintenance (CMOM) program to prevent Clean Water Act violations, extend the life of...

County converting to GIS.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... County converting to GIS. Boone County, Illinois, has awarded a contract to the Sidwell Company (St. Charles, Illinois), a provider of mapping services, aerial photography, and GIS. The company will complete the process of converting the entire...

Survey work helping to protect Wacissa River.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Survey work helping to protect Wacissa River. Berryman & Henigar (San Diego, California) has completed the first phase of a major surveying project for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that will help protect the Wacissa...

Design underway in roadway replacement project.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Design underway in roadway replacement project. Horner & Shifrin, Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri) is providing engineering services to design a 3.6-mile section of Illinois 336, about 10 miles west of Macomb, in Hancock and McDonough counties, for...

Consultant to design reconstruction of US Highway 12.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Consultant to design reconstruction of US Highway 12. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has retained R.A. Smith & Associates, Inc. (Brookfield, Wisconsin) to provide design services for the reconstruction of 2.4 miles of US Highway 12...

Study to monitor the effectiveness of street sweepers for improving stormwater quality.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Study to monitor the effectiveness of street sweepers for improving stormwater quality. Elgin Sweeper (Elgin, Illinois) has provided the city of Madison, Wisconsin, two vehicles--a Pelican and a Crosswind--to be used in a joint study with the...

Environmental cleanup grants approved.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Environmental cleanup grants approved. The city of Bridgeton, New Jersey will be receiving $330,778 in grants approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) under the New Jersey Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF)...

Consultant chosen for 20-year regional plan.(engineering notes)
August 1, 2003... Consultant chosen for 20-year regional plan. Gloucester County, New Jersey, has selected Schoor DePalma (Manalapan, New Jersey) to provide strategic planning services for the county's Northeast region. The consultant's Department of Community...

Unique design solves interchange congestion problem.(Cover Article)
August 1, 2003... The MD 140/I-695 interchange on the Baltimore Beltway was state-of-the-art when it was constructed in the 1960s. However, growth in traffic along both roadways had turned the interchange into a severe bottleneck by the 1990s. It was operating...

A guide to turfgrass maintenance fertilization.(Grounds Maintenance)
August 1, 2003... A regular fertilization program is necessary to maintain good quality turfgrass. Dollar for dollar, fertilization does more to improve poor quality turfgrass or maintain good quality turfgrass than any other single management practice. ...

Construction project planning high tech in the Garden State.(Paving)
August 1, 2003... Driving in New Jersey, with its 8.4 million inhabitants and more than six million registered vehicles, can rattle the nerves of even the most seasoned road warrior. With so many vehicles zooming around in the nation's fourth smallest state, New...

Simulated grit chamber saves $200,000 a year.(Software)
August 1, 2003... Computer simulation helped engineers find a more efficient geometry for an aerated grit chamber, used for a pre-treatment process in a large waste-water plant, that reduced power costs by $200,000 per year. The aerated grit chamber is designed...

Confinement system offers stabilizing options for shoreline restoration.(Software)
August 1, 2003... Wamego, a community in Northeast Kansas, is a self-proclaimed "friendly town where trees are taller than buildings." Wamego's 4,000 residents are proud of their small town look. The city's focal point, the City Park, includes several historic...

Utility embraces trenchless technology: piercing tools 101.
August 1, 2003... While trenchless construction methods like directional drilling have received the majority of press over the last several years, another trenchless method, horizontal boring with pneumatic tools, continues to prove its worth. In fact, most...

Could GASB34 actually be a good thing?(Public Works Software)
August 1, 2003... By now finance directors and public works managers in all but the smallest U.S. towns are (or should be) leaping through the administrative hoops of GASB34, the Government Accounting Standards Board ruling that alters the way capital assets are...

Adding aesthetic appeal water tank protective coatings.
August 1, 2003... While the University of Notre Dame has certainly contributed to the fame and fortune of South Bend, Indiana, a recent addition to the city's landscape has created its own unique interest. The newly constructed, 157-ft high water storage tank...

Product spotlight: building maintenance.
August 1, 2003... PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Building Maintenance Company Doors, Floor & Floor Windows, Wall Sweepers & ...

PW update: equipment.
August 1, 2003... Three cities ferret out ways stretch equipment dollars in these lean years. Savings often result from doing the details better. "We've seen a continuing reduction of available resources," says David Keefe, director of Fleet Services, city of...

Review of catalogs.
August 1, 2003... FEATURING * MOWERS/MOWING EQUIPMENT * 557 SOURCE FOR FLAIL MOWER PARTS Catalog lists flail mower parts, including blades and mounting hardware and high-wear items such as belts, bearings, and pulleys. Reversible blades are high...

Snow removal innovation.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The Snowbucket[TM] comes in widths to 30 ft and quickly connects to various machines from small backhoe loaders and skid-steers to large front-end loaders. The design "greatly increases your snow removal production and reduces your cycle time...

Snowplow blades.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This firm manufactures long-lasting carbide-edged snowplow blades that are said to last up to 20 times longer than steel blades. The company also manufactures replacement blades for popular small truck snowplows. They use the same...

Tailgate spreader.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The new TC-140 D-Icer Plus tailgate replacement spreader for one-tons requires no hydraulic system and is east to install. Features include 12-volt electric operation, aluminum and stainless steel construction, material spreading capability of...

Switch snowplows easily.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Thanks to a universal wiring harness and undercarriage offered on all BOSS snowplows, the SmartHitch[R] 2 snowplow hitch system allows easy interchange between multi-position and straight-blade plows: simply switch the control inside the truck...

Clears sidewalks.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This company manufactures tracked vehicles. The Model SW48HY (hydrostatic transmission) and the Model ME are powerful sidewalk snow-clearing vehicles, specifically designed for that purpose. The Model SW48HY shown is equipped with a snowblower...

Polyurethane snowplow blade.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Polar Edge polyurethane snowplow blades are custom made and drilled to fit your specific moldboard. They do not damage runway lights, cobble stones, or bricks, says the company, and are available in any length, width, or thickness. Polar Edge...

Powerful snowblowers.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Snocrete[R] snowblowers will move super hard snow and endure the harsh conditions expected of them. They are offered in various sizes, each featuring twin-fan impellers with ice chopper bars. Snocrete snowblowers are available for use with...

Skid-steer straight plows.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This firm offers snowplows for small skid-steer operations in the 50-hp range and lower, as well as large plows for the 110-hp range. Plow widths are available from six to 10 ft, and blade height up to 32 in. Their Lexan or steel moldboards are...

Municipal tractors.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The MT Series V Diesel is this firm's fifth generation of municipal tractors. The available snowblower attachment is an efficient, two stage, twin auger unit that comes in three width sizes to cover all your snow removal needs. All three sizes...

RWIS system gathers weather data.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This Road/Runway Weather Information System (RWIS) gathers weather data and, when conditions warrant, automatically activates a deicing function that dispenses a deicing agent on roadways, bridges, runways, and other areas. Each RWIS site...

Wet prime sewage pump is designed for remote operation.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Contractors and others who are involved in deep excavation and open pumping will find a very effective and efficient pump in the wet prime open trash sewage TS Series, says the company. It is designed for remote operation and with the large...

Skid-steer loader.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The SK714-5 skid-steer loader features easy-to-use proportional pressure control joysticks and precise handling thanks to its special hydraulic system. The SK714-5 has an operating weight of 5,565 lb, and a 47-hp engine with 1,350-lb operating...

Road patcher.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Designed as a safe means to repair roads, the Root Road Patch Roller "is the perfect tool for hot or cold patch and shoulder compaction." Features include easy hook-up to any existing plow hitch; heavy-duty 48-in. long, 24-in. diameter drum;...

Evaluate ownership costs for refuse collection fleets.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... As a free service, representatives from this firm use proprietary new software to help public works departments evaluate the total cost of ownership/return on investment of their automated refuse collection vehicle fleets. The representatives...

Speed Compliance Display.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The VSC-1520F Speed Compliance Display with GenIII[TM] UltraClear[TM] display technology is said to dramatically improve driver readability through a combination of advanced glare reduction and contrast enhancements. GenIII units are highly...

New sweeper.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The 525HS Green Machine mini-compact sweeper for keeping sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, garages, and alleys clean features a 75-in. turning radius, 23 mph speed, and four-cu yd capacity. All stainless steel, rugged four-wheel drive, and...

Solid-state LED streetlight.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... LuxAire[TM] LED streetlights save on energy, maintenance, and complaints. The vibration-proof light source lasts for 10+ years, and uses only 45 watts to produce quality white light, says the company. It replaces 70-watt HPS or 100-watt mercury...

Bracket for water meter ERTs.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This company has developed a new bracket for mounting automatic meter reading system ERTs or transponders under the meter pit lids. They can support installations for Itron, Trace, Orion, Datamatic, Ramar, Sensus, and Neptune systems, says the...

Stormwater pollution solution.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The new CDS Inline unit for stormwater pollution control saves engineers design time by configuring the treatment portion and bypass structure within one manhole. Engineers can put the Inline unit on the main storm line, with treatment as well...

Precast concrete panels.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... VersaCore[TM] precast concrete panels provide attractive, cost-effective, and durable protection from traffic noise and safety hazards. The sound barrier panels are made using a new technology that solves the challenges of adding insulation...

Beast Recycler.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This company believes its 5680 Beast Recycler is the most productive waste reduction machine available, processing up to 200 tons of material an hour. The machine's massive 50-in. by 83-in. opening allows it to process difficult materials. The...

Floor patching compound.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Ultra Quartz[TM] heavy-duty, premium floor patching system is said to have excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasion. Trowelable to a smooth, nonporous finish, it attains a compressive strength of 9,000 psi--more than three times the...

Utility tractors.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The GX and GXH utility tractors are powered with a 38-, 44-, or 50-hp Yanmar three- or four-cylinder diesel engine. GX models feature a robust 12-forward, 12-reverse gear-box with synchromesh shuttle. The GXH offers hydrostatic drive with three...

Rugged grinder.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The new DZH 7000 Series horizontal grinder is a high-capacity, low-maintenance unit designed for precision grinding of any material, including wood debris, brush, limbs, logs, stumps, and construction materials. Its feed roller raises past...

New street sweeper.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... "The Sentinel[TM] street sweeper is a four-season sweeper with one-button sweeping, exceptional debris removal, minimized dust and maximized safety." A new adjustable operator-controlled sweeping brush option even permits sweeping around...

Vehicle-mounted VMS.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The new LegiBrite Series combines affordability with extra bright, high intensity displays. This vehicle-mounted variable message sign is available with either 10-or 12-in. amber LED characters. The unit can display alphanumeric text messages...

Option for pedestrian sweeper.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... With the flip of a switch at the operator's control panel of the PS300 pedestrian sweeper, the hydraulic debris dumping system raises the debris hopper and dumps out the debris into a waste container or regular garbage bag. This eliminates...

Pipe bursting machines.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This company has been appointed agent in North America for Scandinavian No-Dig Centre from Denmark, a manufacturer of static pipe bursting equipment. The company's T40 and T125 pipe bursting machines are said to be extremely well designed and...

Tarp Tamer.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The Tarp Tamer for automatic arm systems incorporates a fixed roller that holds the front of the tarp down tight to prevent material from blowing and tarp damage. Described as perfect for most applications that require arms to deploy the tarp...

Fleet management software.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This company has added a new report to its fleet management software to help in making fleet replacement decisions. The Capital Budget Replacement Candidates reporting tool allows direct linkage of capital budget to operating budget. A brief...

Two new crane series.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The 52/380 Series and 72/516 Series of truck-mounted articulating cranes for 66,000 and up GVW chassis fold and stow in a small area on the truck frame and do not interfere with the load-carrying area. Also, the cranes can pick up a load, swing...

Stable skid steers.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The 240, 250, 260, 270, and 280 Series II skid steer loaders feature 60-40 weight distribution for stability and a long wheelbase that allows for travel at higher speeds over rough terrain. The skid steers' vertical lift boom rises along a...

Marking posts.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... GreenLine[TM] markers and delineators return to their original position after repeated vehicle impacts, even after being flattened by tires. Made from recycled plastic, the durable posts are available in three profiles and in a variety of...

Automatic hydrant flusher.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The 9700 automatic hydrant flusher attaches to a 2-1/2-in. NST nozzle, and then the flushing cycle can be selected, usually at night. Man-hour savings can be realized by flushing troublesome dead-ends without sending personnel. The compact,...

Crane service body.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The Titan[TM] 50 crane service body uses a one-piece side pack made of 10-gauge galvanneal and special internal hinge design for strength and corrosion resistance. The Titan comes standard with LED lights, advanced T-handle door latches, and a...

Extendable excavator paw.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... Do you own an excavator that needs more reach? The Extendable Paw fits both full size and mini-excavators, allowing the user up to 30 percent more reach. It installs easily and can be transported with the machine. Paul Wever Construction...

Load motion warning device.(Equipment & Services)
August 1, 2003... The PAT Alert load motion warning device was developed to improve construction site awareness. The device consists of a beacon and a controller. The compact, portable beacon allows operators to alert workers in the immediate area when the load...

Tandem roller.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The 12.5-ton CC622 HF tandem roller has a drum width of 84 in. and dual frequencies and dual amplitude measurements of 3060/3780 vpm and 0.024/0.008 in. Not only does the high frequency combination work well to compact thin layers with...

Two compartment side loader.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The new Model SLE-2 two compartment, full eject, one man/one pass side loader boasts a field adjustable horizontal compartment system that provides a 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30 compartment split for maximum route collection versatility. The...

Fleet maintenance software.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This firm announces a new program to help organizations make the right financial decisions when purchasing their Dossier fleet maintenance management software. The ARSENAULT Financial Services (AFS) program is available to all organizations...

Suspended solids meter.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... "Non-hazardous ultrasound can replace nuclear-type density meters." The sonic transducers fit flush with the pipe wall, so there are no intrusions into the flow, which avoids fouling with stringy sewage sludge. The Model 502 has an LCD local...

Wheel loader, toolcarrier updated.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The 928G wheel loader and the comparably sized IT28G integrated toolcarrier (shown) boast electronically controlled engines that boost horsepower by six percent, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions. The wheel loader has a standard...

Sweepers re-circulate water.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... This firm has introduced a water recirculation system on its 610 vacuum and 770 Cyclone regenerative air sweepers. The system dramatically increases sweeper working time by reducing the unproductive time spent in replenishing on-board water...

More accurate chemical dosing for water, wastewater treatment.(Snow & Ice Control Equipment)
August 1, 2003... The ADVANCE[R] Series PDS precision dosing system is a pre-assembled and pre-wired packaged skid system that enables simple start-up and operation. It is designed to efficiently and precisely inject liquid chemical across an extensive range of...

Legal aspects.
August 1, 2003... Local municipalities are struggling to stay afloat amidst waves of unprecedented stormwater regulations that forever will change how urban runoff is viewed, treated, and combated in San Diego County. With the recent appeal of current...

Berryman & Henigar.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Michael A. Coffey, P.E., has been appointed vice president and engineering manager at Berryman & Henigar. He is based in the firm's Jacksonville, Florida office.

Freightliner LLC (Portland, Oregon, www.freightliner.com) recently brought its latest heavy-duty truck technology to the U.S. Capital.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Freightliner LLC (Portland, Oregon, www.freightliner.com) recently brought its latest heavy-duty truck technology to the U.S. Capital. The company showcased its Safety-Environment-Technology (SET) Demonstration Vehicle at government events....

Surface Systems, Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri, www.surface.com), a provider of roadway/runway weather information systems, announces the 12th Winter Weather Workshop.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Surface Systems, Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri, www.surface.com), a provider of roadway/runway weather information systems, announces the 12th Winter Weather Workshop. The conference will be held September 15 to 18, 2003, at the Adam's Mark Hotel...

Leica Geosystems Inc. (Norcross, Georgia).(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Leica Geosystems Inc. (Norcross, Georgia) has appointed Jim Naismith as vice president of sales for the South Central region and, Ron Eckels as vice president of sales for the Southwest region.

Exodermic Bridge Deck, Inc.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Exodermic Bridge Deck, Inc. (Lakeville, Connecticut) has a new informative Web site at www.exodermic.com.

The new Power Stroke[R] Diesel Website (www.PowerStrokeDieselStuff.com) for diesel engine enthusiasts is loaded with racing action, regional club updates, and technical information.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * The new Power Stroke[R] Diesel Website (www.PowerStrokeDieselStuff.com) for diesel engine enthusiasts is loaded with racing action, regional club updates, and technical information. International Truck and Engine Corporation (Warrenville,...

URS Corporation.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * URS Corporation (San Francisco, California) has named D. Kennett Forssen vice president ports and marine services.

R.W. Beck.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Joining R.W. Beck are Mark Salmon as a senior director for the Infrastructure Services Group in the Sacramento, California office and Neena Seshagiri as a civil engineer for the Infrastructure Services Group in the San Diego office.

Freightliner LLC.(worth telling)
August 1, 2003... * Jerome Guillen has been named general manager, new product development, at Freightliner LLC (Portland, Oregon).