Public Works articles from August 2005

Public Works archives from August 2005

What's the cost?(Editorial)
August 1, 2005... How much is a planter full of flowers worth to your town? Sure, you can figure out what the monetary cost is to set it up and maintain it, but what is the value of having the planter downtown or on a main street? Or better yet, what is the cost...

Report promotes water system security.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... A report from the National Drinking Water Advisory Council is designed to help utilities implement security practices and measure their effectiveness. In addition to identifying practices essential to effective security programs, the report...

Illinois garners water tasting award.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... Illinois American Water's Champaign District took home top honors at the American Water Works Association's Water Taste Test, held at the association's recent conference and exposition in San Francisco. The national competition pitted regional...

APWA recognizes top projects.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
August 1, 2005... The American Public Works Association (APWA) has announced its top public works projects of 2005. This year, 14 projects were recognized in various categories. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * River road bank stabilization, Fairfield, Ohio:...

MTBE analyses predict high cleanup costs.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
August 1, 2005... Two new studies predict the costs to remove methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) contamination from public drinking water systems across the United States. Costs are likely to be in the range of $25 billion to $33.2 billion and could be as high...

UCLA starts water technology research center.(OPERATIONS)
August 1, 2005... University of California at Los Angeles's (UCLA) Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has formed a new Water Technology Research Center, led by Yoram Cohen and dubbed the WaTeR Center. It will develop technologies to turn...

Concrete canoe competition stays afloat.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
August 1, 2005... A team of students from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, won this year's American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Concrete Canoe Competition, held June 25-27. The contest, designed to provide students with a practical application of the...

World of Asphalt scheduled.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... The World of Asphalt 2006 show and conference will take place March 13-16 in Orlando, Fla. It will offer asphalt industry professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest product innovations and technologies. In addition to exhibits of...

State tax revenue growing.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... "State tax revenue [from sales and personal and corporate income taxes] in the January to March 2005 quarter grew 11.7% compared to the same period in 2004... the strongest first-quarter growth since at least 1991," the Rockefeller Institute...

Water fellowship seeks applications.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... The International Cooperation Council of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) is accepting applications for visiting international fellows. The fellowships are intended to assist faculty, professionals, or graduate researchers...

All-America City Award winners announced.(COMMUNITY)
August 1, 2005... The National Civic League has announced the winners of the 2004 All-America City Awards. The award recognizes civic excellence, honoring communities in which citizens, government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations have demonstrated...

Smart parking accommodates commuters.(OPERATIONS)
August 1, 2005... A high-tech parking management program allows freeway drivers to know instantly how much parking is available at Oakland, Calif.'s Rockridge Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Authority District station, then allows commuters to reserve a parking...

Smart growth technical assistance awarded.(COMMUNITY)
August 1, 2005... The EPA has selected five communities to receive assistance from a team of private-sector national experts in planning for future growth. The EPA will direct ICF Consulting, Fairfax, Va., to organize multi-disciplinary teams to provide the...

Senate passes energy bill.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
August 1, 2005... On June 28, Senate passed the HR-6 energy bill by a vote of 85-12. Unlike the House-approved version, the Senate's version does not include a liability waiver preventing local governments from recovering cleanup costs associated with water...

Infrastructure conference slated.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... The Infrastructure Security Partnership and the Global Homeland Security Conference will present a two-day conference and exhibition, on Feb. 16-17, 2006, in Washington, D.C. The event will address the challenge of protecting the nation's...

Head of RITA named.(News & Views)
August 1, 2005... The U.S. Senate has approved Ashok G. Kaveeshwar as the first administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), a newly created agency within the U.S. DOT. RITA was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and...

Interstate's Golden anniversary to be celebrated.(OPERATIONS)
August 1, 2005... The Rhode Island DOT will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate on June 29, 2006. This milestone will recognize the impact the Dwight David Eisenhower Interstate and Defense Highway System has had on the transportation system. ...

Letters to the editor.(News & Views)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2005... Your editorial of June 2005 was so "on the money" I felt like I wrote it myself. I have made it mandatory reading for my employees and submitted an "FYI" copy to our Board of County Commissioners. I hope someone else recognizes the fallacy...

Designing the school zone.(Ideas & Opinions)
August 1, 2005... School may be out for the summer, but I can't stop thinking about picking up my child, who attends the local public school. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Over a period of several years, our local school district, facing declining enrollment,...

The fine art of foiling flats.(Ideas & Opinions/Fleets)
August 1, 2005... Should you do tire maintenance in-house or contract for it? With your own people, you may have more control, but a contracted shop often can do it for less money. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In San Antonio, the city operates its Central...

Keeping pace with development: Kendall County meets growing needs.(Special report)(Cover Story)
August 1, 2005... In Kendall County, Ill., the race is on. As developers scramble to buy farmland, builders scurry to create homes, and people flock to purchase lots, officials entrusted with providing public works must struggle to keep pace with the growing...

Relieving congestion: "context" guides roadway widening.(Traffic control)
August 1, 2005... Exploding growth and increased tourism have taken their toll on State Road 408 (SR 408), the 16-mile limited-access toll road that allows travelers to bypass downtown surface streets in Orlando, Fla. The Orlando-Orange County Expressway...

Debating impact fees: developing a balanced funding plan.(Funding, finances, user fees)
August 1, 2005... Raising capital to meet utility renewal and replacement requirements is an ongoing challenge. Meeting service requirements of a growing population, new homes and businesses, or new recreational needs can make a public works manager feel like...

Pipeline partnership: moving water through delicate areas proves possible.(Pipeline construction & maintenance)
August 1, 2005... While the city of Santa Rosa, Calif., needed to reduce the discharge from its water treatment plant into the Russian River, Calpine Geothermal needed water to replenish the aquifer feeding its geothermal steam fields. The solution seemed...

Mapping stormwater outfalls: GIS-based approach simplifies data collection.(Surveying & mapping)
August 1, 2005... The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection released new regulations in 2004 for controlling the discharge of pollutants into the state's waterways from stormwater drainage systems. As part of this regulatory process, all...

Teeing up a solution: reclaimed water keeps golf course irrigated.(Water supply & storage)
August 1, 2005... Despite the fact that Florida is surrounded by water, an increasing demand for a fresh water supply--especially for irrigation purposes--is a challenge many municipal officials in the state continually face. The Mangrove Bay Golf Course in...

Our markers are tough ... real tough!(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... All-metal Storm Drain Markers from Almetek will stand up to any punishing environment and weather conditions, and with our patent pending 1, 2, 3, installation, these markers will outlast any thief, snow plow or competitor's product. You can...

Godwin Heidra[R] 150VSG hydraulic submersible pump.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... New hydraulic driven submersible pump from Godwin Pumps handles thick, solids laden liquids with solids up to Sinches in diameter. A remote actuated "slurry gate" enables the pump to be used as a mixer in applications where sludges are so thick...

Civil engineering * surveying * architecture.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Since 1968, Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. has provided professional consulting services including civil engineering, surveying, architecture and GIS. With a dedicated staff of design professionals and three locations in southeast...

Traffic data collection with WIM.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... The IRD Portable TCC 540 WIM is a comprehensive unit which combines the advanced features of IRD's TCC 540 traffic counter and classifier with the added function of Weigh-in-Motion (WIM). With the added Weigh-in-Motion feature, the IRD TCC 540...

SafeLane ice prevention.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Overlay is a new anti-icing pavement overlay for use on bridge decks from Cargill Deicing Technology. The patented combination of epoxy and aggregate stores and then automatically releases deicer during storm events, virtually eliminating frost...

Distance Measuring Instruments.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... JAMAR Technologies has 3 new models of their already popular RAC Series vehicle installed Distance Measuring Instruments. The RAC-PLUS I, PLUS II and PLUS III are smaller (2.3 "H X 7.8" W X 1.19"D) while maintaining their proven high intensity...

Gravelpave2 system.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... The Chicago Department of Environment and the city Department of Transportation rebuilt an asphalt alley using a permeable system. The new alley has eliminated formerly chronic flooding without using the sewer system and reduced the heat island...

Effective channel restoration.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... RoLanka offers strong, durable yet completely biodegradable woven bristle coir mat (BioD-Mat 70) and coir wattles/ coir siltcheck that are extremely useful for proper channel restoration. The open-weave structure in woven bristle coir mats...

It's a wonderful day in your neighborhood ...(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Budgets are tight, Struggling to maintain your roads with desires to eliminate taxpayer complaints. ReadyMac Instant Asphalt Pavement Repair is saving city, county and state agencies time and money. "Our stay cool under pressure" instant...

Multipurpose Hand-Held Vise.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Multipurpose Hand-Held Vise Save time and money with the new The Multi-Vise Tool[TM] II. It can power in like most vises but can also power out. Install culvert bands, water pipe repair clamps and bell pipe. Heavy duty J-Hooks or L-Hooks can be...

Pipe clamps--stainless.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... These easily installed adjustable clamping pipe brackets from RELINER[R] / Duran Inc. are made of non-corrosive 11 gauge 304 stainless. They securely attach pipes to manhole walls and other surfaces with no protruding hardware and are fully...

Enduring beauty and strength for exterior hard landscapes.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... CHROMIX Admixtures for Color-Conditioned Concrete provide non-fading UV-resistant integral colors for improving the appearance and durability of concrete. Request our new expanded color card at info@scofield.com or 800-800-9900. ...

Inceptor.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Our patented product, the Inceptor, is a pollution prevention device that suspends within any catch basin or storm drain inlet. The design is simple, yet superior for the treatment of stormwater runoff. The Inceptor consists of a 304 stainless...

Magnetic Manhole Lift System.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... The Magnetic Manhole Lift System was developed for removing manhole covers. It provides safety benefits by reducing injuries related to the handling of manhole covers. It operates using a powerful, permanent magnet and two position dolly...

Two machines in one.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... The Trackless Electric Infrared Asphalt Heater and Generator was developed to replace the traditional propane heaters. Electric elements produce an even and controlled heat which will not burn the surface. When the asphalt heater is not in use,...

VAC-TRON ... the next generation.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Introducing our new, remote, hydraulic rear door. "Easy open--easy close" back door, on more than 50 standard models from 150-1250 gallons, raises and lowers, locks and unlocks hydraulically... at the touch of a button. Operators no longer get...

EnviroSafe[TM] storm water retrofit catchbasin/filter system.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... Help meet EPA NPDES-II for M4S's and construction sites, with an economical, top technology product. A retrofit square or round insert basin with standard filter removes debris, sediment, oil and heavy metal pollutants. Special filter inserts...

No pain, no drain with MCUs.(Products Solving Problems)
August 1, 2005... Until recently, water tanks always were drained before painting exterior surfaces. Condensation, common below the water line, made it necessary to drain to avoid a coating failure. However, a technology borrowed from the bridge and highway...

Policing stormwater runoff.(Products Solving Problems)
August 1, 2005... For the city of San Diego to clear the way for a new library downtown, the obsolete Police Vehicle Maintenance Facility had to be relocated. Land was available adjacent to the San Diego Police Pistol Range, but accommodating the maintenance...

Seamless design and GIS integration.(Products Solving Problems)
August 1, 2005... The Public Works Department of the city of Tacoma, Wash., uses geospatial data for everything from issuing building permits and managing wastewater to maintaining streetlights. With Autodesk's Map 3-D and Oracle Spatial forming the core of its...

PW forum: answers to vexing questions.
August 1, 2005... Answers on this page are from PUBLIC WORKS' reader panel and from exclusive surveys conducted of PUBLIC WORKS readers. If you have a question or are interested in contributing your expertise to this column or to a survey, please contact Amara...

Attachment on versatile work machine.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The comfort and versatility of the Toolcat 5600 utility work machine have attracted public work personnel from across the country to give the machine a try. Pat Dunn, street supervisor for the city of Shoreview, Minn., runs his every day in the...

Pickup-mounted sweeper.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The 2200 vacuum parking lot sweeper slides conveniently into the back of a pickup truck. Running on a 26-hp engine, the powerful unit has a steel hopper with a capacity of 3 cubic yards. The water system has a 40-gallon polyurethane tank,...

Small, high-capacity sweeper.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The 525HS sweeper offers a hopper with 4-cubic-yard capacity, compact design, 8 mph sweeping speed, and maximum sweep path of 71 inches. The 6 1/2-foot height makes it suitable for cleaning public garages, and the powerful engine enables it to...

Waterless sweeper.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The waterless Industrial Pelican sweeper has form-fitting skirts around its brooms to eliminate dust. It also has a torturous dust path, twin fans, and a pleated synthetic filter, with in-cab, push-button cleaning. The waterless technology also...

Sub-compact sweeper.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The CN100 is a sub-compact, cost-efficient sweeper that can be used for a variety of surfaces: sidewalks, walkways, alleys, indoor/outdoor parking lots, bike paths, and streets. It offers large capacity, excellent maneuverability, high degree...

Time-saving jig saw.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... With 8.4 amps, the WSJ 850-EB jig saw is one of the most powerful in its class. The SmartPower system maintains a constant blade speed. Other features include a soft barrel grip, counterbalance that reduces vibration by up to 60%, six-position...

Toxic gas shut-off system.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... Eclipse actuators close toxic gas valves on 150-pound and 1-ton cylinders in less than one second when activated by remote sensors. They are "close-only" devices, so the operator must visit the site to determine the problem's cause. The...

Winter storm treatment strategy.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... STORM Logic is a premium service that provides agencies with a complete winter storm treatment strategy for chemical usage. It suggests proven industry "best practices" for before, during, and after a winter storm. SCAN Cast, a pavement...

Fiber matrix provides slope stability.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The Hydro-Blanket BFM (bonded fiber matrix) provides better erosion control on steep slopes susceptible to heavy rains. This product uses a combination of Thermally Refined wood fibers and multi-dimensional tackifiers to give greater water...

Temperature check valves.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... These temperature check valves are rated at 200[degrees] F. They are available in 1 1/4-, 1 1/2-, and 2-inch sizes. The full-flow check valves feature an epoxy powercoat finish for maximum corrosion resistance, strand-reinforced ethylene...

Heavy-duty refuse truck.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The Granite Axle Back truck is suited for refuse applications and can be configured as a rear loader or roll-off. The Telma frictionless braking system is also offered, carrier-mounted to the truck's S462 axle on LE and MR vehicles. The Telma...

Versatile vacuum vehicle.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The model 101 litter collector offers versatility and maneuverability while collecting litter. The engine cut-off option prevents the product's operation by shutting down the engine if the operator tries to leave the seat without first properly...

Durable, adjustable pulverizers.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The newly designed IFP (fixed) and IRP (rotated) pulverizers use the latest technology and high-grade materials to withstand higher pressure levels, wear, and abrasion. The regeneration, or speed, valve enables the jaw to be closed more quickly...

Hydraulically controlled asphalt distributor.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... The Maximizer 3 asphalt distributor has an in-cab EZ Spray computer system and a hydraulically controlled, continuously variable spraybar up to a 20-foot width. All spray operations are available from within the cab. The standard 16-foot...

High-impact safety glasses.(Featuring: sweepers and accessories)
August 1, 2005... Foresight safety glasses attach to existing slots in MSA and Bullard 4100 and 3000 hard hats. They can be adjusted to fit and can be lowered or raised under the hardhat's brim. The glasses are ANSI Z87+ certified for high impact. They also meet...

Battling graffiti with paint brushes.(Out of the Ordinary)
August 1, 2005... The very thought of tackling a graffiti-ridden city strikes terror in the heart of even the most seasoned public works officials. Even after the graffiti tags are cleaned up, the battle continues. It's usually a matter of only days before it...