Public Works articles from December 2002

Public Works archives from December 2002

Winter reminder. (Editorial Viewpoint).
December 1, 2002... Winter reminder. As public works professionals, we sometimes forget the basic common sense principles of winter driving. L.A. "Chum" Cleverly, director of public works, Bow; New Hampshire, submitted these tips: At the onset of every winter...

GIS and elephants? (Editorial Viewpoint).
December 1, 2002... GIS and elephants? The fall 2002 issue of ArcNews (ESRI, www.esri.com/arcnews) reports that Dr. Cynthia Moss, a scientist, author, and advocate for African elephants, is using GIS and related technology to synthesize the data that she and her...

A thought for 2003. (Editorial Viewpoint).
December 1, 2002... A thought for 2003. In a world full of uncertainty, this remains clear: the effort we each put into our jobs everyday makes our piece of the world just a little better than it was the day before. May the coming year be one of safety,...

The Council on Foreign Relations has warned the U.S. still is unprepared to prevent and respond to a catastrophic terrorist attack. (Washington Report).
December 1, 2002... In a report by a blue-ribbon committee, the council said if the U.S. does not respond more urgently, the next attack could result in even greater casualties and economic disruption. The panel's report said that the danger is magnified by...

Congress deferred the fiscal 2003 appropriations bill for federal transportaion prgrams until a post-election "lame duck" session. (Washington Report).
December 1, 2002... As a stopgap, it continued transportation funding at existing levels until the end of that session. The administration had proposed $23 billion for the highway program, the House proposed $27.7 billion, and the Senate proposed $31.8...

Nebraska has sued the Environmental Protection Agency alleging the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and EPA's arsenic standard are unconstitutional. (Washington Report).
December 1, 2002... The suit said, "The Safe Drinking Water Act, the statutory authority for EPA's regulation, was enacted with minimal regard for contagion and interstate commerce, factors which were the original focus of federal drinking water regulations. For...

The General Accounting Office (GAO), a congressional watchdog agency, said record levels of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds were spend on security in fiscal 2002 as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. (Washington Report).
December 1, 2002... Representative Don Young (R-Alaska), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, had requested the report. Young said, "While the committee is pleased that security needs have been met without compromising safety, we...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its requirements for exiting buildings quickly during an emergency. (Washington Report).
December 1, 2002... OSHA's new Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Standard were effective December 7. Administrator John Henshaw said, "Having a clear plan and procedure for exiting a building as safely as possible, if necessary, is...

The Transportation Department reported that nearly 1.2 billion tons of waterborne foreign trade moved through U.S. seaports in 2000. (Washington Report).
December 1, 2002... Secretary Norman Mineta said, "The maritime transportation system is one of the nation's vital links with about 90 percent of our overseas international trade tonnage and a significant portion of domestic trade carried by water." The...

Largest water utility sale in Florida. (Engineering Notes).
December 1, 2002... The following item was provided by Phil Gildan, an attorney as well as chair of Greenberg Traurig's (www.gtlaw.com) public infrastructure practice. He is based in the law firm's West Palm Beach office. The Florida Water Services Authority...

UV disinfection reduces bacteria in stormwater. (Engineering Notes).
December 1, 2002... The innovative Moonlight State Beach Urban Runoff Dry Weather Flow Treatment Facility in Encinitas, California, opened September 20 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication. The facility is expected to significantly reduce bacterial levels...

New York water supplier awards contract. (Engineering Notes).
December 1, 2002... New York water supplier awards contract. The Westchester Joint Water Works (WJWW) awarded Gunderboom[R], Inc. (Anchorage, Alaska, www.gunderboom.com) a contract in October to install an Alaskan-built Reservoir Protection System(RPS[TM]) at Rye...

Avoiding surprises while realizing the benefits of contract operations.
December 1, 2002... It is well documented that contract operations of water and/or wastewater systems can reduce operating costs by as much as 25 to 35 percent. In many cases, these savings have materialized with no appreciable change, or even with an improvement...

A partnership keeps Passaic's collection system on the job.(sewer systems in Passaic, New Jersey)
December 1, 2002... In the early part of the 1900s, Passaic1 New Jersey was a prominent textile center and the setting for many battles in the labor rights movement. A massive Industrial Workers of the World strike occurred there in 1912, and an important protest...

California communities wage new kind of war on roadside weeds.
December 1, 2002... Highway maintenance departments in California see the vital need to control or check the growth of unwanted vegetation along the streets, roads, and drainage facilities they manage. Weed abatement can be a large part of the maintenance...

Refined full-depth reclamation technique saves time and reduces costs.
December 1, 2002... Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is a proven method for rebuilding deteriorated asphalt roads. It produces a strong road base, lowers material cost, and eliminates the need for disposing old pavement. The Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association...

Small town does all road patching by recycling asphalt spoils.
December 1, 2002... High up in the Colorado Rockies lies Mountain Village, a beautiful, small resort town that offers long ski seasons and great summer hiking. Winters are long with lots of snow that lasts through to late spring. Snow, ice, and intense UV lighting...

Oklahoma counties rent road recyclers-recycler rental and rewards.
December 1, 2002... Located less than 30 miles south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Okmulgee County shares many concerns with other counties throughout the United States. Though primarily rural, Okmulgee County still needs to keep up with the unrelenting demands of road...

Can-do spirit guides remarkable bridge reconstruction.
December 1, 2002... Last May 26--Sunday of 2002's three day Memorial Day holiday--a tug boat pushed two empty barges into supports of the Interstate 40 bridge spanning the Arkansas River Navigation Channel in eastern Oklahoma, causing the collapse of a 580-ft span...

Rebuilding Route 3 in Massachusetts: 47 bridges and still on schedule.
December 1, 2002... Even with approximately 470 highway projects currently underway in Massachusetts, one massive effort is being watched with particular interest. No, it is not Boston's underground central artery project. It is a 21-mi stretch of Route 3...

Competitive sprit at public water systems.
December 1, 2002... The business-oriented public utility is not the anomaly it once was, as evidenced by the 2002 winners of the Gold Awards for Competitive Achievement, the annual recognition by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA, www.amwa.net)...

Untangling the Hillside strangler: the I-290/Hillside interchange project.
December 1, 2002... Until early this year, the Hillside interchange of I-290--the Eisenhower Expressway--was notorious as the worst freeway choke point in the Chicago area, and one of the worst in the nation. Both congested and hazardous, the interchange, called...

Florida City's weather forecasting tool helps manage threats.
December 1, 2002... Protecting people, property, and businesses in large U.S. metropolitan areas has grown increasingly complex in recent years. Particularly since September 11, the staggering challenges and potential threats faced by our country's large urban...

Municipality finds hydro-excavation a valuable technology.
December 1, 2002... In the village of Woodridge, Illinois, Department of Public Works employees are becoming less dependent on shovels these days. In December 2001, the department took delivery of its first hydro-excavator. Originally, its intention was to use a...

Keeping work crews visible for safety.
December 1, 2002... Road construction and utility workers, surveying personnel. and grounds maintenance crews need to be clearly visible to motorists and co-workers. When they wear apparel that conforms to safety standards published by the Safety Equipment...

Drainage District evaluates equipment procurement policy.
December 1, 2002... To buy or to rent, that is the question. William Shakespeare may have posed the question as such were he a contemporary public works equipment procurement agent. And while there are good arguments on behalf of both procurement strategies, it is...

Water Treatment Buyers' Guide.
December 1, 2002... Water Treatment Buyer's Guide Company Aeration Chemicals, Chlorinators Water Treatment ABS Pumps,...

Cities work to sharpen their fuel management systems and capabilities. (PW Update: Equipment).
December 1, 2002... Cities work to sharpen their fuel management systems and capabilities. Computerized fuel management systems have been around for several years now, but fleet and fuel managers are always striving to improve information processing abilities....

Modular vehicular bridges. (Literature Showcase).
December 1, 2002... Steadfast vehicular truss bridges are engineered, shop constructed, and rapidly erected on-site with modular components. Bridge designs are available for clear spans up to 150 ft, reducing site preparation time, increasing safety, and lowering...

Building & Construction data. (Literature Showcase).
December 1, 2002... The Blue Book of Building and Construction provides regional, categorized construction information. In print and online at www.thebluebook.com, it features over 1,000,000 company listings of contractors, suppliers, and service providers....

Reduce Screenings costs. (Literature Showcase).
December 1, 2002... The Screenings Washer Monster[TM] takes bar screen or fine screen discharge and automatically grinds, washes, compacts, and dewaters the material 40 to 50 percent. The Muffin Monster[R] grinder reduces material volume by 75 to 80 percent. Dump...

Fact-filled folder. (Literature Showcase).
December 1, 2002... HOBAS Pipe's new folder covers its centrifugally cast, fiberglass reinforced mortar pipe. Specifications include sizes, stiffness and pressure classes, capabilities, applications, and installation methods. HOBAS offers pressure and non-pressure...

Fleet Data System. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The new Fleet Data System combines fleet fueling and vehicle diagnostic data retrieval into one operation. The Ward Candometer unit scans the vehicle's on-board (OBD) diagnostic system and uploads selected data through the Ward VIT (vehicle...

LNG fleet fueling. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This company provides liquid natural gas (LNG) fueling stations, onboard LNG fueling systems, and liquefiers--all the equipment needed for an LNG-fueled fleet. "We've integrated all aspects of the infrastructure for LNG-fueled fleets for one...

Fuel control system. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The System2 fuel control system allows only authorized card, code, or ChipKey holders to access fuel, tracking every fueling transaction and restricting vehicles to only the fuel they need in the quantities they need. A System2 installation...

Fuel management system. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... Basic FuelForce[R] is an easy-to-use cardless/keyless fuel management system with Windows-based host software. Users can select the input option that best fits how they do business-with keypad entry, magnetic stripe fleet cards, proximity...

Fueling system improved. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The easy-to-use TopKAT fuel management system can now handle up to 2,000 vehicles and 4,000 employees. A single TopKAT can now handle even large sites with up to eight Gasboy/Tokheim electronic fleet dispensers or eight mechanical hoses. And...

Computer-controlled refueling. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The FuelOmat system is a computer-controlled self-service vehicle refueling system that controls and monitors round-the-clock refueling of authorized vehicles. When the nozzle is inserted into the fuel inlet of the vehicle, information from the...

Wireless fuel management. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... SmartFuel computerized fuel management system controls the refueling of vehicles via radio frequency, eliminating the need for communication cables. It is described as cost-effective, virtually maintenance free, easy to use, and easy to expand....

Modular lift design. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... Described as groundbreaking and sophisticated, the new MOD30 inground lift's modular design is said to increase safety, reliability, and most of all, reduce installation costs. It can be installed into a six-ft deep trench, backfilled with pea...

Project management 7 software. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... Autodesk announces the availability of OnSite Desktop 7 for surveying, mapping, planning, civil engineering, and facilities/infrastructure management projects. It is an easy-to-use tool that gives professionals the power to visualize in 2D and...

Jacking frame. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The T 1500 is this firm's newest track-type jacking frame used in pushing new rigid pipe through the old line, replacing it with a new, usually larger diameter pipe. The jacking frame consists of a five-piece track, housing a moving carriage...

Concrete maturity meter. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This firm says its intelliRock [RM] maturity system quickly, accurately, and non-destructively determines when a new concrete structure reaches required strength. The system consists of a logger (an intelligent sensor) that calculates maturity...

Automatic level package. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The AT-24A Grade-Pack includes one AT-24 automatic level, a tripod, a grade rod, and a ball cap, all in one economical package. The AT-24 features a powerful telescope with 24X magnification for delivering high contrast images for construction...

Detects icy roadways. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The RoadWatch[R] 3 sensor attaches to the vehicle chassis or to the outside mirror. A 2-in, diameter display mounts in the cab or to the mirror glass. The display shows air temperature unless the road surface temperature is between 10 degrees F...

More pushing power for dozer. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... With even more pushing power than the long track model and reduced track spin, the new 90-hp 650H XLT dozer provides improved performance and increased traction for moving large loads. Five in. more track on the ground and 100 lb of additional...

Beach cleaning machine. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... Improvements to the Beach Queen II beach cleaning machine include increased cleaning width to 94 in., stainless steel conveyor belt, and high-strength alloy steel tines that go up to five in. deep into the sand to remove buried debris. The...

Air flotation system. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This new crossflow air flotation system is described as highly efficient with a footprint about half that of a standard rectangular or circular DAF, and with loading rates as high as 3.5 gal/sq ft effective projected surface area. The crossflow...

Generates [CIO.sub.2]. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... "Akzo Nobel/Eka Chemicals' Purate[R] chemistry and patented SVP-Pure[R] generation system is a safe, cost-effective technology for [CIO.sub.2] production." Successful applications include drinking water and wastewater disinfection. Benefits...

Backhoe loaders. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The new 85-hp 420D and 94-hp 430D backhoe loaders apply new technology for increased reliability and durability and ease of operation. Pilot operated joystick controls for the backhoe on both models is similar to hydraulic excavator controls,...

Reversible vibratory plates. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This firm has redesigned its line of non-hydraulic reversible vibratory plates, introducing them as the GPR 65/68 Series. They are especially useful in narrow utility trench work or confined areas such as tight footing or foundation work where...

Mobile water supply. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This mobile water supply has a 1,600-gal capacity polyethylene tank and is available with two-in, supply pipes, four rear spray nozzles, two 8,000-lb axles, two-in, diameter hose, nozzle, and rack. Additional features include top fill or pump,...

Sealant Melter/Applicator. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... Magma[TM] Series Melter/Applicators place sealant at a high rate of production. The unit's Afterburnr fume reduction system allows operators to deliver hot sealant during crack sealing with reduced exposure to asphalt fumes. The lower overall...

Improves customer service. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This company has developed a Web-based service request that improves how a request is received and processed. Citizens can now access the city or county's Web page and create a service request that updates CitiTech's maintenance management...

Tree limb attachment. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... This tree limb attachment is designed to enable this company's excavators to be used to trim and remove tree limbs with speed and efficiency. The attachment's jaws are powered by the excavator's tool cylinder and controlled by joysticks in the...

Tailgate spreader with rubber trough. (Featuring: Fleet Fuel Systems).
December 1, 2002... The Model 2100 spreader's rubber trough eliminates corrosion and provides flexibility for a smooth, consistent flow of material and virtually eliminates auger jamming while reducing stress on the bearings and other components. The Model 2100...

Horner & Shifrin, Inc. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Horner & Shifrin, Inc., Engineers/Architects/Planners (St. Louis, Missouri) will send holiday tidings to a platoon from the 82nd Airborne Division, "C" Company, stationed in Afghanistan. As part of the newly created "Adopt-a-Soldier" program,...

The Dewberry Companies. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * The Dewberry Companies (Fairfax, Virginia) announces it wishes to honor a colleague and friend, Dean Meyers, by establishing the Dean Meyers Memorial Fund at the Penn State College of Engineering. Meyers was the victim of a shooting by the...

Vortechnics, Inc. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Vortechnics, Inc. (Scarborough, Maine) has added the following staff to its sales team: Steve Arlaud, CAD drafter; Dan J. Curtis, Jr., technical services engineer; W. Scott Gorneau, P.E., technical services engineer; and Erin A. Henry,...

The Shaw Group Inc. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * The Shaw Group Inc. (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) announces that Dan Shapiro, executive vice president of Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., was recently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the United States Army Corps for his...

Off the Wall Products LLC. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Off the Wall Products LLC (Salt Lake City, Utah) and the Yodock Wall Company, Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) announce the formation of the Water Barrier Manufacturers Association, 180 South 300 West, Suite 314, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.

Haestad Methods. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Haestad Methods (Waterbury, Connecticut) kicked off the opening of its new educational facility by launching a series of free training programs for its software clients. For details contact the company at 1-800-727-6555.

China-based Fengtai. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * China-based Fengtai (Handan) Alloy Casting Company, Ltd. is looking for U.S. distributors for its products, which include ductile and gray iron manhole covers and frames, and storm sewer grates and frames. For more information contact Ivan...

Vollmer Associates has relocated its Southern. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Vollmer Associates has relocated its Southern New Jersey office to 161 Gaither Drive in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

The American Society of Civil Engineers as the 2002. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Kenneth Kienow was named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as the 2002 Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award recipient at the recent Pipeline Division's Annual Conference in Cleveland. In 1988 he founded Kienow Associates,...

Municipal Software Corporation. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Municipal Software Corporation (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) announces that its enterprise software package CityView garnered the Product of the Year Award from the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre at its annual Technology...

Trimble Navigation Limited. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Trimble Navigation Limited (Sunnyvale, California) and Voxson Limited (Brisbane, Australia) announce that they have signed a development agreement to combine Trimble's GPS technology with Voxson's Global Systems for Mobile/General Packet...

URS Corporation. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * URS Corporation (NewYork, New York) announces that Michael J. Burton, former executive deputy commissioner for the New York City Department of Design and Construction, has joined the company as senior vice president and regional manager.

Europe at Multiquip, Inc. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Bill Schienker has been named international manager for Latin America and Europe at Multiquip, Inc. (Carson, California).

Riegl USA. (Worth Telling).
December 1, 2002... * Riegl USA (Orlando, Florida) has redesigned its Web site (www.rieglusa.com) to provide viewers with the latest technological advancements and industry applications for its non-contact laser range finders and scanning products.

Water rate legalities. (Legal aspects).
December 1, 2002... The Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division heard In re Petition of New Jersey-American Water Co., Inc., for an Increase in Rates for Water and Sewer Service and Other Tariff Modifications, on appeal from the Board of Public Utilities...