Public Works articles from February 2003

Public Works archives from February 2003

Simple strategies for public works agency effectiveness. (Editorial Viewpoint).
February 1, 2003... Stephen Cox, vice president of Winzler & Kelly Consulting Engineers (Santa Rosa, California), a firm that specializes in public infrastructure projects, says that by adhering to a few simple but often neglected concepts, public works agencies...

Representative Don Young (R-Alaska), chairman of the house transportation and infrastructure committee, was proposing increased federal gasoline taxes to support the federal highway trust fund. (Washington Report).
February 1, 2003... Young met with Bush Administration officials, including White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, to discuss reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). Young noted that the Federal Highway Administration...

Homeland security director Tom Ridge has told officials of the National League of Cities (NLC) that the White House supports funding of $3.5 billion for local and state government homeland security projects. (Washington Report).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... John DeStefano, NLC president and mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, said, "Cities have been providing homeland security across the U.S. with virtually no federal assistance for 15 months now. Ridge expressed the commitment by the White House to...

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a weather information tool, the Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS). (Washington Report).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a weather information tool, the Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS), to assist winter road maintenance managers in predicting the impact of adverse weather conditions and planning...

The FHWA has issued a final rule to allow design-build contracting, a technique with the potential to save time and money on transportation infrastructure projects. (Washington Report).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... FHWA Administrator Mary Peters said, "By enabling us to initiate and complete more transportation projects sooner, design-build contracting can save both time and money for everyone involved--taxpayers, private industry, and all levels of...

The Environmental Protection Agency has dropped controversial water quality regulations pro- posed by the Clinton Administration. (Washington Report).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The July 2000 final rule had revised EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Congress subsequently passed a law prohibiting EPA from implementing the July 2000 rule. Further, the National Academy of...

Meanwhile, EPA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) were drafting rules to cut exhaust emissions from diesel-powered equipment used in off-road settings, including construction machinery. (Washington Report).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The proposed rules would require engine manufacturers to include components to trap and treat exhaust gases. They also would require the use of low-sulfur diesel fuel. EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said although costs would be...

Meanwhile, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have issued a plan to ensure scientifically based restoration of wetlands impacted by development activities. (Washington Report).
February 1, 2003... The agencies said the regulatory guidance and the multi-agency action plan will improve wetlands restoration under CWA Section 404. The revised regulatory guidance emphasizes a watershed-wide approach to prospective wetlands mitigation...

A coalition of labor unions and environmental groups have sued the Environmental Protection Agency. (Washington Report).
February 1, 2003... A coalition of labor unions and environmental groups have sued the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., federal court to halt the use of preservatives containing arsenic and dioxin to treat lumber, utility poles, and railroad...

Public-private partnership is working out well. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... A 2002 transaction in Indianapolis that moved a private utility into a public-private partnership apparently is working out well for both the city and nearly a million customers, according to Sommer Barnard Ackerson, the Indianapolis law firm...

Tacoma Narrows Bridge project moves ahead. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... The process of moving forward on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge project in Washington State has not been without obstacles, reports Nossaman Guthner Knox & Elliott LLP (San Francisco, California). The law firm represents the Washington State...

Detroit rehabilitates out-falls using CIPP. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... Detroit, Michigan needed to rehabilitate the triple barrel 63-in. diameter Helen-Jefferson out-falls into the Detroit River, but there were few options. The sewer was a 100-year old double-ring brick outfall suffering severe I/I and needed full...

New York City awards GPS equipment contract. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... New York City has awarded Trimble Engineering & Construction Division (Sunnyvale, California) a $1-million, two-year contract to supply GPS-based products for mapping and GIS applications to six municipal departments: Design and Construction,...

Consultant awarded design contract on I-95. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... URS Corporation (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) announces that it is part of the PCL Civil Contractors design-build team for a $68-million improvement project for I-95 in Palm Beach. The Florida DOT awarded the project. The project involves...

Design-build oversight consultant selected for highway project. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... The Minnesota Department of Transportation has chosen HDR Engineering Inc. (Omaha, Nebraska) to provide design-build oversight consultant services for improvements to Trunk Highway 52, which runs through the heart of Rochester, Minnesota. The...

Consultant to provide combined sewer overflow and wastewater program management. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... Toledo, Ohio has awarded a $35-million contract to Black & Veatch Corporation (Kansas City, Missouri) to provide integrated program management and design services for a 15-year capital improvement program that will bring Toledo's wastewater and...

City to improve and rehabilitate park. (Engineering Notes).
February 1, 2003... Camden, New Jersey has chosen the Mount Laurel, New Jersey office of Vollmer Associates to design site improvements for the rehabilitation of Staley Park. Located in Centerville, one of Camden's smallest residential neighborhoods, Staley...

Correction.
February 1, 2003... In the Product Spotlight section on Municipal Construction Equipment in the January issue of Public Works, the telephone number for Caterpillar Inc. (www.cat.com) should have read 309-675-4693. The company also should have been listed as a...

Superpave makes progress on local roads. (Cover Article).
February 1, 2003... With all due speed, local road agencies in many states are adopting Superpave, the new federal system for designing Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavements. While the road to Superpave is usually not perfectly smooth, most local agencies like its...

Municipalities' shifting perspective in stormwater management design.
February 1, 2003... In recent years, two significant changes have taken place in stormwater management design from the perspective of municipalities. The first is in the level of treated runoff, the second is the shift in design from underground to above-ground...

In-line stormwater treatment protects area surface water.
February 1, 2003... Nashua, New Hampshire, sits at the confluence of the Nashua and Merrimack rivers. The Merrimack River Basin is vital to towns in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts because it is the main water supply for numerous surface water...

Signs alleviate long-term crosswalk safety problem.
February 1, 2003... Michigan State University's East Lansing campus is home to 40,000 students who, during the course of a typical day, traverse a 20-mile internal roadway system that includes many mid-block crosswalks. Despite university ordinances 32.02 and...

Tips on specifying medium duty trucks.
February 1, 2003... For years, a key criteria for specifying medium duty trucks has been the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Users select trucks primarily on the basis of their class. So a Class 6 vehicle may be suitable for one application and a Class 7 may...

City upgrades 1930's ERA lake Michigan water treatment plant.
February 1, 2003... Highwood, Illinois, wanted to provide water to the town of Fort Sheridan, a real estate development with 551 upscale single- and multi-family housing units at the former Fort Sheridan military base on the shore of Lake Michigan. Before it could...

City develops innovative solution to disposing of sewer residuals.(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
February 1, 2003... What do you do with the waste collected by vacuum sewer trucks from your sewers and catch basins? It does not matter if you are a small community with one truck, or if you occasionally contract out the work once every five years, or if you are...

Contractor digs under major intersection to lay water pipeline.(Action Pipeline Contractors )
February 1, 2003... Action Pipeline Contractors has specialized in laying pipe for its entire 37 years in business, but until recently the company had not encountered a project as deep and long as needed for a new water main going under a busy city intersection....

Product spotlight: asphalt patching.(Illustration)
February 1, 2003... PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Asphalt Patching Asphalt Asphalt Joint & Asphalt Patching & Asphalt Crack Patchers, Overlay Patching...

Arizona desert hosts construction equipment demonstration.
February 1, 2003... Late Last year in the Arizona desert, two well-known names in the construction industry--Peterbilt Motors Company and Caterpillar, Inc.--came together to provide contractors and other vocational equipment owners with the opportunity to discuss...

PW update: equipment.(equipment helps public works fleets)
February 1, 2003... Manufacturers of fuel management systems continue to update their hardware and software to better serve public works fleets. The most advanced systems provide automated vehicle data entry from the vehicle to the system s fuel island controller....

Aerial photography. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... "Aerial Data Service, Inc. is dedicated to providing quality work and the best technology available in the industry. ADS provides aerial photography (using airborne GPS and inertial position/orientation systems), conventional and GPS surveying...

Beach cleaning vehicle. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The self-propelled "Marina" is described as not only an expert on the beach, but also in other maintenance areas. Optional front hitch implements turn the vehicle into a street sweeper, a lawn mower, a scraper, or a grader. The small turning...

Electric/hydraulic crane. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Model 3315 crane is designed to meet the needs of public utilities, municipalities, water works, construction companies, rental houses, and any other situation requiring a crane in the medium lifting range. It has an 11,500-ft/lb capacity...

Galvanized aggregate bin. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... This firm says it has again taken Volumetric Mixing to a new level with the introduction of an aggregate bin that is completely immersed into a molten zinc bath, coating the bin with zinc iron alloy layers. The process increases bin life and...

Stormwater treatment. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Vortechs[TM] stormwater treatment system treats up to 10 times the flow of internal bypass systems, removing sediment, hydrocarbons, and debris--the pollutants targeted by most stormwater regulations. Its EPA award-winning design provides...

AM-LINER II. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... AM-LINER II is a cost-effective, easy-to-install manhole-to-manhole PVC lining system for rehabilitating deteriorated sewer mains in 6- to 12-in. diameters. It provides a strong, seamless, and structural sewer liner. When installed, AM-LINER II...

Heats Asphalt Joints. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Asphalt Joint Heating System heats the joint area of the previously placed asphalt to a depth that will not only provide thermal bonding of the joint, it will allow regained density at joint lost to unconfined compaction. Call 800-884-2072....

Multi-purpose dump body. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Hi-Way XT3 multi-purpose dump body performs various all-season applications, including spreading, hauling, and dumping. It spreads deicing materials in the rear or the front with the optional front cross conveyor. The flat dump body floor...

Perpetual pavement. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... "Perpetual pavements constructed of smooth, durable, safe, quiet asphalt last a lifetime. In fact, they will still be a good idea when your grandchildren get to be your age." For information and a free interactive CD, visit the Web site listed...

Versatile pipe. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... "HOBAS fiberglass-reinforced, polymer mortar pipe provides inherent corrosion resistance, superior hydraulics, and along, maintenance free life." Key applications are sanitary sewers (gravity and force mains), potable water, and corrosive...

Screening wall. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... "Superior-Fence[TM] satisfies customers' requirements for an economically-priced screening wall in applications needing high walls (>10') with excellent sound attenuation. Superior-Fence consists of integrally colored precast concrete panels...

Liner protects concrete. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Sure Grip[R] concrete protective liner is described as an economical solution for the trenchless innovation of sewage and drinking water channels. Advantages of the innovation with the liner are: no excavations, timesaving due to short time of...

Nightysky[TM] optical systems. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... "The new and most efficient decorative lighting optical systems on the market help preserve the night sky." These state-of-the-art reflector systems provide a sharp cut-off of light and are designed to shield light at angles above 72 degrees...

SpectraPave2 software. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... SpectraPave2 software uses GiroudHan design technology and now you can make it work for you when designing or estimating your next roadway project. It reduces aggregate requirements, improves subgrade performance, and features fast, reliable,...

Vacuum up litter. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Model 101 vacuum trash collector comes in 3-and 4-wheel versions. The 101 is said to combine robust collection and effortless handling with an unbeatable suction system to pick up in one pass glass, bottles, cans, cardboard, plastic, or any...

Snow chain system. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Rotogrip automatic snow chain system enables drivers to have the security of snow chains without the hassles. Simply flip a switch on the dashboard, and the chain wheels lower and engage the inner sidewalls of the rear tires. Up to 18...

Explosion proof pumps. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... This extensive line of explosion proof submersible dewatering or sewage pumps has a specially designed and approved explosion proof motor for applications where a hazardous duty condition might exist or a Class 1, Division 1, Group C & D...

Pipe & cable locator. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The PL-920 pipe and cable locator is easy to use and economical. Features include analog meter, peak-over, depth measurement, and excellent range in an "RF" locator, says the company, which has been designing, selling, servicing, and supporting...

Eliminates sewer odor. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The new Vortex Flow Insert eliminates sewer odor and controls corrosion using a high-tech, low-maintenance design that has no moving parts. The company says this device not only eliminates the need for bio-filters, air scrubbers, and manhole...

Installing C900 PVC pipe. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... A growing number of water utilities are installing C900 PVC pipe the trenchless way, avoiding extensive excavations and reducing surface damage and the disruption it causes. The quality and versatility of this company's C900/RJ[TM] PVC pipe...

Road Rake. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Model 200 Road Rake is a truck-towed litter collector that safely removes tire retreads, mufflers, hubcaps, cardboard, wood, paper, and other litter from roads without the operator leaving the safety of the towing vehicle. It can travel...

Storm drain markers. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The das Curb Marker[R] can be permanently applied to curbs (top or face), sidewalks, or almost any flat surface. Stock titles, custom sizes, shapes, and colors are available. Replace messy paint and stencils, says the company. Permanently mark...

Vulnerability assessments. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... PBS&J helps public works professionals bring homeland security home. In support of vulnerability assessments for water utilities, PBS&J applies the EPA-directed risk assessment methodology and develops mitigation measures that offer a...

Variable-use pump. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Model 6NHRD 6-in, non-clog pump is a true variable-use pump that can perform on wellpoint jobs or on bypass projects. Its vacuum-assisted priming system allows the 6NHRD to achieve air handling of over 150 cfm. The pump will handle volumes...

Medium-size snowblower. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The new LM-217 is a two-stage, dualauger, self-contained snowblower powered by a diesel engine rated in the range of 152 to 200 hp. Built to be mounted on any front-end loader of two-cu yd capacity, the LM-217 can be equipped with a telescopic...

Submersible pumps. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... This firm's range of electric submersible pumps features a top discharge, flow rates to 5,000 gpm, and discharge heads to 375 ft. Sub-Prime units, with a slim-line design to fit confined spaces, are used for dewatering applications requiring...

Vacuum excavation. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The new E-VAC[R] wet/dry vacuum excavation unit provides flexibility: simply remove four bolts and transform a trailered unit to a skid that can be carried by truck or moved around by forklift. (A 100-gal high-pressure water system is...

Brush chipper. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The new Model 12 Blizzard brush chipper weighs in at 5,700 lb with a horsepower range of 80 to 130. It is designed to fit the niche for an affordable, basic 12-in. capacity drum-style chipper. Standard equipment includes a large diameter single...

Drive-on wash pad. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The "Big Island" is a portable above ground drive-on wash pad said to be ideal for cleaning large parts and vehicles. The Big Island gets the grease, grime, and mud off your equipment--from tractors to trailers up to 60,000 lb/axle. Recycled...

Tarping solutions. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... This company offers load-covering solutions for hooklifts, cable hoists, and roll-offs. Pictured is a new addition to the line: an electric system for single-axle hooklifts. A direct drive motor lifts the roller assembly off the stationary...

Stop I/I into manholes. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The I/I Barrier is made of UV stabilized virgin polyethylene, which allows it to perform under tough conditions. The I/I Barrier lines the chimney section of a manhole so water, dirt, and other sediments cannot migrate into the manhole. This...

Nostalgic luminaire. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... The Lindy [TM] is an injection-molded, nostalgic acorn-shaped luminaire made from the finest grade lighting materials. The precise prisms are said to provide excellent light uniformity and distribution for historic renovations, downtown...

Catch basin cleaners. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... These catch basin cleaners use a powerful hydraulic "clamshell" bucket to cost-effectively clean storm drains and other collection points. With optional high-pressure jetting system, clean laterals from the same truck. These catch basin...

Asphalt emulsion. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Through the use of PASS emulsion, says its manufacturer, public works professionals are reaping $ millions in savings by prolonging the life of their existing pavement. PASS can be used for various road maintenance needs, including chip seals,...

Pre-Tap collars. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... Crews have found a better way to tap live water mains using these pre-tap collars. They are designed to save you time and money during the labor intensive tapping operation. Place the collar around the main. When you are ready to install the...

Automatic chains. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... This firm announces the availability of its automatic chain system for the Ford Model F-550 chassis, which is quickly becoming a popular Type 1 ambulance chassis. The system bolts to the vehicle's rear suspension and allows the driver to engage...

Strobe lights. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... "Fleet Industries is a small company that has kept its customer service and small company personality. We stand behind our products with an excellent two year warranty, and strive to always make our customers' priorities come first." Above is...

Liquid-applied liners. (Product Showcase).
February 1, 2003... With these liquid-applied liners, "problems in tanks and ground storage vessels are a thing of the past. Nothing extends the life of your waterworks structures better." Designed for direct contact with potable water, the system is a...

Two smaller skid-steers. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The 232 and 242 vertical-lift loaders feature a special linkage that provides a lift height of more than 9 ft 11 in. and a reach of 30 in. at a bucket angle of 45 degrees. The expanded height and reach--combined with rated capacities of 1,750...

Versatile loader. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The A220 boasts selectable steering modes. It offers the versatility of a small wheel loader with the tight-quarters maneuverability of a skid-steer loader. State-of-the-art joystick controls, accelerator pedal, smooth ride, and comfortable cab...

New option for skid-steers. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The hydraulic Quick-Tatch option for John Deere 200 Series skidsteers allows the operator to remain seated while effortlessly latching and unlatching the Quick-Tatch lock pins. Operation of the system requires the simple push of a rocker switch...

Skid-steers with Super Boom[TM]. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... This company says its six Super Boom skid-steer models provide superior visibility, more lift capacity, better stability, better durability, and better dump height and reach. Operating load ranges from 1,283 lb to 2,842 lb, with diesel engines...

StumpBuster attachment for skid-steers. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The new skid-steer loader-mounted StumpBuster provides a simple, efficient, and highly maneuverable solution to tree stump removal. Powered by a minimum 15-gpm hydraulic hook-up, the Model SC-25-H can whittle a 45-in, diameter stump to a 10-in,...

Mini skid-steer. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The 25GT tracked mini skid-steer "provides you with increased floatation and all the traction you need to get the job done." Operation is easy with one-hand steering and single joystick control of the loader's boom and bucket. The self-leveling...

Skid-steer fork attachment handles concrete block. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... This new forkframe features block forks for handling concrete block and banded brick--or slide the forks together and use them like any other pallet forks. The forks are shaft mounted in a frame made of 3/8-in, thick strap steel for strength...

Hazardous waste container is stackable. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... This one-cu yd, stackable DOT approved hazwaste container is made in seven-gauge steel and features a sealed, one-piece flip-top lid. The container can be certified to handle a variety of hazardous materials and has a 4,000-lb capacity. Units...

Curb system. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The Flexi-Guide 300 curb system provides economical and effective lane separation. It features a narrow design that conserves lane width; a design that allows circular or curved installation; color throughout, no painting required; modular...

Quick Mount[R] storage bracket. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... This company's new storage bracket complements the use of its Quick Mount Plow Cart. Using the Quick Mount storage brackets with the Quick Mount Plow Cart gives users more storage capacity for their Meyer E-Z Mount [R] equipment. This allows...

Dual-constellation tracking. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The HiPer-GGD is a fully-integrated GPS receiver and antenna featuring advanced GPS technology that allows dual-constellation tracking. Combined with an optional RTK communication system and external field computer, the HiPer-GGD becomes a...

Generates [CIO.sub.2]. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... "Akzo Nobel/Eka Chemicals' Purate [R] chemistry and patented SVP-Pure [R] generation system is a safe, cost-effective technology for [ClO.sub.2] production." Successful applications include drinking water and wastewater disinfection. Benefits...

Innovative portable signal boasts new feature. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... A new feature on the Pop-Up portable signal and sensor platform system allows the arm to be placed in two different positions. Use the horizontal position for traffic signal work, or use it in the 120-degree position as a traffic-engineering...

Option for Camel unit. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The Super Pak dewatering system option for the Camel line of sewer and catch basin cleaners compresses the payload inside the debris body using the Camel's pusher plate to squeeze water out of the payload, allowing the operator to take a dry...

Economical gas monitoring. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... This firm's AirAware fixed-point gas monitors are available to monitor carbon monoxide, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or ammonia. Every AirAware is equipped with electrochemical sensing technology,...

Strengthens parapet walls. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... PARATEC is a versatile method of internal structural reinforcement that is tailored to meet the specific requirements of masonry parapet and retaining walls. The system strengthens low parapet masonry walls, such as those found on roofs or...

Drive-on wash pad. (Equipment & Services).
February 1, 2003... The newly designed Big Island is an above-ground drive-on wash pad for cleaning large parts as well as vehicles. Its 60,000-lb per axle load capacity allows it to clean most industrial and commercial equipment. The systems are designed for use...