Public Works articles from July 2000

Public Works archives from July 2000

Rivers and Trails program aids local projects.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Rivers and Trails program aids local projects. The May/June 2000 issue of Common [Ground.sup.TM] (published by The Conservation Fund, Arlington, Virginia) reports that the National Park Service's Rivers and Trails program helped 200 communities...

Television miniseries looks at "Building Big.".(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Television miniseries looks at "Building Big." Feats of monumental engineering will take center stage this fall with the PBS premiere of Building Big, a five-part miniseries on mega-structures hosted by author-illustrator David Macaulay. ...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
July 1, 2000... Regarding the May 2000 article, "Roadsides Benefit From a Long-Term Municipal Tree Replacement Program": I read the article on the municipal tree replacement program in the May 2000 issue of Public Works. While I agree with the problems of...

The EPA has proposed a rule to slash the standard for arsenic in drinking water from 50 parts per billion to five ppb.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The EPA has proposed a rule to slash the standard for arsenic in drinking water from 50 parts per billion to five ppb. EPA set the current standard in 1975, based on a 1942 Public Health Service standard. In March 1999, the National Academy of...

Congress appeared intent on blocking an EPA rule on total daily maximum loads (TMDL).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Congress appeared intent on blocking an EPA rule on total daily maximum loads (TMDL). The agency planned to issue the rule in July. The Clean Water Act required states to identify and list bodies of water not meeting certain standards. The...

At the beginning of summer, EPA issued a report showing how much the U.S. economy depends on clean water.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... At the beginning of summer, EPA issued a report showing how much the U.S. economy depends on clean water. Administrator Browner said, "Americans care deeply about their rivers, lakes, and shorelines. A third of all Americans visit coastal areas...

The U.S. Energy Department and the nation's top appliance makers have agreed on standards to improve the energy efficiency of residential clothes washers.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The U.S. Energy Department and the nation's top appliance makers have agreed on standards to improve the energy efficiency of residential clothes washers. As a result of the new agreement, consumers nationwide will save nearly five quadrillion...

EPA has made over $35 million in grants to 102 communities across the country to clean up "brown-fields".(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... EPA has made over $35 million in grants to 102 communities across the country to clean up "brown-fields"--abandoned, lightly contaminated properties often found in economically distressed areas--and return them to economically thriving,...

Congress has yet to act on the Clinton administration's request that it pass a bill slashing or eliminating use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in gasoline.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Congress has yet to act on the Clinton administration's request that it pass a bill slashing or eliminating use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in gasoline. The additive is used in reformulated gasoline to meet the 1992 Clean Air Act's...

The Transportation Department has proposed rules to speed use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) on U.S. streets and highways.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... The Transportation Department has proposed rules to speed use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) on U.S. streets and highways. Two notices of proposed rulemaking and a request for comment are intended to speed ITS deployment locally by...

House and Senate committees were moving slowly to reauthorize and revamp the nation's pipeline safety laws.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... House and Senate committees were moving slowly to reauthorize and revamp the nation's pipeline safety laws, and chances for passage appeared slim this session. The Senate Commerce Committee was preparing to mark up a bill that would...

FUNDING COMPLIANCE WITH Stormwater Phase II Requirements.
July 1, 2000... Stormwater management now has new meaning for more than 5,000 local governments across the country as a result of the Phase II rules that were issued at the end of 1999 by the EPA. Cities with populations over 100,000 were already required to...

CHANGING TIMES FOR Snow and Ice Control Practice.(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... Roadway snow and ice control practices are changing rapidly. It is important for maintenance and operations managers to review new technology and practices and consider applications for their organizations. In addition to selecting new ideas...

CITY EXPERIMENTS WITH Winter Maintenance Strategies.(Portage, Michigan)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... Most road agencies involved with winter maintenance activities actively search for better operational methods and deicing materials that will improve the winter maintenance service delivery to their governing jurisdictions. The city of Portage...

NIMBLE SNOWPLOW TRUCKS SIZED FOR EXPANDING Urban Interface Zones.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... The urban interface zone, where city meets country, has frequently meant snow removal operators had to choose between a plow truck with the agility to slip through cul de sacs and tight intersections or an unstoppable piece of serious...

FROM THE FIELD: An Overview of Fleet Management.(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... In today's world, fleet management is a science. In utility and government fleets, it is more relevant than ever. Guess work, shade tree garages, and three-by-five cards for record-keeping are no longer acceptable standards. Fleets are...

SATELLITE-BASED Construction Equipment Management.(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... Satellite technology is used routinely to locate and monitor the physical positions of trucks, railroad locomotives, and other vehicles. Now expanded capabilities of the latest satellite-based monitoring systems not only can pinpoint location,...

SMALL CITIES CAN BENEFIT FROM A MODERN, COMPUTERIZED Traffic Signal System.(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... Like many small cities, Greenville, North Carolina is looking to stave off increased traffic congestion using a modern, computerized, coordinated traffic signal system. This summer, the city is installing a state-of-the art system utilizing...

USING WIRELESS INTERNET TECHNOLOGY FOR Smart Traffic Control.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... When project engineers and traffic planners for the Pennsylvania Turnpike designed the full-depth reconstruction of a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Franklin and Huntington counties, they realized the need for an automated system to...

PUMPS RESOLVE Chronic Blockages.(Fair Lawn, New Jersey, sewer system)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... Located approximately 12 miles from New York City, the borough of Fair Lawn, New Jersey (30,500 population) has operated a municipal sewerage system since 1947. The residential community of 10,200 homes includes the historic Radburn District,...

DEVELOPING A MUNICIPAL BEDROCK WATER SUPPLY WELL.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Water suppliers relying on groundwater wells are finding the water demand of an increasing population requires the development of additional drinking water sources. Compounding their problems is the loss and/or lack of the traditional sand and...

EXPOSED LIVE WIRES AT THE BASE OF LIGHT POLES CREATE Dangerous Situation.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Open hand holes and broken hand hole covers at the bottom of street light poles expose the public to dangerous Jive wires. The hand hole is an opening in the pole at knee height that allows electrical workers to hook-up the wires from...

ALL-PURPOSE CRAWLERS GIVE MUNICIPALITIES New Options.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... It begins with turtle eggs--not exactly what you would expect for a story on heavy equipment helping municipalities be more efficient, productive, and environmentally-friendly, but it is the best way to start. Specifically, Clearwater,...

As an Internet user, are you feeling ever so slightly vulnerable?(Symantec Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... As an Internet user, are you feeling ever so slightly vulnerable? Well, you should be feeling very vulnerable! Within the past month (I am writing in late May for publication in July), two rather nasty viruses were turned loose on the Internet....

Now for an update on Internet usage.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2000... Now for an update on Internet usage. According to a May 17th report in the Washington Post, in 1995 about 12.7 million U.S. households were on line to the Internet. By the end of the year 2000, this number will have grown to over 44 million. By...

In the May column, I indicated that I would address policies about upgrading or replacing PC hardware.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... In the May column, I indicated that I would address policies about upgrading or replacing PC hardware. My first point is that the issue is not whether to replace obsolete equipment, but when and how. Upgrading or replacing their PCs is a...

Safety Glasses.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Summit [Il.sup.TM] Model SG-29 safety glasses provide a lens with an individual optical curvature for each eye, allowing a distortion free view. Features include sporty and adjustable rubber temples, and rubber nose bridge for improved comfort....

Low Profile Strobe.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Fleet-Strobe 1200 Series strobe light offers a potted power supply for total protection against the elements including salt and moisture. With a multi-voltage capacity of 12-48 VDC, the light output is rated at 12 joules with double flash....

Hydraulic Welder/AC Generator.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Use the new Hydro-Arc 600 where portable electric power is needed for welding, AC or DC flood lights, and power tools. It will also charge 12-and 24-volt batteries while generating AC power. The combined system is rated at 240 amps DC and 6,000...

Asphalt Pavers.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... All 500 Series asphalt payers are equipped with water-cooled diesel engines. Exhaust heated screed is standard with propane heated screed as an option. All machines feature automatic track tensioning, sprocket torque hub drive, and side gates...

Bandit(R) Brush Chippers.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... These 12-in. hand fed, disc-style chippers are designed for productivity, dependability, and versatility. Aggressive feed systems quickly and economically crush, compress, and pull trees, limbs, and brush into their wide openings. You trim less...

Directional Warning Light.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Reduce the strain on your vehicle's electrical system with the new LED version of the SignalMaster directional warning light. By using LED modules, amperage draw is dramatically reduced. An eight-lamp LED SignalMaster draws less than 2.5 amps,...

Aluminum Trench Shields.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... ModSeries aluminum trench shields are pickup truck transportable, hand assembled, and can be handled easily by a rubber-tired backhoe-loader, making them ideal for municipalities and contractors doing utility repair and maintenance work. Seven...

Modular Pipe Coupling.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The new Style 253 modular cast coupling is actually an entire coupling system designed to give you a faster, easier way to join all your waterworks piping-cast/ductile iron, A-C, or PVC-regardless of pipe class. Style 253 comes in sizes up...

Leaf Loaders.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This company offers a full line of vacuum leaf loaders including the self-contained, trailer-mounted Model TM-3. The TM-3 features a 14-, 17-, 20-, 25-, or 30-cu yd capacity with vacuum assembly, hopper, and trailer for efficient leaf...

Dump Body Vibrator.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Big Bertha DC-3500, 12-volt DC vibrator quickly, completely, and safely discharges sticky or wet materials- such as clay, mud, concrete, asphalt, fertilizer, chemicals, and snow-from multi-axle dump trucks, trailers, and dump body trucks....

Compact Excavator.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The K008 Ultra Compact Excavator works just about anywhere-can go through doorways and gates, between columns and buildings, next to a wall. Standard with hydraulically-adjustable track frame, rubber tracks, and diesel power. Dig up to 67 in.,...

Side Service Connections.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The IP/SmSch 40 Gasketed Bell Inserta Tee line of 4-through 12-in, side service connections is designed to connect 4- through 12-in, side services for all known types of mainline pipe. Inserta Tee is a three-piece service connection that is...

Vacuum Equipment.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This firm offers municipalities over 50 wet and dry uses of its vacuum equipment. Cleans lift stations, treatment plants, manholes, meter boxes, and storm drains. Vacuum down retention ponds and vacuum up broken glass, paper, or emergency road...

Rough Cut Mower.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Model RC466 front-mount mower cuts through tall, dense growth and 1-in. woody stems. Free swinging blades on discs all but eliminate shock load to the four spindles. Chains at the front opening and counter-rotating discs move material...

Rod Pusher/Puller.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Power Ram hydraulic rod pusher/puller destroys existing utility pipe and replaces it with new. Eliminates trenching in pipe replacement projects or with new lines. The Model 1915 combines compact size and nearly 100,000 lb of push/pull power....

Crack Sealer.
July 1, 2000... This firm has been making RMV "Hot Patcher" asphalt maintenance units for 16 years. It now has an RMV "Crack Sealer," an oil-jacketed, diesel-fueled machine with 225-gal tank, full-sweep agitator, and heated cabinet. This new line is also...

Safety Flooring.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... SlipNOT(r) Safety metal-floor plating or grating is designed for municipalities and contractors engaged in underground utility work. It is said to be ideal for utility-vault covers, hatches, highway trench-plates, and bridge decking. It has a...

Expandable Manhole Riser.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This expandable manhole riser features efficient, pivoted turnbuckle design. Other features include [pm]1/2-in. adjustment on diameter, 3/4-in. and up rise available in 1/4-in. increments, and one-piece assembly. Minutes to install, no special...

Flow Modeling Software.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... FlowMaster(r) software for designing and analyzing pipes, ditches, open channels, weirs, orifices, and inlets boasts a simple, yet powerful interface that allows users to solve multiple uniform flow problems simultaneously injust minutes, says...

Nine-Ft Tub Grinder.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The HD-9 is the industry's first 9-ft tub grinder, filling a void in the market where an 8-ft unit might be too small for the job and an 10-ft unit too expensive, says the company. Its tub tilts hydraulically to 90 degrees for easy,...

Concrete Storage Tanks.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Literature describes the step-by-step construction process of wire-wound, prestressed concrete storage tanks, including subbase and floor, precast panels, panel erection, dome section, and wire winding and shotcrete. Photographs of tanks under...

Water Chemicals.(General Chemical Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... General Chemical's Water Chemical Group is described as the largest alum producer in North America and a leader in enhanced, aluminum-based coagulants and floccu-lants, especially polyaluminum hydroxychioride (PAC1). It operates 35 alum and...

Automation Sensors.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This firm announces its new 2000-2001 catalog. Contains popular level, flow, pressure, photoelectric, scanner, and proximity products, with a guide to the company's comprehensive Web site: www.automationsensors.com. Included are sensors,...

Boosts Clarifier Performance.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This company's density current baffle system has been described as "the most cost-effective improvement in clarifier performance available today." The baffle eliminates short-circuiting, reduces TSS, and increases hydraulic capacity by up to...

Surface Cleaning System.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Vaxjet(R) closed-loop surface cleaning system removes oil, dirt, grease, rubber, and other contaminants from flat surfaces. The Vaxjet combines high-pressure water blasting (up to 10,000 psi) technology with a powerful vacuum source and a...

Trailer Tarping System.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Sidewinder is a high-quality, low-maintenance automatic tarping system that covers live floor trailers in 20 seconds from the safety of the ground. One-piece lid design keeps one side of the trailer free of hinges. Driver's side and curb side...

PVC Pipe Liner.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... AM-LINERII provides cost-effective sewer rehabilitation without excavation. It is a strong, seamless, structural PVC lining system that, when installed, tightly molds to the host pipe. AM-LINERII comes in 6-to 12-in. diameters and conforms to...

Oil Spill Control System.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Ecostop oil spill control system detects a spill and shuts the drainage system, thereby keeping the spill onsite. The system is installed in-line and downstream from any segregated petroleum containment drainage area. Ecostop is available in a...

Adjustable Manhole Riser.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Raise your manhole to a new level with this adjustable riser. You can have any lid adjusted to the new grade in just 10 minutes. The riser can be manufactured to any size diameter. Our stainless steel adjuster allows you the ability to adjust...

Box Culvert Design Software.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... BOXCAR software can help engineers significantly reduce design time and costly over-designs on projects using precast concrete box sections. The Window-based CD-ROM provides complete structural analysis for loads due to box weight, soil weight,...

Microtunneling Equipment.(Akkerman Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... "Akkerman Inc. has microtunneling equipment for pipeline installation with outside diameters from 24 to 86 in. Our laser-guided systems have what it takes to meet the needs of the exacting grade and alignment requirements of the gravity sewer...

Asset Management Software.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... "Cart[acute{e}]Graph develops and markets powerful, low-cost, easy-to-use asset management software." VERSAview software allows you to collect and maintain data for an unlimited variety of assets. It provides the user with pre-defined templates...

Prevent Concrete Corrosion.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Century Manhole System is designed to maintain the structural integrity of manholes and reduce maintenance costs. The containment cover acts as a protective barrier between concrete and hydrogen sulfide and eliminates sewer outgassing for a...

Stormwater Detention Software.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This firm has released the latest version of its "Storm Water Detention/Retention Design Tool." Version 2.0 uses a browser-based format enabling access to this tool through the technical support section on the company's Web site:...

Soil Support System.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Mighty [Lite.sup.TM] modular soil support system complies with latest O.S.H.A. regulations and is professional engineer certified. Features include 6061-T6 aluminum alloy construction, 2.5-in, wall thickness, adjustable widths, 9 standard...

Turf Reinforcement Mats.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Landlok(r) turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) are said to provide superior erosion protection in moderate to high flow channels, steepened slopes, and parking areas. Landlok TRMs provide an esthetically pleasing reinforcement alternative to...

GIS Services and More.(Woolpert Consultants)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Woolpert helps its clients solve their problems with client-focused solutions in engineering, architecture, design, and other related services. With its Complete Water Management Group, you can make one stop with one company, whose expertise...

Field Mapping Software.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... SOLO CE is a turnkey field mapping system that provides sub-meter differential GPS accuracy, and brings the latest technology into your GPS/GIS data collection applications. Working with a Coast Guard beacon or satellite correction service,...

GIS Software Suite.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This firm's powerful software trilogy--SewerCAD(r), StormCAD(r), and WaterCAD(r)--now offers seamless GIS and database integration. The product suite provides an integrated framework for hydraulic modeling, graphical editing, results...

Full Range of GIS Services.(Camp Dresser and McKee Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. provides professional GIS consulting services for public, private, and utility marketplaces. Addressing every phase of the GIS lifecycle, the company's teams can help your organization define GIS requirements,...

GPS Maintains GIS Data.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The GeoExplorer(r) 3 handheld GPS system for collecting and maintaining GIS data allows you to quickly map points, lines, areas, and their attributes. Combine it with the company's Beacon-on-a-Belt ([BoB.sup.TM]) differential receiver and you...

GIS Managed Roadways.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This company ofers a wide range of GIS-based solutions that can be adapted to your agency's pavement management methods. GIS by [ESRI.sup.TM] can help you analyze future pavement conditions for different levels of funding and show the effects...

Side-Dump Tarp System.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The new 6800 polished-aluminum side-to-side tarp system for side-dump trailers is said to tarp or untarp the longest side or belly dump trailer in under 5 seconds. The design also allows for passenger side dumping. Standard equipment includes...

Work Planning, Budgeting Software for Public Works Departments.(Cititech Information Co.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... A new module has been added to CitiTech management software that allows public works departments to manage annual work plans, resources, and budgets more effectively. The Work Planning & Budgeting module improves resources utilization and...

Top Spreader.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... [MultiSpread's.sup.TM] special design features a 42-in, gate width to fit through small openings. The large 15-cu ft hopper spreads top dressing material by moving it to the rear of the top-dresser via a heavy-duty rubber belt. Adjustable...

Epoxy Healer/Sealer.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Epoxy Healer/Sealer is a clear, low viscosity, solvent-free structural bonder for porous or heavily cracked concrete decks, maintenance floors, or ramps. Easy flood application consolidates and strengthens weak or distressed substrates,...

Soil Stabilization Solutions.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Bio Draw 1.0 on CD-ROM is a compilation of 34 biotechnical erosion control practices. Each soil bioengineering technique presented incorporates live vegetation. Bio Draw was developed to help solve engineering problems while meeting the...

Low Cab Forward Truck.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Condor Glass 8 low cab forward truck is designed for refuse collection, recycling work, and other specialized heavy-duty truck applications. The 68-in. BBC vehicle is available in 4 x 2 and 6 x 4 configurations, with multiple steering...

"King of the Hill" Mower.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... With its 28-hp high-torque diesel engine, the F1145 front mower "turns mountains into mow hills." With the F1145, you can set the 4-wheel drive "full-time" for continuous mowing, or you can let it engage and disengage automatically, according...

Multi-Material Pipe Coupling.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This multi-material coupling allows piping made of one material to pass through the wall of a structure made of another, thermoplastic material without booting or flanging. Piping such as PVC is often used to connect to systems lined with HDPE,...

Traffic Control Products.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This firm supplies speed bumps, delineators and vertical panel bases, and wheel chocks for your traffic and safety needs. Custom imprinting is offered for these products made from post-consumer recycled tire rubber. They meet EPA and OSHA...

Refuse Packers.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... This company supplies the Millennium front loader with new Intelli-Pack control, a programmable operator control system that automates the lift, pack, and dump container functions of handling. Also available are the Curbtender automated side...

Parking Area Luminaire.(Polestar)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... PoleStar(r) luminaires come in two sizes with wattages ranging from 250 to 1,000, and three lighting patterns: square, asymmetric, and forward throw. Three luminaire shapes are available as well as three mounting styles, including a special...

Anti-Surge Tank Baffles.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... These anti-surge tank safety baffles for truck liquid load shift control are available for chemical, fuel, and water cargo tanks holding from 5 to 10,000 gallons. The safety baffles protect against a variety of potential safety hazards,...

Rustproofing Paint.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... Rust-Nix(tm) paint is formulated to absorb rust into the enamel paint pigments, then seal the surface with a bright, high-gloss finish that prevents further corrosion, Preparation is simple--just brush off loose rust and paint. Once dry, the...

New Look for Container.
July 1, 2000... This waste container's refashioned look includes a new red top and new "Wyoming White" granite exposed aggregate finish. It can be accessorized by adding an ash urn, drive-up chute, tray caddy, or a custom silk-screened logo.

Wheel Loader.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The 15,000-lb 324H four-wheel drive loader is designed to serve a variety of markets including rental, material handling, building construction, road construction, and landscaping. Attachments include forks, augers, jib booms, brooms,...

Compact Track Loader.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2000... The Bobcat(R) 864 G-Series compact track loader features a next-generation cab and instrumentation that increase operator comfort and enhance productivity. The machine's track system improves flotation, traction, and maneuverability. It has a...