Public Works articles from July 2003

Public Works archives from July 2003

Pieces of the puzzle. (Editorial Viewpoint).
July 1, 2003... When we finished our masters' degrees at the University of Iowa in environmental engineering, my classmates and I took a variety of jobs, from public works to manufacturing to teaching. I found a job with Sargent & Lundy working on...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Municipal associations have told Congress that better supply management is needed to meet the growing demand for water. (Washington Report).
July 1, 2003... Municipal associations have told Congress that better supply management is needed to meet the growing demand for water. Representative John Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.) called a Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee hearing. An earlier hearing...

The House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee has challenged the transfer of port security funding to other programs. (Washington Report).
July 1, 2003... The House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee has challenged the transfer of port security funding to other programs. It held an oversight hearing on the implementation of the Maritime Transportation and Security Act of 2002...

Propane industry recognizes exceptional achievement of top motor fleets. (Engineering Notes).
July 1, 2003... Propane industry recognizes exceptional achievement of top motor fleets. The Propane Education & Research Council (Washington, D.C., www.propanecouncil.org) has announced the winners of the third annual Propane--Exceptional Energy Fleet Awards....

City extends outsourcing contract. (Engineering Notes).
July 1, 2003... City extends outsourcing contract. Earth Tech (Long Beach, California),in a joint venture partnership with McDonough Associates, has been selected by the Chicago Department of Water (CDOW) for renewal of the department's program management...

Landfill system grows trees, saves costs. (Engineering Notes).
July 1, 2003... Landfill system grows trees, saves costs. Several years ago CH2M HILL helped the Riverbend Landfill in Yamhill County, Oregon develop a long-term solution to its leachate management problem. CH2M HILL recommended development of a new poplar...

Improvements planned for I-10. (Engineering Notes).(Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc. and Route 1-10)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Improvements planned for I-10. The San Bernardino (California) Associated Governments has awarded a contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff to design improvements to Route I-10 in Redlands, California. The $24-million project entails adding...

Consultants to develop master plan for waste-water treatment plant. (Engineering Notes).(Black and Veatch Engineers and Architects and Greeley and Hansen contract for Stickney Water Reclamation Plant)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Consultants to develop master plan for waste-water treatment plant. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) has awarded a contract to Black and Veatch (Kansas City, Missouri) and Greeley and Hansen (Chicago,...

Porous asphalt. (Managing Stormwater With).
July 1, 2003... "Our city is looking at porous parking lots, roadways, and bike paths, as a way to reduce stormwater runoff in lieu of traditional systems," says Brett Kesterson, a senior engineer with the Office of Transportation, Portland Oregon. "With...

Stormwater GIS: Managing state-wide stormwater BMPs.
July 1, 2003... Municipalities both large and small are contending with the challenge of identification and maintenance of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). The task is even more daunting since BMPs will continue to be constructed and likely will be...

Urban stormwater modeling for a Minnesota Watershed with land-locked basins.
July 1, 2003... In 1955, Minnesota passed the Watershed Act that allows for the creation of government entities that transcend other regulatory and government divisions, and follow natural topographic boundaries to better manage surface water-related...

Shawnee, OK water line break leaves city dry. (Advertisement).
July 1, 2003... In Shawnee, Oklahoma a water line break caused a hospital, five nursing homes, two universities, hundreds of residences and several businesses to suddenly be without water. In order to provide drinking water for the residents and local...

Stormwater runoff: permeable interlocking concrete pavement.
July 1, 2003... When selecting post-construction BMPs for controlling storm water, the choice is guided by experience and runoff control requirements (i.e., recommendations as regulations) from other, in most cases by a municipal storm water agency. Hopefully,...

Diesel truck engine coolant system tips.
July 1, 2003... To keep diesel engines running and ensure the best life-cycle value, it is vital to institute a regular cooling system maintenance plan. Despite the emergence of extended life coolants, most diesel engines on the road today still require the...

"Road-resting" its: system-manager contracting in practice.
July 1, 2003... Emerging from downtown St. Petersburg and running directly north along Florida's western coast, U.S. 19 is a primary component of the heavily used traffic system that serves the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area, one of the fastest-growing...

Gate system provides warning and protection at busy railroad crossing.
July 1, 2003... When a new Badger State Ethanol manufacturing plant opened less than a mile west of a railroad crossing on Rt. 69, just south of downtown Monroe, Wisconsin, train traffic increased by nearly 800 percent per week. The Office of the Commissioner...

Ohio city develops manhole rehabilitation program.
July 1, 2003... Upper Arlington, Ohio, is a first ring suburb located northwest of downtown Columbus. The population is just under 34,000, and it was incorporated as a village in 1918, and as a city in 1941. Key municipal personnel charged with providing...

Trench shoring & shielding. (Product Spotlight).
July 1, 2003... American Sharing Inc. 207 Lake St., Rte. 32 Newburgh, NY 12550 Tel 800 407-4674 www.pwmag.com/amshoring For FREE LITERATURE Circle No. 501 on Reply Card Bil-Jax, Inc. 125 Taylor Parkway Archbold, OH 43502...

Meter reader boxes. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... DFW automatic reader meter boxes are designed to conceal and protect a variety of automatic meter reader antennae on the market. DFW boxes are injection molded of lightweight polyolefin material, "allowing for superior signal transmission,...

High head pump. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The latest addition to the dri-Pump range--the HL160M--is a single-stage pumpset capable of heads to 600 ft. The 8- by 6-in, unit pumps maximum flows to 2,000 gpm and passes up to 1-3/8 in. diameter solids. Applications include temporary pump...

Versatile pipe. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This pipe, for new construction and rehab in corrosive applications, is suitable for open cut, sliplining, jacking, microtunneling, and above-ground installation. The centrifugally cast, fiberglass-reinforced, polymer mortar pipe is inherently...

Pipeline inspection. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This company supplies complete equipment, software, and custom vehicle solutions for video pipeline inspection. Step, Hi-Cube, Freightliner Sprinter, and utility vans, trailers, ATVs, and retrofit configurations available--each made to meet...

Reclamation/milling attachment. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The AZ-480S reclamation/milling attachment for loaders is powered by a 185-hp John Deere turbocharged diesel engine. It makes short work of most types of asphalt removal, including utility trenches, road reclamation, road repairs, soil...

New trench shield. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This 4-in, thick double-wall steel trench shield for municipal utility installation and repair work is "light enough to be handled by a small excavator yet features excellent depth ratings." It comes in sizes from 4 ft high by 8 ft long to 8 ft...

Trench shields. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... XLAP Series aluminum panel trench shields are designed specifically for municipalities, utilities, and contractors who use rubber-tired backhoe/loaders and small excavators for trenching. Use it for utility repairs and for installing water,...

Generates [CIO.sub.2]. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "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...

Stormwater Management. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Stormwater Management StormFilter[R] targets and removes site-specific pollutants like sediments, oils, grease, organics, and soluble metals and nutrients. How does it work? Visit www.stormwaterfilter.net for more information. ...

Beast Recycler. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The horizontal Model 3680 Beast Recycler will process stumps, shingles and asphalt, brush, logs, whole trees, pallets, railroad ties, telephone poles, landscape waste, wet leaves, and housing demolition materials, along with more difficult...

Floor plate and grating. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... SlipNOT safety metal floor plate and grating are designed for municipalities and contractors engaged in underground utility work. They are said to be ideal for utility access hatch covers, highway trench plates, bridge decking, etc. "SlipNOT is...

Sound-reducing enclosure. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The modular sound-attenuating Silent Knight[R] Canopy is said to be perfect for public works applications where sound is of concern. It can reduce sound at or below 70 decibels. The detachable canopy features heavy-duty construction and is...

Sewer cleaning system. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The jet Force [TM] sewer cleaning system is available in three distinct models: skid-mounted to fit all full size pickup truck beds, trailer-mounted with 410-gal fresh water tank, or in combination with the VaXcavator[R] for hydro excavation...

Tarping systems. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This company, a leader in tarping technology for 40 years, offers a full line of tarping systems for construction and refuse trucks--ranging from manual covers for landscape trucks to cable slider systems for trailers, and auto tarpers for...

Concrete tanks. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This company offers extensive combined expertise in the design, pre-stressing, and construction of buried or architecturally enhanced pre-stressed concrete water and wastewater storage tanks. The company says its quality engineering and...

Vacuum sewer system. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This company's system approach to vacuum sewer projects offers a complete package of services including project layouts, budget estimates, design assistance, construction supervision, and operator training. The company manufactures and supplies...

Centrifugal pump. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The new, economical CP-30H centrifugal pump is said to be ideal for clear water applications. It has a capacity of 264 gpm and a maximum head of 115 ft. Features include a 5.5hp Honda GX-160 engine for peak performance and minimal fuel...

SpectraPave2 software. (Product Showcase).
July 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,...

Asphalt Cookie Cutter. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Asphalt Cookie Cutting Machine cuts a perfect circular hole around utility castings in asphalt or concrete for easy removal, without harming the surrounding pavement. It also eliminates corner cuts into the existing pavement. It can cut 20...

Water-filled barricade. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Roo Guard self-contained water-filled barricade's connecting joint allows one person to quickly connect the units into a line and still have the ability to rise and fall with uneven ground conditions. The special design also allows a...

Baffle panels. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... These lightweight, strong, and corrosion resistant fiberglass baffle panels "are a superior, cost-effective alternative to wood, concrete, and steel baffles that are subject to rot and corrosion." They come in 12-and 24-in, widths and can be...

Battery recycling. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This company is a non-profit, public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery recycling in public agencies, communities, businesses, and retailers. These batteries can be found in products like two-way radios, cell phones, laptop...

Slotted Drain. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Slotted Drain[TM] removes runoff from roadways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces through a continuous high-performance inlet that installs flush with the surface. It intercepts and removes sheet flow without requiring complex grading and...

Trenchless pipe rehab. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "Ultraliner PVC Alloy Pipeliner is a tough, tight-fitting liner that has extremely high impact strength, a high degree of dimensional stability, exceptional abrasion and chemical resistance, and the essential ability to relieve high levels of...

Pipe In-Service report. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "Condition Investigations of HDPE Pipe In-Service in the United States" is a report done for the American Concrete Pipe Association by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., Northbrook, Illinois, that looks at HDPE culvert and cross drain...

Traffic safety display. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "SpeedCHECK[TM] speed compliance display provides the highest cost/benefit value available." The VSC-1520F's UltraClear[TM] display technology dramatically improves driver readability by combining glare reduction and contrast enhancement. The...

Irrigation utility systems services. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Irrigation utility systems allow local governments to stretch their potable water supplies while offering their customers an economical and environmentally friendly way to protect their landscape and turf investments. PBS&J assists in all...

Concrete dispenser. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This mobile concrete dispenser is saving city, county, and state agencies time and money while improving quality." Municipalities are able to do multiple pours with no wasted concrete, and best of all the concrete is fresh. "For most...

Mobile pumping. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Submersible Electric Mobile is a completely mobile pump station that "is perfect for emergency applications." It uses a generator to run a submersible pump. The system can also be used as a stand-alone generator to run electrical equipment...

Treats stormwater. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "Installed under impervious areas and great for retrofit projects, BaySaver[R] Separation Systems cost-effectively remove pollution from stormwater runoff." BaySaver collects and stores oils, suspended solids, trash, and debris in an off-line...

Liquid-applied liners. (Product Showcase).
July 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 water-works structures better." Designed for direct contact with potable water, the system is a...

Tap live water mains. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Crews have found a better way to tap live water mains with these Pre-Tap Collars, says its manufacturer, saving you time and money during the labor intensive tapping operation. Place the collar around the main. When you are ready to install the...

Trenchless clean-out system. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The VAC-A-TEE[TM] trenchless clean-out system's benefits and features include quick clean-out installation, no damaged utilities/landscaping, remotely installed, no spoils to remove, quick and easy process, no service interruption, and minimal...

Pipeline rehabilitation. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This firm specializes in cost-effective rehabilitation of water and sewer piping systems in-place. Services include cleaning and cement mortar lining and cured-in-place, which restores flow, and reduces pumping and maintenance costs with...

Grinder pumps. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... These new submersible 3-, 5-, and 7.5-hp grinder pumps for high head sewage application are made from heavy-duty cast iron with an epoxy finish. Features include finned motor housing, 2.5-in, flanged discharge, and a stainless steel cutter and...

Eliminates sewer odor. (Product Showcase).
July 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...

Electric tarp solutions. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This company offers complete electric tarp solutions for municipal truck bodies, including general dumps, roll-offs, hook-lifts, and transfer stations. Systems for roll-offs and hook-lifts feature a new tapered sliding pivot design to better...

Safety cameras. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Reduce your risk. This company provides vehicle visibility solutions to eliminate blind spots and reduce backing accidents. Intec safety cameras provide the driver with the complete view behind his vehicle, enabling safer operation and improved...

Asphalt patcher. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The Unibelt asphalt patcher is easy to operate, easy to maintain, and fully equipped so you can tackle asphalt patching jobs with one machine. A belt conveyor moves asphalt out of the container for continuous operation. Its insulation keeps...

Wood recycling equipment. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This firm is known for its heavy-duty forestry, recycling, tree care, and sawmill equipment. Offering nine models of tub grinders and four models of horizontal grinders, as well as whole tree and brush chippers, trommel screens, and a new dry...

Turf reinforcement. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "New X3[TM] fiber technology enhances seedling emergence over the traditional round or oval fibers used in conventional stitch-bonded turf reinforcement mats (TRMs)." The X3 fibers' unique shape provides over 40 percent more surface area,...

Vacuum excavation. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The E-VAC[R] 150GT is an affordable trailer-mounted wet/dry vacuum excavator with a 150-gal vacuum tank, and 120-gal water tank. Remove four bolts and a forklift or truck can move the unit. Use it to clean meter and valve boxes, install street...

Manage air and water data. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... DataField is a Web application for managing air and water data collected in the field. QuickSWPPP streamlines the preparation of the SWPPP document. This software is compatible with a wide variety of portable and fixed position data acquisition...

Automated side loader. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The CP Python continuous pack automated side loader "combines the field-proven Rapid Rail Style (continuous pack) automated body with the industry's most advanced automated arm. It offers the fastest cycle time coupled with a packer design that...

Manhole solution. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... "NeoPoxy high corrosion resistant structural epoxy combined with 500 percent tensile elongation epoxy chimney sealant makes the perfect manhole solution." The flexible epoxy sealant's rubber-like response to traffic loading and freeze-thaw...

Sound-attenuated pump. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... This firm has added the Silent Pump Package to its product line. The package offers a wide variety of pump applications. Its construction is rugged, durable, and designed for easy maintenance. The noise level is less than 70 decibels, "making...

Rice straw wattles. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... Rice straw wattles are designed for use in a wide range of erosion control applications and reduce down-slope sediment delivery by up to 84 percent. "The industry's only patented, scientifically tested wattles," they come in three sizes: 9 in....

Pipe and cable locator. (Product Showcase).
July 1, 2003... The PL-2000 is a multi-frequency, multi-function, digital locator. It is easy to use, low cost, and offers digital LCD and sound output, push button depth measurement, and lower frequencies for better "staying on target." "We repair and support...

The U.S. Transportation Department's Web page has become a valuable information tool for the public works professional. (Update Information Technology).
July 1, 2003... The U.S. Transportation Department's Web page has become a valuable information tool for the public works professional. Because the department has such a broad mandate, its activities cover a range of transportation issues critical to states,...

MAP director for ArcGIS. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... MAP director for ArcGIS provides ESRI clients with an integrated and powerful extension to CarteGraph's series of transportation and utilities infrastructure management applications. This ArcGIS extension is CarteGraph's GIS component for its...

GeoMedia Professional. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... "You want to be able to use an industry-standard relational database for maintenance so you can keep up to date; analyze data relationships; turn information into precise, finished maps for distribution and presentation; and put GIS data into...

Mapping and GIS software. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... Create, maintain, and produce maps and geographic data using Map[TM] 2004--the precision mapping and GIS analysis software with the power of AutoCAD[R] 2004 built in. New and enhanced features include enhanced Drawing File Format, True color,...

GPS/GIS data collection. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... The GeoXT[TM] GPS CE handheld from the GeoExplorer[R] CE series, combines submeter GPS and a powerful Microsoft[R] Windows[R] CE operating system into one rugged unit. This synergy between GPS and Windows CE lets you concentrate on what is...

ArcGIS 8.3 release. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... The ArcGIS 8.3 release represents the next major step forward for the ArcGIS suite of desktop products with a focus on data creation and maintenance. The following features have been incorporated in the 8.3 release to achieve this goal: new...

Water distribution software. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... "WaterGEMS[R] brings the concept of water modeling and GIS integration to the next level. It is the only water distribution modeling software that provides full, completely seamless integration with GIS applications." Now the combined...

GPS/GIS data collector. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... The GS20 Professional Data Mapper (PDM) is portable, wireless, and easy to use, and is the next evolution in this company's line of GPS products for GIS data collection. The GS20 PDM puts the power of a sub-meter GPS mapping system in an...

Desktop GIS integration. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... Hansen is bringing GIS integration to the desktop by linking its 7 Series database with ESRI's ArcGIS[TM] to form a complete picture of assets, parcels, permits, and work order information. GeoAssistant[TM] allows you to query, display, create,...

Trench shields. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... The PAL-4 Series is a new line of 4-in. thick, double-wall steel trench shields designed for municipal utility installation such as water, sewer, and gas. PAL-4 shields are light enough to be handled by small excavators yet strong enough to...

Safety vest. (Equipment & Services).
July 1, 2003... This high-visibility mesh material has met the testing standards for ANSI 107-1999. The lightweight, fluorescent lime-yellow or orange vest is available with 3M Scotchlite[TM] silver or white high-gloss reflective material. Contact your local...