Public Works articles from July 2005

Public Works archives from July 2005

Active and effective.(Editorial)
July 1, 2005... When you think about security threats to public works, drinking water is at the top of the list. Disruption of wastewater operations or solid waste disposal simply doesn't pose such an immediate and direct danger. And though damage to the...

Cutting electricity costs.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... U.S. drinking water and wastewater plants are joining a new EPA initiative to increase their energy efficiency and reduce municipalities' electric bills. Over the next year, with participation by more than 20 organizations, the new Energy Star...

Detention pond design seminar.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... Properly designed detention ponds can reduce peak discharges and improve water quality. Improperly designed detention ponds can be a hazard to the public for a variety of reasons. The American Society of Civil Engineers' "Introduction to...

Fund seeks to help rural projects.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... The Laura Jane Musser Fund is offering grants to support environmental programs in rural parts of the United States. It encourages communities (whether represented by local governments, state agencies, or grassroots nonprofit organizations), to...

Bipartisan group launches e-waste group.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... Reps. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., Randy Cunningham, R-Calif., Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., and Mary Bono, R-Calif., announced the formation of the Congressional E-Waste Working Group at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The group will work to...

Work-truck resource.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... The National Truck Equipment Association recently published its Spring/Summer 2005 Work Truck Industry Resources catalog. The publication lists an array of products, including: buyer's guides and directories; news publications; customized...

Highway groups produce 'green' forum.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... Developing a "green highway" certification program and a new Green Highway Awards initiative that would together bring national recognition to environmentally sustainable transportation projects is the focus of a forum scheduled for Sept....

Aluminum can recycling increases.(News & Views)
July 1, 2005... The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute, and Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries have released statistics indicating that consumers and the can-recycling industry recycled 51.5 billion aluminum cans in 2004, representing a...

U.S. traffic delays skyrocket.(OPERATIONS)
July 1, 2005... The 2005 Urban Mobility Report, released by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), shows a dramatic increase in traffic congestion over the past two decades. Pete Ruane, president of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association...

Report highlights water fund successes.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
July 1, 2005... The 2004 Annual Report on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) highlights program activities and successes throughout the past 15 years of the largest federal funding program for water infrastructure projects. The literature provides an...

Traffic signals receive near-failing grade.(OPERATIONS)
July 1, 2005... The National Transportation Operations Coalition--an alliance of national associations, practitioners, and private-sector groups involved in transportation operations, planning, and public safety--has released the National Traffic Signal Report...

Program pairs engineer mentors with students.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2005... In the National Engineers Week Future City competition, students--under the guidance of a teacher and engineer mentor--design a city on a computer using SimCity 3000, build a 3-D model, write an essay, and create an oral presentation. Regional...

Desalination development pushed.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
July 1, 2005... Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., has introduced legislation to increase the federal government's role in developing desalination plants. Identical legislation has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Jim Davis, D-Fla., and...

Letters to the editor.(News & Views)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... After reading the article "Sliplining success: hit or myth" (page 125 of the Spring 2005 Manual) and analyzing the possibilities, I noticed an error in the "Maintaining flow capacity by sliplining" section and felt this conclusion could be...

Dollars well spent: staying on top of technology.(Ideas & Opinions)
July 1, 2005... Parcel data, regional and community maps, facility as-builts, building permits, and other collected data are the long-standing capital of public works departments. Systems to manage and better analyze these pieces of information, however, have...

Is America on the road to ruin?(Ideas & Opinions)
July 1, 2005... All levels of government in the United States are facing a new era of capital financing and infrastructure management. In recent years, many revenue sources have diminished while others have evaporated entirely. At the same time, fiscal demands...

Dealing with driver/operator shortages.(Ideas & Opinions / Fleets)
July 1, 2005... In-house training has proven to be the answer for public works departments that have difficulty finding qualified equipment operators and truck drivers. The driver shortage problem appears to be regional. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We do...

AEC leaders of the pack.(Special report)(Cover Story)
July 1, 2005... In business today outsourcing is common; public works departments are no different. No department by itself can handle all of the things that are thrown at it--from planning new parks to rebuilding outdated parking facilities to maintaining...

Tapping into LTAP: providing resources for rural road safety.(Transportation safety)
July 1, 2005... 'In 2002, there were 42,815 fatalities and over 2.9 million injuries on the nation's highways. Crashes on rural roads--roads in areas with populations less than 5000--account for over 60% of the deaths nationwide, or about 70 deaths each day....

Taking a diversion: improving your solid waste diversion plan.(Solid waste collection & disposal)
July 1, 2005... Solid waste is a messy business. But it's here to stay, until some brilliant scientists figures out exactly what we should do with our garbage. There are ways to reduce the amount of waste that goes into a landfill, however. And with the...

Cost-cutting maintenance measures: post-tensioning system reduces costs to upkeep parking garages.(Building & facility management)
July 1, 2005... By industry association figures, it costs $10,000 to $12,000 per space to build a new multi-level garage. Even more staggering is the estimated annual cost of $650 per space to simply operate the structure, including lighting, cleaning,...

Protecting rivers and streams: planning will pay off for Streamwood's stormwater systems.(Stormwater collection & treatment)
July 1, 2005... Like a train leaving the station, the impact of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 has gradually gained momentum over the years. After more than a quarter-century the effects of the Clean Water Act, as it is often called, are...

Keeping it real: updating your stormwater pollution prevention plan.(Stormwater collection & treatment)
July 1, 2005... After several years of planning, the public works project is finally approved. The rush begins to get permits in place and procure the necessary support to move the project along. The team makes a final check of the drawings and is ready to...

Pump up your roadways!(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... the Airplaco SlabMaster The SlabMaster is a self-contained mud-jack/slab-jack pump, grout spray pump, pressure grouter and mixer. It is designed to satisfy requirements of states, counties, municipalities and other departments for use in...

SNOUT[R] Oil-Debris Separators.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... More than 16,000 SNOUT[R] Oil-Debris Separators are helping communities comply with stormwater regulations like EPA Phase 2. This low-cost system reduces trash, floatables, oil, and sediment from stormwater discharges. The SNOUT[R] installs...

Dri-Prime[R] diesel pumps.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... New Godwin Dri-Prime[R] diesel pumps combine high head capabilities with solids handling. Two new high volume diesel Dri-Prime automatic self-priming pumps available from Godwin--the 4-inch CD103M and 6-inch CD160M--offer heads from 145' to...

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

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

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

Inside drops.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... INSIDE DROPS for Sanitary Sewers eliminate outside drops, clean up failed inside drops and are excellent as stormwater drops and in wet wells. Compact, low-profile bowls and stainless brackets are simple and cost effective, reduce maintenance...

Water-filled barricade recycle your old pool!(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... We fix old pools, gutter and decks as well as provide a full range of pool and deck equipment. Product offers include: RenoSys PVC Pool Shell, RecDeck Recreational PVC Flooring, SoftSide Safety Padding, ToughDeck PVC Flooring, FuturaPool...

Coir sediment control products.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... RoLanka's offers variety of strong, durable coir products for successful sediment control. These biodegradable products not only help to remove sediment effectively, but also create no trash to remove or haul. These products are can be utilized...

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

External seals.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... Made from high quality EPDM rubber, INFI-SHIELD[R] external seal prevents Inflow and Infiltration in manholes or catch basins. Having excellent adhesion properties, INFI-SHIELD[R] is bonded with non-hardening butyl mastic. Being one continuous...

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

Rugged street sweeper.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The MS/MT350 street sweeper is a heavy-duty machine mounted on a commercially available truck chassis. With dual steering controls and operating positions, it offers a high degree of maneuverability. Other features include 60-gallon fuel...

All-purpose vacuum.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The APV all-purpose vacuum features a standard 10-foot hose attachment for spot applications; to use, simply flip a switch, remove the hose from the mount, use, then replace and continue vacuuming. The 30-inch intake housing allows the operator...

Riding litter vacuum.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The EVC-4H hydraulic litter vacuum sucks up litter as the operator drives along, manipulating the hose to pick up scattered litter strewn against fences, under trees, around bushes, along curbs, or in open spaces. The labor-saving machine...

Powerful vacuum attachment.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The Litter Loder vacuum attachment is suitable for collecting loose debris, roadside litter, and green waste. Available in capacities from 18 to 110 hp, the machine has impeller blades that precondition material for fast composting. Designed...

Vacuum sweeper attachment.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The company offers a vacuum sweeper attachment for use on its C2.42 multipurpose vehicle. At only 48 inches wide, the articulated sweeper easily maneuvers over sidewalks, across narrow pathways, and through obstructed alleys. The hopper offers...

Walk-behind vacuum.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The LV-30 Litter Vac features rugged construction and a tough 12-inch dirt and debris passing impeller system. It is designed to clean in one pass, on all types of terrain. The wide 30-inch cleaning path makes it capable of moving 900 cubic...

Toxic-gas shutoff.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The Terminator Actuator quickly closes 150-pound toxic-gas cylinder valves in 3 seconds when activated by remote sensors and switches. The fire-code-approved, microprocessor-controlled system has a self-contained battery that assures operation...

No-drill vehicle mounts.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... RAM vehicle mounts are heavy-duty steel bases ideal for mounting laptops in fleet vehicles. Custom-formed to fit a range of different models, each product in the line provides a mounting platform for the company's mounting systems. Using the...

Adsorbent arsenic-removal media.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... ADSORBSIA is a titanium-based arsenic-removal product that offers better performance and cost advantages than traditional iron oxide-based adsorbent media. Its innovative structure results in faster kinetics, permitting for smaller diameter...

Large skidsteers.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The SK1026-5 is the company's largest skidsteer loader. It's equipped with enhanced loader and arm bucket control, increased hp, one of the longest wheelbases in its class, advanced hydraulics, automatic power control, and standard two-speed...

Vacuum excavation.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The VSK100G/D is a compact unit suitable for potholing, soil excavation, and other wet/dry vacuum applications. The unit fits into any half-ton pickup truck and is easily transported. Powered by a 24-hp gasoline engine (a liquid-cooled, 30-hp...

Hydrant marker.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The TreyTag marker is a highly visible out-of-service marker for use on inoperable fire hydrants. The product's unique angled sides provide visibility from several yards away, which enables emergency vehicles and public works personnel to spot...

Stormwater separation system.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... This separation system is constructed from virgin-grade high-density polyethylene. The product meets regulation for non-point source control. It uses gravity flow and density differences to remove free oils, suspended sediments, and floatables...

Compactor attachment.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The Rammax RAV series boom-mounted compactors generate centrifugal forces up to 24,750 pounds and are suitable for a range of applications, including slope and hillside compaction, structure backfill, pipeline construction, and work in confined...

Breakaway sign support.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... Omnidirectional Break-Safe sign supports are safer and more effective than conventional slip-base supports, which require periodic maintenance to keep the necessary torque values for wind and road vibration. If overtightened, slip-base supports...

GPS receiver.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The GPS Pathfinder ProXH is an integrated receiver, antenna, and battery in a compact, lightweight unit. It uses Bluetooth technology for cable-free communication to a field computer, and the company's H-Star technology provides high...

Straw blower.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The SB3500 Goossen straw blower and bale mulcher offers fast, even, high-capacity mulching and can be run with only two operators. Users can mulch as many as eight bales per minute, with 360 degree operation. Features include a 31-hp Vanguard...

Compact cavity pumps.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The 300 Series non-motorized pumps are cost-effective, compact-sized units. The general utility, progressing cavity units--also available in motorized versions--are dependable and long-lasting, and they can handle a wide variety of fluids,...

Fleet maintenance module.(Featuring: vacuum litter collection equipment)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... PubWorks management software for public works personnel now includes a fleet maintenance module. The product gives users the capability to track capital, operational, and maintenance costs. It also provides for project estimating,...

PW forum: answers to vexing questions.
July 1, 2005... Questions and answers in this section are from InfoNOW, a member-only service of the American Public Works Association. APWA's InfoNOW communities provide public works professionals an oprum for information exchange. There are 12 different...

A passion for parks.(Profile)
July 1, 2005... Connie Edmonston loves her job. Passionate about outdoor activity, she holds two recreation degrees: a bachelor's from Kansas State University, and a master's from the University of Kansas. As parks and recreation director of Fayetteville,...