Public Works articles from June 2004

Public Works archives from June 2004

More or less.(Editorial Viewpoint)
June 1, 2004... A phrase I often hear from those in public works is that they are being asked to do "more with less." This is bemoaned as a growing trend in public infrastructure construction and maintenance, as a result of funding cutbacks due to drops in...

Congress sets yet another TEA-21 target.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... May 19, 2003, marked the first anniversary of the Bush Administration's austere proposal for re-authorizing a trim new federal transportation bill. Now a full year later, the fact that no new highway funding act yet exists is something of which...

Tribute opens to 'greatest generation'.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... After a month of previews for aging veterans and the general public, the new National World War II Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, D.C., on May 29. Located on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln...

Highway fatalities rise slightly in 2003.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... The Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has counted 43,220 deaths on the nation's highways in 2003, up slightly from 42,815 in 2002. Injuries from motor vehicle accidents declined slightly,...

National water infrastructure needs outlined at hearing.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... Mayors and water supply officials told a congressional committee April 28 about the growing water infrastructure needs that face large and small communities. The House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee received testimony from...

NLC says survey of cities finds more traffic congestion.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... The National League of Cities (NLC) says one-half the 345 cities it surveyed reported that traffic congestion worsened in the past year. NLC says 50% of city officials said traffic congestion had worsened and 35% reported no change. But 65%...

Senate panel approves railroad security bill.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reported a bill April 8 that would authorize additional federal resources to protect the nation's railroads against terrorism. Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) and senior Democrat Fritz...

EPA's construction stormwater runoff rule dropped.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... The EPA has decided that instead of a new national effluent guideline, it will rely on existing federal, state, and local regulations to control stormwater runoff from construction sites. "Almost every state and many local governments...

Dulles rail line far from dead.(Engineering Notes)
June 1, 2004... Despite a December setback in one northern Virginia town council, a proposed $3.4 billion, 23-mile rail extension of the Washington Metro westward, past Dulles International Airport, is still very much alive. Recent votes of support from...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2004... On pages 52-53 of our Spring 2004 Manual, the names of the individual American Public Works Association chapters were omitted. Running alphabetically from Alabama to Wisconsin, the affected group starts on page 52 with the entry for Peter...

Increased funding critical to building better roads.(Engineering Notes)
June 1, 2004... One out of four of the nation's major metropolitan roads--interstates, freeways, and other critical local routes--have pavements in poor condition, resulting in rough rides and costing the average urban motorist $400 annually in additional...

SCS completes air quality plans.(Engineering Notes)
June 1, 2004... In compliance with new air standards for municipal solid waste landfills required under the Clean Air Act (CAA), SCS Engineers, Long Beach, Calif., has completed the preparation of approximately 80 startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) plans...

CDM wins superior achievement award.(Engineering Notes)
June 1, 2004... CDM, Wichita, Kan., has won the American Academy of Environmental Engineers' (AAEE) Superior Achievement Award for their work on the Gilbert and Mosley site. This is the fourth consecutive year that CDM has received AAEE's Superior Achievement...

Iraq to get help for water, transportation.(Engineering Notes)
June 1, 2004... The American Water Works Association (AWWA) reports that the U.S. government is seeking donations of laboratory equipment from U.S. drinking water suppliers. The equipment will be used in drinking water treatment plant laboratories in...

Ultraviolet helps city exceed water disinfection goals.(Engineering Notes)
June 1, 2004... When the Department of Utility Services in Henderson, Nev., wanted to upgrade its water disinfection system, it turned to ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Henderson, now the second largest city in Nevada, decided to upgrade and modernize its...

Redevelopment, accessibility in Lower Manhattan.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... In recognition of the accessibility of the redevelopment plans for Lower Manhattan, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a Washington, D.C.-based national veterans' service and disability rights organization, is proud to announce that...

URS Corp.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... Jamshid Raoofi, P.E., vice president of San Francisco-based URS Corp., has been appointed Surface Transportation Business line manager. Raoofi's primary responsibilities will include overseeing and coordinating all marketing, production, and...

ESRI Telecommunications and Location-Based Services Summit.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... The fifth annual ESRI Telecommunications and Location-Based Services Summit will be held Aug. 8, 2004, at the Convention Center in San Diego. Since 2000, professionals have been gathering annually with ESRI, a leader in geographic information...

The Orange County, Calif., Sanitation District has retained national environmental engineering consultant Malcolm Pirnie Inc. to design a major rehabilitation of treatment facilities and odor control systems at its wastewater treatment plant, which treats 175 million gallons per day of wastewater. Malcolm Pirnie vice president, Joseph A. Lauria, P.E., will direct the design from the firm's offices in Lake Forest.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... The Orange County, Calif., Sanitation District has retained national environmental engineering consultant Malcolm Pirnie Inc. to design a major rehabilitation of treatment facilities and odor control systems at its wastewater treatment plant,...

CDM, Kansas City, Mo.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... CDM, Kansas City, Mo., has promoted C. Joseph Dollerschell, P.E., DEE, to vice president. He is an environmental engineer located in CDM's Kansas City office and is responsible for projects in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

John M. Przybyla, P.E., partner and project director at Woolpert LLP, Dayton, Ohio, recently earned his geographic information systems professional (GISP) certification.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... John M. Przybyla, P.E., partner and project director at Woolpert LLP, Dayton, Ohio, recently earned his geographic information systems professional (GISP) certification. Przybyla is Woolpert's first GISP to earn the designation.

Vollmer Associates.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... Vollmer Associates, Aston, Pa., has been selected by the Delaware County, Pa., Council to perform planning and engineering services for the Darby Creek Bridge Feasibility Study along Delaware County Route 291/13. The purpose of the study is to...

PBS & J.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... Clark County Regional Flood Control District, Nev., has selected consulting firm PBS&J, Orlando, Fla., to develop, submit, and obtain approval for the removal or reduction of several Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zones....

Vladan M. Veljovic has been named the new president and CEO of Spaans Babcock Inc.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... Vladan M. Veljovic has been named the new president and CEO of Spaans Babcock Inc., Richmond Hill, Ontario. Veljovic will be responsible for all operations and business development of Spaans Babcock in North America. He will play a key role in...

Charles F. Potts, CEO, Heritage Construction & Materials, Indianapolis, has been elected chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) for 2004.(Worth Telling)
June 1, 2004... Charles F. Potts, CEO, Heritage Construction & Materials, Indianapolis, has been elected chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association NAPA for 2004. Potts was installed in office during NAPA's 49th Annual Convention in Phoenix. Other...

Meeting water tomorrow's needs: from desalination and wastewater reuse to aquifer storage and above-ground reservoirs, a variety of strategies now exist for stretching the planet's most precious natural resource.(Water Treatment)(Cover Story)
June 1, 2004... Few Americans nowadays give a second thought to where their drinking water comes from. Just turn on the tap and that's that. But those who work for municipal water utilities know better. Fresh water is a precious resource that is increasingly...

Smart management strategies boost water quality; a comprehensive water quality management program should include both treatment optimization and effective distribution system management practices.(Water Distribution)
June 1, 2004... Historically, drinking water regulations have focused on the removal or inactivation of naturally occurring constituents, contaminants, and microorganisms at the treatment plant. Utilities have, for the most part, attempted to minimize water...

A new resource for drinking water; seawater desalination technology has made great strides in many regions of the world. More than 120 countries rely on this option for their drinking water.(The Ocean)
June 1, 2004... Over the past 30 years, seawater desalination has evolved into a viable water supply alternative, making it possible to tap the largest water reservoir in the world--the ocean. Seawater desalination technology has made great strides in many...

Mineral removal: sequestration and removal are the main treatment strategies for groundwater sources containing iron and manganese.(Putting a Price Tag on)
June 1, 2004... Say it's your responsibility to spearhead the effort to locate a new drinking water supply for your municipal water system. How likely is it that you'll find an available, desirable location on which to develop your source? The fact is...

Assessing the vulnerability of a water utility; evaluating a water utility ensures that it, its staff, and its community are protected against pranks, terrorism, and natural disasters.(Homeland Security)
June 1, 2004... "Feds Arrest Al Qaeda Suspects with Plans to Poison Water Supplies" reads a Washington, D.C., headline, reminding us that U.S. water supplies are as much a target for terrorists as our airlines or skyscrapers. Threats of terrorism continue to...

San Diego's recipe for overflow reduction: planning, innovative programs, and optimization have contributed to a reduction in sanitary sewer overflows in San Diego, placing the city in a better position to plan for the future.(Wastewater Collection)
June 1, 2004... From 1996 to 2000, an average of 300 sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) occurred every year in San Diego. The city operates and maintains a vast municipal wastewater collection system that consists of 2900 miles of sewer pipe and 81 pump stations...

Drip, drip, drip: the unseen crisis: America's aging underground pipe infrastructure is in alarming shape, but feared water shortages will soon force overdue fixes.(Infrastructure Maintenance)
June 1, 2004... With all the crises dominating headlines today--from war and strife abroad to homeland security concerns, rising gasoline prices, and budget shortfalls--one growing problem is only beginning to register in the public consciousness: our planet's...

Certified safe vegetation management; the national roadside vegetation management association assures competence in right-of-way maintenance.(Roadside Maintenance)
June 1, 2004... The public has a right to expect professionalism from those entrusted with the stewardship of our natural environment. This is especially true in areas that affect safety or those that are environmentally sensitive. Not doing so would be "sort...

Going wireless: this primer for public works departments gives you seven tips to consider when making your department wireless.(Information Management)
June 1, 2004... About a year ago, the department of public works (DPW) in Michigan's Charter Township of Waterford went wireless. A pilot project launched by the DPW provided field personnel with wireless real-time access to the department's geographic...

Asking for more 'soft' skills from engineers.(PW Update: Management)
June 1, 2004... Traditionally, municipalities and other public clients have looked to engineers for straight-forward technical skills: problem definition, sound design, and competent project management. Now, however, a technical fix is no longer enough for...

A piping pioneer in the west.(Products Solving Problems)
June 1, 2004... A state rich in western lore, Colorado has a wild and woolly past. Recollecting yesteryear conjures up images and stories of the days of the Gold Rush, covered wagons, pioneering families, and the expanding railroad. The City of Lafayette, just...

Ductile iron pipe used to meet increased demand.(Products Solving Problems)
June 1, 2004... With Florida's population rising by 4500 people each week, many of the state's water systems have long felt the strain of sharp increases in demand, especially in the coastal areas. Adding to that are environmental concerns in the form of...

Florida county adds 50 hybrids to fleet.(Product Notes)
June 1, 2004... General Motors, Detroit, delivered the world's first full-size hybrid pickup when it presented in May a Chevrolet Silverado to Miami-Dade County at the 10th National Clean Cities Conference and Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Miami-Dade County...

Bobcat donates equipment use to KaBOOM!(Product Notes)
June 1, 2004... Bobcat Co., West Fargo, N.D., is supporting "a child's right to play" by donating use of equipment to KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization that helps build safe and accessible playgrounds throughout the United States. "Our mission is simple: to...

Underground solutions receives award.(Product Notes)
June 1, 2004... Underground Solutions Inc., Pittsburgh, has received the "Innovative Product of the Year Award" for its Fusible PVC pipe from the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT). Underground Solutions received the NASTT Innovative...

Steel storage.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... The company's factory-baked coating systems are NSF Standard 61 approved and guaranteed for 15 years of service for potable water. The bolted and welded storage tanks are available in epoxy-coated carbon steel and stainless steel in capacities...

Built with concrete.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... The composite elevated water tank provides large water storage capacity, up to 2 million gallons. The support for the tank is made with concrete, making it cheaper to maintain and more environmentally friendly. It also has storage space inside...

Wirewound water tanks.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... Wirewound prestressed concrete tanks conform to AWWA D-110, Type III standards. Panel precasting is performed in temporary stack casting beds built around the tank perimeter, combining in-plant quality with onsite convenience. A continuous...

Attractive elevated tanks.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... Prestressed composite elevated tanks offer a low-maintenance alternative to steel tanks. Erecting the tanks involves unique construction techniques, while providing long-term economy and a pleasing appearance. The tanks range in size up to 2.5...

Maximum efficiency, minimum maintenance.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... Circular prestressed tanks are the most efficient structure to contain a liquid, and prestressed concrete is the most efficient material to make them. By placing the steel of the prestressed strands in tension and the concrete in compression,...

Design solutions for storage needs.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... The prestressed concrete tanks are constructed with an initial precast concrete wall, surrounded by an inclaved steel diaphragm and a shotcrete coating. Wire prestressing goes on over that, followed by a covering coat of shotcrete. The base it...

Modular tanks for easy assembly.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... ModuTanks are low-cost, versatile, and modular storage tanks for many different applications, including potable water. These square, rectangular, or specially shaped tanks are economical alternatives to costly standard tanks, ponds, or pits....

Versatile road repair.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... The SlabMaster HJ-28 is a unit that combines a slab jack, grout spray pump, pressure grouter, and mixer in one machine. It is designed to help public works professionals meet road repair and maintenance needs. The product is mounted on a...

Halogen gas shutoff.(Featuring: Water Storage Tanks)
June 1, 2004... The Terminator Actuator closes 150-pound cylinder valves in less than 3 seconds, activated from remote sensors and switches. The fire-code-approved, microprocessor-controlled sequential system applies 40 to 50 foot-pounds of torque to ensure...

CD-ROM - drainage systems.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... ADS offers a design tool for creating complete drainage systems for school site development. The CD-ROM utilizes a dynamic rendering to show where and how drainage products are used, and provides insertable CADBlocks for use in all design...

Brush Bandit Chippers.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Hand-fed, disc-style Brush Bandit Chippers are available in 6" - 18" diameter capacities. All feature powerful hydraulic feed systems that are almost impossible to plug. A 360[degrees] degree swivel discharge spout aims high quality,...

Pump up your roadways!(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... 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...

Liquid-applied liners.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... With these liquid-applied lines, "problems in tanks and ground storage vessels are a thing of the past. Nothing extends the life of you water-works structures better." Designed for direct contact with potable water, the system is a cold -...

Water/Gas Valve Riser.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Water/Gas Valve Compression Riser is used to reduce cost and stream line the adjusting of utilities to the new grade when paving a road. It's unique Compression Design ensures a pressed in bearing fit when installed. This pressed in bearing fit...

Cat B-Series skid steers.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... The B-Series from Caterpillar brings big Cat quality down to a size perfect for any job. Plus, with over 30 families of work tools, tracked machines and both vertical lift and high-flow models, these machines can tackle everything from snow...

Underground stormwater detention systems.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Underground stormwater detention systems are a structural Best Management Practice (BMP) used to control the flow of stormwater on newly-developed and renovated sites where parking lots, roads and buildings have replaced open land. CONTECH's...

The hole solution.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... GU provides premium protection for concrete structures for increased longevity. For over 20 years we have been manufacturing fiberglass reinforced plastic liners, providing custom manhole and wet well liner solutions to the industry. Manhole...

Permanent Curb marker.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... The das Curb marker[R] can be permanently applied to curbs (top or face), sidewalks, or almost any flat surface. Mark valves, manholes, meters, stormwater inlets (Phase II NPDES), confined space entry, etc. Easy to install. Easy to locate....

Sub-prime[R] electric submersible pumps.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Godwin expands its line of Sub-Prime electric submersible pumps to include a range of dewatering, trash, sludge and slim line models. Available in 1/2 to 90 horsepower, Godwin Sub-Prime pumps handle flows to 5,000 gallons per minute, heads to...

Mosaic imagery.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Emerge provides high quality digital orthorectified mosaic imagery products for a variety of land-use applications serving state, county, municipal, federal government agencies, energy providers; and public utilities. The imagery is...

Gravelpave2 system.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... 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.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... 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...

Automatic Tarping Systems.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... The A2100 Air Tarping System features 1 1/4 solid steel shaft moves both arms simultaneously. Two double-acting cylinders activate arms in both directions. In-cab controls for simple operation and driver safety. Constant air pressure keeps arms...

110 Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB).(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... The 110 Tractor Loader Backhoe (110 TLB) is the first product in Company history to be developed by all three John Deere Divisions. By leveraging the strengths of the Commercial & Consumer Equipment, Agricultural, and Construction & Forestry...

Pipe hangers.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... These easily installed adjustable clamping pipe brackets are made of non-corrosive 11 gauge 304 stainless. They securely attach pipes to man-hole walls and other surfaces with no protruding hardware and are fully adjustable to fit irregular...

Hook lift mounted Asphalt Patcher.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... PB Unitized Asphalt Patchers are now available mounted on a hook lift sub-frame. Hook lift mounting enables multiple bed applications with a single truck chassis. Switching truck beds lets municipalities with only a seasonal pothole patching...

Sewer lining calcium aluminate-based.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Sauereisen's SewerSeal is a durable calcium aluminate-based lining that prevents water inflow and infiltration into underground infrastructure. Versatile and economical, SewerSeal is moisture tolerant and strong. Specified for manholes and lift...

External seals.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... 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...

Erosion control doesn't have to be hard.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... In ditches and channels, on slopes and spillways, and other challenging job site conditions, Tensar[R] TM3000, a permanent Turf Reinforcement Mat, creates a soft armor effect. The mat can withstand the erosive forces of water under storm events...

Carrydeck Cranes.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Shuttlelift Carrydeck Cranes are available in 8.5, 10.5, 15, 18, & 20 ton capacities and in main boom lengths ranging from 21' to 67'. Some features on our cranes include; 4-wheel steer, extremely compact machines allowing them to maneuver in...

Unimog for all seasons.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... The Unimog U500 is a versatile Class 6 & 7 work vehicle known for its power, versatility and road performance. This truck can do the job faster and better, replacing three or more single-purpose vehicles. The Unimog tackles summer-and...

New brochure for Municipal Managers.(Products for Pros: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Municipal Managers use the full range of Crisafulli dredges to clean lagoons of waste-water sludge or biosolids, to remove water treatment residuals and settled solids, and to maintain holding capacity of stormwater overflow ponds. Visit Online...

Dirt flying as Boston's Big Dig winds down.(Legal Aspects)
June 1, 2004... After more than 20 years from initial planning to near completion, Boston's mammoth $14.6 billion Central Artery Tunnel project--more commonly known as the "Big Dig"--is now moving deeper into a litigation phase that will almost certainly drag...