Public Works articles from November 2000

Public Works archives from November 2000

When a small river supplies water to a big city.(Atlanta, Georgia)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Like the railroad intersections it grew up around, Atlanta is located on the intersection of geological ridges, perched on the drainage divide between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. While the city still prospers from its position as...

Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater.(intelligent transportation system)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater has announced the debut of an intelligent transportation system that will use communication and computer technology to improve traffic mobility and reduce congestion in urban areas. The Traffic Pulse...

Bureau of Transportation Statistics.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Secretary Slater also released a Bureau of Transportation Statistics report that indicated energy use in the growing transportation sector is rising more slowly than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Slater said that suggests that the economy,...

Federal Highway Administrator Kenneth R. Wykle.(guide to Clean Air Act Amendments)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Federal Highway Administrator Kenneth R. Wykle has issued a guide to help state and local transportation officials conform to the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The guide covers the definition and what actions are subject to...

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.(Respiratory Protection Standard)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has clarified its policy on the use of air purifying respirators (APRs) to protect workers exposed to diisocyanates--a group of chemicals with poor odor-warning properties. Under the Respiratory...

EPA.(new projects)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... EPA has signed three Project XL agreements. The program allows utilities and companies to seek innovative ways of achieving better and less costly public health and environmental protection. The Buncombe County Solid Waste Management...

U.S. air continues.(improvement in air quality)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... EPA said U.S. air continues to improve, but last year 62 million Americans still lived in areas that had unhealthy air for at least one of six major pollutants. EPA Administrator Carol Browner said, "Americans have made significant...

U.S. House of Representatives.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The U.S. asks too much of state water programs administrators, witnesses told a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives. Before Congress adjourned, the Health and the Environment Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the implementation...

Making the Transition to Computerization.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Talking shop with John Edmunds, director of the Equipment Services Division for the city of Minneapolis, is a lot like talking to the equipment manager for a major construction contractor. As many contractors do, the city's Equipment...

ENHANCEMENTS -- INNOVATIONS: 2001 TRUCK PREVIEW.(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2000... Truck manufacturers are paying increased attention to the public works market by their efforts to design vehicles specifically to fit the needs of public works professionals and contractors. Offerings for 2001 range from modest improvements to...

GPS Utility Inventory.(Savannah Area Geographic Information System)
November 1, 2000... Conducting a GPS utility inventory as the first step in developing a comprehensive infrastructure GIS requires more effort than simply reading a GPS manual, operating equipment, and collecting points. Doing it right the first time means asking...

ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING IN BEVERLY HILLS: GIS 90210.(geographic information system)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2000... Regular drainage system review is critical to minimizing the risk from flooding and preventing loss of life and property. As communities mature, they should periodically review and model the adequacy of their drainage systems to ensure that the...

Double-Lake Design.
November 1, 2000... The opening of the new Hansen Dam Recreational Facility in California's San Fernando Valley was met with great enthusiasm by the community. On opening day, people fished and boated in the recreational lake, and hundreds of children and parents...

Focus on Master Planning.
November 1, 2000... The demand for recreation facilities and programs is increasing rapidly throughout the country. Greater leisure time, more disposable income, longer and healthier life spans, and a growing number of fitness-conscious men and women have placed a...

Synthetic Ice Rinks.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Plastic-coated synthetic ice rinks are creating new opportunities for municipalities in hockey training and recreational skating where conventional frozen ice rinks are not available or affordable. The rinks are made of panels with low...

A Canadian Viewpoint.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Canada is a nation with entrenched socialist leanings. From its much envied and imitated health care system to its management of water and sewage, Canadians have come to expect a certain amount of governmental involvement in their daily...

Inventory and Inspection Program.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... In December 1999 the EPA published the final rule for the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to the Water Pollution Control Program addressing Storm Water Discharges, referred to as the Phase II Storm Water NPDES Programs...

Pipeline Buried Under Louisiana Bay.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Barataria Bay extends from just south of New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. In the middle of its southern expanse, facing the Gulf on the south and the Bay on the north, sits the town of Grand Isle, Louisiana. The oil industry, the fishing...

Reclaimed Water Reservoir.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The prospect of a nine-MG storage facility for reclaimed water in the middle of an attractive office park could have ruffled some feathers. Instead, this carefully planned project came off without a hitch, providing businesses and industry in...

Orlando Utilities Com. mission FAIM System.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... A few columns back, I asked readers to send me examples of best IT practices from their organizations. Michelle Stoltman, communications editor of EMA Services (St. Paul, Minnesota), an IT management and consulting firm, responded. She told me...

Dot.coms and the A/E/C Systems Conference.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... In June 2000, I attended the A/E/C Systems conference in Washington, D.C. As usual, the conference featured numerous useful panel sessions and presentations related to public works and engineering. What impressed me the most about this...

Upcoming Public Works Magazine-U R ISA Conference.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Speaking of conferences, here is a plug for the Public Works Magazine-URISA (the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association) sponsored 2001 Public Works and Technology Conference: Technology--Making Public Works Work Better. This...

Versatile Pipe.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... This centrifugally cast, fiberglass reinforced, polymer mortar pipe for new construction and rehabilitation is said to be ideal for use in sliplining deteriorated pipe. Applications include sewer and potable water. Its smooth OD reduces push...

Air-Operated Pinch Valve.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... This firm's type A pneumatic pinch valve consists of a two-piece body and an elastomer sleeve. It features a full-port opening and straight-through flow path to eliminate turbulence when open. Fabricated sleeves offer maximum wear resistance...

Small-Diameter PVC Sewer Pipe.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... A-2026 PVC sanitary sewer pipe is said to be the first PVC profile wall pipe to offer a higher (115 psi minimum) pipe stiffness equivalent to solid wall SDR26 PVC sewer pipe. A2026 PVC double-wall "provides higher stiffness, lower internal flow...

NACE-Compliant Valves.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... New Series 721 Vic-Ball[R] standard-port, end-entry ball valves come in 1.5- to 3-in. sizes for 1,000-psi service and 4- to 6-in, sizes for 800-psi service. They comply with NACE MR-01-75 in all trim options. The valves are made of ductile iron...

Large Diameter PVC Pipe.(polyvinyl chloride pipe)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... This firm makes 21- to 54-in. PVC pipe for direct bury new construction, as well as sliplining for rehabilitating deteriorating mainline sewer systems. Its 21- to 30-in. Slipliner Pipe has been improved with a new joining system that offers...

Easier Pipe Installation.(Sure-Lok polyethylene pipe )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The new "rolled rim" on this company's Sure-Lok polyethylene pipe allows faster, easier installation. The robust, rounded edge supports the pipe's outer edge to give the bell added strength and allow for increased flare. Polyethylene pipe is...

Free Pipe Knowledge.(technical booklets)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Engineers, highway and transportation agencies, contractors, and other public works professionals can obtain information from this association about the technology, design, specification, and installation of corrugated polyethylene pipe....

PVC Pipe Fittings.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... These pressure and drain PVC fittings for C900 and C905 pipes are said to be immune to virtually all types of internal (such as hydrogen sulfide gas) and external corrosion that attack underground pipe systems. The result is significant savings...

Large Diameter PE Pipe.(polyethylene pipe)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... N-12 HG[R] 60-in, polyethylene pipe for storm drain systems and culverts uses a honey-comb wall design that provides strength and stiffness. The pipe is made in 20-ft laying lengths with a welded bell and a spigot that incorporates an ASTM...

Plastic Pipe Publications.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... This association is dedicated to promoting the benefits of plastic pipe. Its members include producers of polyethylene, polyvinylidine fluoride, chlorinated PVC, polybutylene, polyamide, and crosslinked polyethylene products and materials. The...

Insertion Flow Meters.(Type 8045 Magmeter Series)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Type 8045 Magmeter Series insertion flow meters are especially suited for dirty liquids or slurries having conductivity [greater than]20 [micro]S. They have a measurement range of 0.16 to 33 fps and are designed for 1/2-in, to 16-in, pipe...

Alternative Fuel Sweepers.(Eagle CNG and Crosswind CNG sweepers)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... The natural gas propulsion engines of the Eagle CNG and Crosswind CNG sweepers can meet the ultra-low emission standards, and produce only 10 percent of the pollutants normally emitted by traditional or diesel engines. The Eagle CNG features a...

Air Link Truck Suspension.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... The Air Link[TM] Air Ride Walking Beam Suspension for heavy-duty trucks such as dump, refuse, and redi-mix "delivers the best of air and beam in one extremely smooth and stable ride." Its light, maintenance free design is said to mean fewer...

Sprayed-On Linings.(polyurethane)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... These sprayed-on polyurethane linings are designed to save you money on fleet maintenance, repairs, and downtime while protecting your vehicles from abrasion, corrosion, and chemicals. The thick, non-skid, environmentally-friendly linings can...

Leaf Collector.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The Pik-N-Pak leaf collection machine requires only one operator and one truck per leaf collection crew. Self-propelled or pull type, simply drive curbside and Pik-N-Pak gathers, compacts, and deposits into a sealed bag or container. The filled...

Snow Removal Attachments.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... This company offers a full line of snow removal implements for its lawn tractors and lawn and garden tractors. Front-mounted blades and snow throwers in varying widths are available for the LX Series lawn tractors, GT Series lawn and garden...

Pole Access Cover Installs Quickly and Easily.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The new Sur-Lok access cover for street light poles has non-metallic parts consisting of the cover, key, bolt, and retaining bracket. It installs quickly and easily in six steps. It can be removed manually with the key or with a screw gun.

Flexible Marker Posts.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... These self-erecting, highly visible marker posts "give" under impact, and re-erect themselves. The post identifies areas such as crosswalks, work sites, bike paths, and parking. The post comes in various colors. Two reflective bands available...

Improved Distance Measuring.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The AES 4.4 electronic pulse divider sensor interfaces between a vehicle's speed sensor and instruments that use traveled distance as input to perform various calculations. Typically, sensors recognize pulses from the vehicle at 150mv and up,...

Easier Pipe Inspection.(Rovver[R] 600 steerable robotic inspection crawler)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... The Rovver[R] 600 steerable robotic inspection crawler for inspecting pipes or hazardous areas is compact at 12. in., but "packs the power to inspect thorough restricted pipe, large offsets, and protruding pipetabs." The operator uses a...

Handles Logs and Stumps.(Megabyte log and stump shear attachment)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... The Megabyte log and stump shear attachment has a new universal mounting for easier attachment to most excavators while eliminating any need to modify the boom. The Megabyte breaks down stumps and oversized logs into manageable pieces for more...

Backhoe Sideboom.(pipe laying machinery)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... The Backhoe Sideboom is designed for today's smaller, lightweight pipe and allows for easy pipe installation in narrow trenches. The boom tilts in and out hydraulically, extends for various applications, and is winch controlled electronically...

Pump Line Expanded.(submersible pumps)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2000... This manufacturer of self-priming trash and centrifugal dewatering pumps, is now promoting its greatly enlarged selection of submersible pumps. The company also offers sludge-handling electric diaphragms and new style submersibles. One of the...

Tank Specs on CD-ROM.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... All of the drawings and specifications for this firm's storage tanks, pressure vessels, and oil/water separators for both aboveground and underground applications are now available on CD-ROM, providing dimensional information for all sizes of a...

Increases Excavator Versatility.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... This firm now offers the Phantom WedgeLock quick coupler as a package assembly with its heavy-duty PowerClamp, allowing the machine operator to quickly switch between buckets or other attachments while maintaining full functionality of the...

Concrete Farming System.(error: should be: concrete forming systems)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The Poly Meta Forms [TM] concrete forming system uses plastic forms in conjunction with steel stake pockets to place all types of concrete flatwork as well as curb and gutter. The system is lightweight and easy to set, strip, and transport....

Submersible Dewatering Pump.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The 7-7/8-in. diameter Ready 24 submersible dewatering pump weighs only 42 lb and can be carried easily to any site. The 3.8-hp unit develops up to 90 ft of head and delivers up to 180 gpm of liquid. The Ready 24, with its wear-resistant...

Chip Spreader.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The new Spreadpro Chipspreader features in-front, enclosed cab with a pressurized, controlled climate. Variable-width aggregate hopper is continuously expandable up to 16 ft, allowing the operator to change the spread width during operation....

Polyurethane Snowplow Edges.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... ArticGroomer[TM] snowplow blade edges are made with polyurethane elastomer materials from Bayer Corporation that are designed to reduce damage to roads and equipment, help avoid injuries to operators, and improve removal of snow and slush. When...

Innovative Grass Seed Product Saves Work.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... EncapSeed is a seed product that encapsulates premium grass seeds in a blanket of mulch containing recycled paper fiber (made from recycled office paper) with soil conditioners, fertilizers, and a growth enhancer. The company says EncapSeed...

Street Sign Software.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The StreetSIGN module of SignCAD provides users with the ability to generate street signs, 911 signs, and other special signs automatically. The StreetSIGN module uses templates created within SignCAD to produce large quantity sign orders...

Oil Absorbent Booms.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... Dark Oil-Only PIG[R] absorbent booms effectively clean-up petroleum-based liquid spills on lakes, ponds, and streams, as well as on land. The tubular mesh netting that encases pump fiber adds strength and durability and is surrounded by a black...

Fine Bubble Aeration.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... This firm says its new fine bubble aeration and mixing technology easily retrofits into existing tanks, basins, and lagoons in only one day. Installed from the surface, the aeration and mixing system can be installed in basins with irregular...

Heavy-Duty Tub Grinder.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The TG800 tub grinder "rips through stubborn organic material with ease." Its Caterpillar engine delivers 800 hp into a gear reduction transmission driven hammermill. Other features include 11-ft inside tub diameter with 13.6-ft large top...

Vehicle Tracking System Installs Easily.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The 2020(R) for ArcView(R) Tracking Analyst vehicle tracking system works in conjunction with the ESRI software, ArcView GIS, and its Tracking Analyst extension. The 2020 for Tracking Analyst combines the global positioning system, a...

Proving negligence renders the issue of contributory negligence moot.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The case of Jacqueline Willis, Plaintiff, vs. City of New Bern, a Municipality, Defendant, was appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in March 2000. The plaintiff alleged in her complaint that on May 3, 1995, she was walking west on...

WORTH TELLING.(includes multiple articles)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
November 1, 2000... New appointments and promotions at Topcon America Corporation, Surveying Division (Paramus, New Jersey), include Pete Schaber to director of sales and marketing, Peter Wallace to national sales manager for North and South America, Richard Gage...

Save the Chattahoochee.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2000... The Partnership for Regional Livability, a federal project to address large-scale problems such as pollution and sprawl, initiated a federal/state/local government cooperative endeavor, partnered with private and nonprofit organizations, to...