Public Works articles from October 2003

Public Works archives from October 2003

'Bear market' priorities.(editorial viewpoint)
October 1, 2003... As we went to press last month, crews on Chicago's lakefront still were scrambling to ready the newly renovated $632-million Soldier Field for its Sept. 29 debut on Monday Night Football. Meanwhile, just up Lake Shore Drive, work continued...

Infrastructure's failing grade a wake-up call.(Washington report)
October 1, 2003... Hoping to spur action on Capitol Hill amid a sea of competing priorities, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) last month issued a bleak report card on the state of the nation's infrastructure and said a total investment of $1.6...

EPA plans water conservation program.(Washington report)
October 1, 2003... This fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning a national program to promote water-efficient products, noting that more than 36 states expect to experience water shortages over the next 10 years even without drought...

TEA-21 reauthorization flirts with Sept. 30 deadline, threatens FWHA shutdown.(Washington report)
October 1, 2003... At press time, Congress was under increasing pressure to draft replacement legislation by Sept. 30 that would extend the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). Otherwise, the federal highway program would face the highly...

August's Northeast blackout turns up heat on Congress.(Washington report)
October 1, 2003... In the wake of August's cascading power grid failure that cut off electricity to some 50 million customers in the Northeast United States and adjacent parts of Canada, Congress is looking closely at a long-delayed energy bill. However, sharp...

NLC survey finds city councils older, more diverse.(Washington report)
October 1, 2003... The National League of Cities (NLC) reported in late August that members of city councils have grown older and more ethnically diverse over the past 2 decades, but the proportion of women is roughly the same, at one in three. The survey of...

Eight win salt storage awards.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... The Salt Institute, Alexandria, Va., has announced that eight government agencies in North America have been awarded the 2003 Excellence in Storage Award. The award recognizes high standards of environmental consciousness and effective...

Underground Solutions forms federal group.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... Following the successful completion of its first Duraliner project on a U.S. military facility, Sarver, Pa.-based Underground Solutions Inc. has announced that it is forming a new division. The new Underground Solutions Federal Group will...

Highway specs at your fingertips.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... Thousands of highway construction specifications from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are now instantly available online at the new National Highway Specifications Web site, www.specs.fhwa.dot.gov. The site is a...

J.D. Power and Associates recognizes Peterbilt in Owner-Operator Fleet Survey.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... Peterbilt Motors Co., Denton, Texas, has achieved the highest rankings in the first-ever J.D. Power and Associates Heavy-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study in the over-the-road, vocational, and dealer service segments--three of the four...

Haskell saves Jacksonville treatment plant millions with value engineering.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... How does renovating a water treatment plant to the tune of $2.25 million in savings sound? To two Jacksonville, Fla., companies, it sounds like a true story. The Haskell Co., also in Jacksonville, recently completed renovating JEA's Highlands...

Hell upgrades training.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... A knowledgeable, well-trained technician works more efficiently and is more productive than one without a thorough understanding of the equipment, according to Mary Banowetz, technical training manager for Heil Environmental Industries. Heil...

AGC joins with three groups to back joint contracts.(engineering notes)
October 1, 2003... The Associated General Contractors (AGC)of America, Alexandria, Va., recently signed a memorandum of understanding with three national engineering societies: the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the American Council of...

Vacuum system solves site restrictions.(Wastewater)
October 1, 2003... Florida county turns to a vacuum sewer system to resolve its biggest problem--how to install a municipal sewer system without disrupting residents or the infrastructure and saving money at the same time. A more challenging site would be...

Facility turns double play.(Wastewater Treatment)
October 1, 2003... This unique underground storage tank meets all of the city's needs. It protects area homes from sewage backups, and preserves both recreational parkland and water resources threatened by sewage bypassing. When minor league baseball teams...

Community involvement paves the way.(Traffic Control)
October 1, 2003... Newly modernized, Fond du Lac's Johnson Street provides local employers with an improved connection to the regional freeway system and more efficient movement of materials, products, and employees. Johnson Street, the major arterial roadway...

Keys to selecting the right GPS firm.(GPS)
October 1, 2003... A firm's qualifications and related experience are vital for success. Knowing what to specify in a request for proposal and what to look for in reviewing a firm's qualifications can ensure better results. Although differential global...

Trenchless horizontal breakthrough.(Pipe Installation)
October 1, 2003... A trenchless pipe installation procedure that combines pipe bursting and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) can offer advantages that conventional bursting and drilling don't provide when used independently. A new technique for pipe...

Challenging canyon sewer inspections.(Sewer Maintenance)
October 1, 2003... Both the project and Hirsch & Co. recently were honored with an "Award of Merit" from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Over the past five years, the City of San Diego has carried out one of the most ambitious and successful sanitary...

Information can smooth traffic troubles.(Traffic Control)
October 1, 2003... By incorporating these simple practices, you can minimize drivers' and business owners' inconvenience during road projects. Roadway reconstruction requires the design and construction engineer to focus on a variety of challenges, including...

Kansas plant clarifies new overflow solution.(Wastewater)
October 1, 2003... As sanitary sewer overflow regulations become more stringent and space more scarce, wastewater utilities and public works officials are looking for creative, small-footprint solutions to rainy-day dilemmas. During wet weather periods in...

Surveying equipment.(Product Spotlight)
October 1, 2003... Surveying Equipment Global Levels Distance Positioning Company Meters Systems (GPS) AGLCorp. ...

Multi-Purpose Dump Body.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Hi-Way XT3 Multi-Purpose Dump Body performs a variety of all-season applications for municipalities and contractors. The XT3 broadcasts deicing materials at the rear or front, dumps with a low-center-of-gravity front telescopic hoist, and...

Plastic forms.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Poly Meta Forms[R] is a unique concrete forming system that utilizes plastic forms in conjunction with steel stake pockets to place all types of concrete flatwork and curb & gutter. Lightweight. Easy to set, strip and transport. Moisture...

Hydra-stop products.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Hydra-Stopper[R] is a revolutionary line stopping system that will eliminate costly and dangerous distribution system shut downs. With the Hydra-Stopper[R] system, flows can be stopped in a repair area and components replaced in less than...

FleetMinder technology available on vactor.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Vactor customers get the most out of their vehicles when they add FleetMinder to their equipment. Available on any of Federal Signal's complete line of sweepers and cleaners, FleetMinder allows for better tracking of vehicle use and...

Operator certification.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Operator Certification Study Guide gives water treatment and water distribution operators practice in answering questions that are similar in format and content to the questions that appear on certification exams. 560 sample questions with...

Performance filters.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... When choosing Leopold for your water treatment plant, you can be assured that performance-based design and engineering goes into every Leopold filter. At the heart of every Leopold filter is the Leopold "Type S" Technology Underdrain, which...

Integrated RTK GPS.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Topcon has introduced the world's first completely integrated, cablefree RTK GPS system. Based on Topcon's HiPer integrated GPS rover, HiPer Lite is the only complete RTK GPS system (base station and rovers) that needs no cables, no external...

Brush chipper.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Bandit's 12" disc-style Model 250 quickly and economically converts trees, limbs and brush into dimensional chips. These productive, dependable and versatile machines compress and pull material into their aggressive feed systems, requiring less...

Street sweeper.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... For sidewalks, curbs, parking lots, garages or alleys. Get near-street sweeper performance in a mini-compact size. 23 mph speed and 4 cubic yard capacity makes the 525HS hugely productive. With a 75" turning radius, and compact size it gets...

Snow removal.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Snocrete model 842SI, from Fair Mfg., is a single stage design snow blower consisting of twin fan impellers with ice chopper bars. It is a fully self-contained machine available with either a JD 125 H.P. or 170 H.P. diesel engine. The twin...

Engineered drainage structures.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Exceptional strength, ease of installation and watertight connections make Nyloplast[R] engineered drainage structures a long-term, economically superior alternative to pre-cast concrete boxes. In-line drains, drain basins and curb inlets are...

Catch basin insert.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Inceptor[R] is a catch basin insert that is retrofitted to any new or existing grated catch basin, round manhole, or curb inlet for effective treatment of polluted runoff. The patented hydrophobic PolyDak[R] filter is a two media...

Drainage structures.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Incorporating their N-12[R] flagship pipe, Nyloplast[R] engineered drainage structures, and a proprietary water quality unit for suspended solids and hydrocarbon removal, ADS provides a complete underground storm water management system to...

Snow plow.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Meyer Aggressor Snow Plow is designed to meet the heavy-duty needs of municipalities. The Aggressor incorporates eight vertical support ribs and six trip springs to provide the necessary support to withstand the harshest winter conditions....

Pipe liners.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Applied Felts' seasoned expertise in the textiles engineering helped create the cured-in-place (CIPP) pipeline rehabilitation process, as well as its first liners, more than 25 years ago. Since then, over 22 million linear feet have been proven...

Electric tarps.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Roll*Rite Corporation manufactures complete electric tarp solutions for municipal truck bodies including general dumps, rolloffs, hooklifts, and transfer trailers. Waste systems now feature a tapered sliding pivot designed to better accommodate...

HDPE drainage pipe.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Molecularly enhanced drainage performance with the environmental difference. EcoFirst pipe is a cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternative for drainage applications where AASHTO M294 structural performance is vitally important, yet...

Pumps for lift stations.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Municipalities are replacing the traditional lift station emergency back up system--a generator and switch gear--with a Critically Silenced diesel Dri-Prime and automatic control panel. This alternative avoids pump station problems including...

Pipe options.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Introducing Flowtite and Meyer Polycrete pipe and structures from Amitech USA. Flowtite is a fiberglass-reinforced pipe designed for the most aggressive sanitary sewer, water, and industrial environments. Meyer Polycrete is the perfect pipe for...

Trenchless pipe.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... HOBAS fiberglass-reinforced, polymer mortar pipe provides inherent corrosion resistance, superior hydraulics and a long, maintenance-free life. Key applications are sanitary sewers, potable water and corrosive environments. It is ideal for...

Vintage luminaries.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Sternberg Vintage Lighting is a manufacturer of vintage style luminaries, ornamental poles with coordinating bollards, landscape furnishings and site amenities available in a wide variety of designs. Luminaries are available with a wide...

Perpetual pavement.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... "Perpetual pavements constructed of smooth, durable, safe, quiet asphalt last a lifetime. In fact, they will still be a good idea when your grandchildren get to be your age." For information and a free interactive CD, visit the Web site listed...

Water treatment.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Akzo Nobel/Eka Chemicals' Purate[R] chemistry and patented SVP-Pure[R] generation system is a safe, cost effective technology for chlorine dioxide production. Successful applications include drinking water and wastewater disinfection, as well...

Litter collection.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Model 200 Road Rake is a truck-towed litter collector that safely removes tire retreads, mufflers, hubcaps, cardboard, wood, paper, and other litter from roads without the operator leaving the safety of the towing vehicle. It can travel...

Trench shield system.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Efficiency Production, Inc. provides a versatile and lightweight alternative in trench protection. The Build-A-Box modular aluminum trench shield system can be assembled in minutes to a wide variety of configurations. This flexibility enables...

Automatic chains.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... This firm announces the availability of its automatic chain system for the Ford Model F-550 chassis, which is quickly becoming a popular Type 1 ambulance chassis. The system bolts to the vehicle's rear suspension and allows the driver to engage...

Safety cameras.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Vacuum sewer system.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Rubber adjusting rings.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... These light weight, highly compressed rubber adjusting rings replace typical shimming material to provide a secure surface, perfectly adjusted to the road contour. Available in increments, in flat and tapered configurations, these risers fit on...

Trenchless clean-out system.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Mobile pumping.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Recorded land document.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Data Tree provides you with national coverage of real property records, that is flexible, fast, and efficient. Our comprehensive database of over 1.6 billion document images, updated daily includes recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments,...

Asphalt Cookie cutter.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Tarping systems.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Wood recycling equipment.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Sound-reducing enclosure.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Irrigation utility systems services.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Turf reinforcement.(Products For Pros)
October 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,...

SpectraPave2 software.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... SpectraPave2 software uses Giroud-Han 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,...

Trenchless pipe rehab.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Vacuum excavation.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Pothole patcher.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The new dry radiant heat Pro-Patch pothole patcher is a combination heater and dispenser that heats asphalt emulsion oils and pre-mixed hot or cold asphalt aggregates to elevated temperatures for easy onsite applications. A one- or two-person...

"Enterprise Security".(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Enterprise Security is a new addition to the MaintStar CMMS system. This optional module is applicable to multiple departments and multiple location site installations. Now you can have different groups view only the work orders or inventory...

Precast buildings.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... "Easi-Span[R] precast concrete buildings are the right buildings to choose when it comes to public works facilities." The structure shown serves as an operations building at a wastewater treatment plant. "The city decided to use an Easi-Span...

Gravelpave2 system.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... 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...

Handheld GPS mapping.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The GS20 sub-meter handheld GPS mapping system boasts Bluetooth cable-free real-time data correction capability. Featuring an intuitive cell phone-styled keypad, graphical map display, and Windows-style interface, the GS20 combines the...

Pumps & more for rent.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... This company combines its full line of rental pumps, pipe, liquid storage tanks, spill control, and filtration systems into creative solutions for your temporary liquid/solids handling problems. The company offers turnkey system design, 24-7...

Residuals management services.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... "Synagro, a national leader in the management of municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment residuals, is one of the country's largest and fastest growing residuals management companies." Services include Class A biosolids programs...

Storm drain markers.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The das Curb Marker[R] can be permanently applied to curbs (top or face), sidewalks, or almost any flat surface. Stock titles, custom sizes, shapes, and colors are available. Replace messy paint and stencils, says the company. Permanently mark...

Safety barriers.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... These lightweight safety barriers store and transport easily. One person can move the empty barriers. Two people can easily set up over 200 ft in under 30 minutes. When filled with water, the barrier weighs up to 1,000 lb. "They are the only...

Stormwater solutions.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The Dandy Bag is designed for use with flat grates (including round) and mountable curbs to filter sediment-laden stormwater. The suspended solids are allowed to settle out of the slowed flow and are captured by the Dandy Bag before entering...

Aluminized pipe.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Corrugated steel pipe, manufactured from AK Steel aluminized steel Type 2, offers the corrosion resistance and surface characteristics of aluminum with the strength and economy of corrugated steel pipe. It is durable, practical, and a...

DML2000-M.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The DML2000-M is the ideal instrument for pinpointing well casings, buried iron or steel pipe, survey markers, water valves, water meters or any other ferrous object covered by dirt, pavement, water, snow or ice. The Dunham & Morrow, DML2000-M...

Water-filled barricade.(Products For Pros)
October 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...

Shallow-design lift.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... The new MOD30[TM] lift cuts the need for deep excavation. "It cuts extensive concrete work. It cuts expensive engineering and site prep. And that can cut installation expenses by as much as 50 percent." For more information and for a free...

Fully cut-able traffic signs.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... * NEW Millennium MUTCD and Standard Highway Signs Manuals on 1 CDROM * Easy to Navigate PDF files, point, click and cut * No more Setup time or errors in creating federally mandated signs * Convenient File formats that work with...

Low pressure sewers: the low cost solution.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... Environment One's Grinder Pump Model 2010. Gravity-independent low pressure sewer systems (LPSS) are powered by grinder pumps, which provide residential wastewater storage, grinding and pumping functions. The LPSS utilize small-diameter sewer...

Eliminate root intrusion.(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... RootX foaming root control is engineered to be a simple yet effective method for eliminating damaging root growth in municipal & residential pipelines. By simply adding water, RootX creates a powerful root killing foam, which will reach to the...

Recycle your old pool!(Products For Pros)
October 1, 2003... 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...

Pilot controls steer backhoe-loaders in new direction.(PW update: equipment)
October 1, 2003... The backhoe loader is definitely a multi-trick pony. In addition to the basics of digging and loading, with the right attachments, a backhoe loader can sweep pavement, lift pallets, break rock, or compact backfill. So, because operators...

Review of catalogs.
October 1, 2003... FEATURING * SNOW AND ICE CONTROL * 525 SNOWBLOWER/MOWER Literature profiles versatile vehicle with snowblower, plow, sander, and sweeper attachments, plus mowers cold planer, and more. www.pwmag.com/trackless Trackless...

Applied Sweepers Inc.(Street Sanitation)
October 1, 2003... The 525 Green Machine mini-sweeper offers a capacity of 4 cubic yards, sweeping speed of 8 miles per hour, and travel speed of 23 miles per hour, making it a productive machine. In addition, the 75-inch turning radius and compact size enable...