Public Works articles from September 2001

Public Works archives from September 2001

East Bay Municipal Utility District.(water shortage planning)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Utility district takes proactive approach to potential drought. After an unprecedented six wet years in a row, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), Oakland, California, projects its water resources will dry up this year after only a...

The American Public Transportation Association.(Austin, Texas, vanpools)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Vanpools draw record number of commuters in Austin, Texas. The American Public Transportation Association (Washington, D.C., www.apta.com) reports that more commuters in Austin are using vanpools to get to work. High summer gas prices and...

National Engineers.(National Engineers Week)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... National Engineers Week seeks to share its message with an ever younger audience. Aiming to reach the very young with a message about the importance of engineering, technology, and science, National Engineers Week 2002 plans to establish a...

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation.(road construction worker safety)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has told a House commit tee that more steps need to be taken to protect highway workers in construction zones. AASHTO President E. Dear Carison told the House Transportation...

House Transportation subcommittee.(red light camera ddebate)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The increasing use of red light cameras was debated at a recent House Transportation subcommittee oversight hearing. Opponents to the use of red light cameras cited privacy issues and the incentive of using citations to create revenue as their...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
September 1, 2001... Regarding the July 2001 Washington Report: The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is doing the same thing the Sierra Club (SC) did to California by opposing the construction of power plants in California and thereby creating the power...

The U.S. Department of Transportation.(national bus and truck driver license requirements)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed changes that would toughen licensing and sanctioning requirements for drivers of large trucks and buses. U.S. Transportation Sec. Norman...

The Bush administration.(Environmental Protection Agency as cabinet-level office)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The Bush administration supports legislation to recast the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a cabinet-level Department of Environmental Protection. Bills are pending in both the House and Senate for that purpose. Christine Todd Whitman,...

The National Governors Association.(community design, urban sprawl, traffic congestion)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The National Governors Association (NGA) says better community design could be an antidote to urban sprawl and traffic congestion. Its report said "New Community Design (NCD)" would create neighborhoods of housing, parks, and schools within...

The National League of Cities.(city finances survey)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The National League of Cities (NLC) said in July that a survey has determined that cities, facing uncertain economic times, are managing their finances close ly. NLC contacted 325 municipalities and found that 44 percent reported concern about...

New Mississippi River Bridge.(St. Louis, MO, East Saint Louis, IL, bridge)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Design is selected for New Mississippi River Bridge. The Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation have chosen the design for the new bridge that will span the Mississippi River between East St. Louis and downtown St. Louis. Thirty...

Pipeline project.(Ute Water Conservancy District, Colorado)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Early completion of tunnel speeds pipeline project. Customers of the Ute Water Conservancy District in Grand Junction, Colorado, may enjoy better tasting water sooner rather than later, thanks to early completion of a tunnel by Affholder, Inc....

Road reconstruction inspection services.(NewYork State Department of Transportation hires Popli Consulting Engineers and Surveyors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Consultant selected for road reconstruction inspection services. The NewYork State Department of Transportation has chosen Popli Consulting Engineers & Surveyors (Penfield, New York) to provide resident inspection services for a project...

Old stone bridges.(architectural engineering develops system for testing safety of old stone bridges)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... New system rates soundness of old stone bridges. A new rating system, developed by a Penn State engineer, can help to ensure safety in the continued use of masonry arch bridges built in the 19th century. About 1,000 road bridges built in...

URS Corporation.(highway engineering design services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Improvements planned for Massachusetts Route 3. Boston-based URS Corporation is providing engineering design services for a 21-mile section of Massachusetts Route 3. URS is part of a team headed by Modern Continental Construction Company...

HDPE pipe.(Hill, Boring, Dunn and Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... HDPE pipe keeps costs below par for new golf course. When a major new golf course and residential project was in full swing, engineers from Hill, Boring, Dunn & Associates Inc. were tasked with finding a reliable and cost-effective way to...

TOUCHDOWN! NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AND PUBLIC Score With cmgi Field.(commonly maintained grounds infrastructures)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... When the National Football League (NFL) season kicks off in 2002, the New England Patriots will have a new home in Foxborough, Massachusetts-cmg/Field. The new $325-million stadium will set the standard for excellence in the NFL while bringing...

OVERCOMING CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES ON THE CHICAGO SUBWAY: Digging Deep and Thinking Fast.(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... Near Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile shopping district, renovation and expansion of the Chicago Avenue/State Street subway station was successfully completed recently, despite construction-phase complications that are typical on urban...

PROPER EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE LEADS TO Herbicide Spraying Accuracy.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Keeping up with the constant repair and annual maintenance of equipment may seem tedious and time consuming. However the time spent on prevention ensures efficient herbicide applications, reduced of target drift, and better land management...

PERSONAL SAFETY WHEN Operating Mowing Equipment.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... A neatly-moved park-or roadside is evidence of a job well done. Common sense can advance safety considerations when performing turf care activities. If you stop and think about what you are doing, you can get the work done effectively and...

WATER QUALITY BECOMES PART OF CITY'S Stormwater Planning.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Matt Labovites, director of sewer operations for the Worcester, Massachusetts Department of Public Works (DPW), believes that working with advocacy groups is typically more productive than fighting with them. So in the early 1990s when...

STORM DRAINAGE PROJECT Cut From Six Months to Six Weeks.
September 1, 2001... It normally takes a skilled team of specialists one calendar month per 3,520 ft to clean, inspect, and document the condition of storm drains serving the typical urban highway in District 4 of the Florida DOT, according to recent guidelines...

MANAGING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT RISK WITH A Safety Documentation System.
September 1, 2001... In construction today, the ability to understand the full spectrum of risk management defines effective project I management. An important part of risk management is how W you manage safety concerns on the construction site. Whether you are a...

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FACILITATES State-Wide Toll Bridge Retrofit.
September 1, 2001... Managing and maintaining the structural integrity of California's state-owned and operated toll bridges is one of the most important challenges facing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), a task that was underscored in the...

MILWAUKEE HOSTS Record Setting CIPP PROJECT.(cured-in-place pipe)
September 1, 2001... Many of the deep, large - diameter collector sewers owned by the city of Milwaukee are more than 100 years old and most need rehabilitation. In summer 2000, the city decided to rehabilitate one of these collectors--a 2,320-ft section of 72-in,...

EXPANDING THE HORIZONS OF Horizontal Directional Drilling.
September 1, 2001... It would be difficult to find a proponent advocating the use of horizontal directional drilling for sanitary sewer construction who is more enthusiastic than Ted Dimitroff. He foresees a time--not too far in the future--when directional...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNIQUES FOR Stabilizing Urban Streams--Part II.
September 1, 2001... In Part I of this article, the authors discussed the need for environmentally sensitive channel stabilization and described several biotechnical stabilization techniques. Part II addresses stabilization in situations where biotechnical...

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF METAL COAGULANTS Current Practices With Aluminum and Iron Based Coagulants: PART I.(water treatment chemicals)
September 1, 2001... Stricter water quality regulations and emerging operating issues have sent water utilities searching for improved treatment practices. However, most of the desired improvement can be gained by properly applying traditional water treatment...

ONGOING SEWER MAINTENANCE Keeps Catch Basins Clear.(Stetco Products' sewer cleaning machinery)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The primary function of storm sewers is to collect stormwater; unfortunately, they also collect the debris--sediment, leaves, grease, and grit--that washes into the system with runoff and settles into catch basins. To prevent flooding, maximize...

Microsoft on appeal.(investigation into anti-competitive practices)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Microsoft on appeal. Just a year ago (in my September 2000 column), I wrote about the decision of the federal District Court for the District of Columbia in the case of the U.S. versus Microsoft. I told you then to stay tuned because Microsoft...

Public Works Magazine.(2001 conference)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Technology--Making Public Works Work Better. For those of you who missed the May conference outside of Chicago, you missed some "good stuff," as they say, about information technology making public works work better. This was the first of what...

Privacy and security.(electronic government)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... Privacy and security. Privacy and security are two issues that are of concern to Internet users, and rightfully so. They are also two edges of a very sharp sword. On the one hand, all of us should be concerned about the privacy and...

Cookies.(web site cookies)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Cookies. Speaking of feeling safe using the Internet, have you had your Cookies today or, more correctly, have Cookies had you? And, I'm not talking about Oreos. In Internet jargon, Cookies are information collecting mechanisms at Web sites...

PC sales and market share.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... PC sales and market share. 2001 won't be a banner year for PC manufacturers. In fact, estimates that I have seen suggest that the slowdown in PC sales that started in 2000 will continue for a while to come. One such estimate indicated that the...

Slide Rail Shoring System.(trench and pit supports)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Slide Rail is a high capacity, modular, vertical panel deep trench and pit shoring system described as an economical alternative to tight sheeting methods, and ideal for use in poor soil conditions where sidewall earth support in deep...

Stronger Trench Shield.(Tuff-Lite trench shield)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... The 3-in, wall version of the Tuff-Lite trench shield was designed to eventually replace current production 3in. and 4-in, single wall steel trench shields. The Tuff-Lite 3-in, incorporates more strength than a 4-in, single wall while its price...

New Rolling Boxes.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... With the new Rolling Box (r) design, a contractor or municipal worker who is working in the Street or in a field can easily roll the box down the trench. This allows for greater productivity, and less moves with an excavator or backhoe. The...

Waler Systems.
September 1, 2001... GME[R] waler systems provide protection, as well as the versatility and flexibility needed to work around crossing utility lines. Two styles are offered. The waler with hydraulic struts allows end-loading in a 3- or 4-sided application, for...

Modular Soil Support System.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The various components of the Mighty Lite[R] modular aluminum soil support system are pickup truck transportable to the jobsite where they can be quickly hand assembled by two people into a lightweight trench shield that may be built as a 2-,...

Aluminum Trench Shields.(XLAP Series)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... XLAP Series aluminum panel trench shields are designed specifically for municipalities, utilities, and con tractors who use rubber-tired backhoe/loaders and small excavators for trenching. It is said to be ideal for utility repairs and for...

Trench Shoring Equipment.
September 1, 2001... This firm's line of P.E. certified trench shoring equipment includes 3- and 4-in, single and double walled steel shields, 6- and 8-in, double walled steel shields, manhole shields, Alum-A-Shield, Aluminum Modular Design-A-Shield, composite...

Sprayed-On Linings for Fleets.
September 1, 2001... Rhino Linings [R] sprayed-on polyurethane lining reduces maintenance costs by protecting fleet vehicles from damage caused by wear and tear in demanding work environments. Fast curing Rhino protects virtually any surface from impact, abrasion,...

New Municipal Trucks.
September 1, 2001... International [R] 7000 Series trucks, built specifically for the construction, municipal, and waste industries, deliver "the most value while getting the job done quickly and efficiently." Features include a wheel cut up to 50[degrees] for...

Infrastructure Contractor Software.
September 1, 2001... Using Quest Estimator, the Heavy/Highway Solution software package allows contractors to customize an estimate for each application. Estimator's cost database can track all cost items such as materials, equipment, and financials. Estimator also...

Repair Pipe Leaks Fast.
September 1, 2001... The Stop It[R] pipe repair system has been used successfully by water and wastewater utilities. Pipes are wrapped with fiberglass tape, pre coated with a water activated urethane system that can be applied by one person. Stop It sets in 5...

Pre-Tap Water Main Collars.
September 1, 2001... The Jenguard Pre-Tap Collar is designed to free crews from the labor intensive job of exposing a water main to tap the line. This collar easily attaches to the main water line. When it is time to tap the line, just remove the top of the collar...

Self-Leveling Inspection Camera.
September 1, 2001... The new Model ESL 1.6 self-leveling color inspection camera measures a mere 1.6 in. in diameter and 2.25 in. long. Powerful white LED lighting provides superior illumination in pipes up to 8 in., says the company. The camera readily adapts to...

Water Level Datalogger.
September 1, 2001... Leveloggers are designed to offer accurate, reliable, easy datalogging of water levels. "Accuracy is 0.1 percent FS, with long-term stability, full protection against power surges, 10-year battery, minimal maintenance, all backed by world class...

Road Patch Roller.
September 1, 2001... The advantage of the new Road Patch roller--which can roll cold patch, shoulders, chip seal, or any other material that a normal roller would handle--is that it can be used on any highway truck with a quick hitch with no modification to the...

New Trench Roller.(Rammax HHMR roller)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... The Rammax HHMR roller features 18,450 lb of centrifugal force, and an updated Hatz 18.5-hp 2G40 engine (with optional precleaner) that provides amplitude of 2.2" at 1,800 vpm. Extreme angles of 55 percent can be compacted without vibration,...

Versatile Scarifiers.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Blastrac[R] gas- or electric-powered scarifiers are dust-free surface preparation tools for concrete, asphalt, and steel surfaces. Various cutter teeth and quick-changing drums allow for easy job reconfiguration, from light cleaning to grooving...

Advanced Colorimeter.
September 1, 2001... The AQ4000 AQUAfast IV AutoID[TM] handheld colorimeter automatically identifies the species to be measured, selects the program, and initiates the measurement without the user ever having pushed a button. The rugged unit is waterproof to 1P67...

Tight Tail Swing Excavator.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The 143-hp PC228USLC-3 excavator is designed to provide the balance, speed, and power of a standard excavator, but with a tight tail swing to perform in limited work spaces, notably roadways, bridges, and urban areas. It occupies a maximum road...

Reclaimer/Stabilizer.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The RS-325 reclaimer/stabilizer is described as a highly maneuverable unit especially suitable for municipalities and contractors engaged in reclaiming or stabilizing parking lots or similar projects that require working around obstructions...

Load Sensing Piston Pump.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The Model PVWH 34/45 load sensing piston pump comes in two displacements: 4.67 and 6.0 cu in. with operating pressures of 4,000 and 3,000 psi. At 80 dba noise level at full flow and pressure, this quiet pump is well suited for low engine...

Backhoe Stabilizer.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The DMS 2000 (dual mode stabilizer) maintains a full range of motion in both modes and allows a backhoe operator to choose from four versions of stabilization to best suit each individual situation. In most applications, the DMS 2000 allows...

Portable Compressor.
September 1, 2001... The compact M31 portable compressor delivers up to 100 cfm at 100 psig. The M31 works well as a single tool machine and can run a 90-lb breaker. Standard features include power-saving Deutz 28-hp diesel engine as well as an instrument and...

Data Communications Solution.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The new SRM6200E-SLC is a license-free, wireless Ethernet modem that is designed to seamlessly integrate with Rockwell Automation/AllenBradley SLC 5/05[TM] PLCs. It employs spread spectrum frequency hopping technology for "unparalleled data...

Concrete Breaker.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The Cyclone[r] Model SW 3300 concrete breaker features easy operation, compact design, simple hook-up, and low maintenance. Its special shock free "skid" system keeps the Cyclone grounded and dissipates the shock as it pulverizes the concrete....

24-Piston Bridge Jack.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... This multi-piston 50-ton hydraulic jack is designed specifically for bridge and other heavy structure lifting applications that have limited clearance between jacking surfaces. The ultra-slim 1.5-in, high jacks can deliver up to 3/4 in. of...

Front Loader.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2001... The new Condor Class 8 low cab forward front loader features a vast, two piece windshield and large side and rear windows; a panoramic, 2380 field of vision and over 43 sq ft of glass; set-back front axle and up to a 450 wheel cut for...

Comprehensive Software Meets GASB Requirements.(CitiTech Management Software)(Government Accounting Standards Board)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... CitiTech Management Software (CMS) has been expanded to meet the new financial reporting requirements of the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The new GASB-34 standard requires that all cities, counties, and other government...

Portable Stormwater Sampler.
September 1, 2001... The Model PSB is a self-contained sampler designed to help you meet your stormwater runoff monitoring requirements. It is easily programmed for sampling based on a rainfall event and/or a rise in storm drain water level. A tipping bucket rain...

ArcGIS 8.1 Now Shipping.(geographic information system)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... ArcGIS is a scalable family of software products that form a complete GIS, "built on industry standards that provide exceptional, yet easy to use, capabilities out of the box." The 8.1 release includes ArcView 8.1, ArcEditor 8.1, ArcInfo 8.1,...

Heavy Duty Crane Body.
September 1, 2001... The Model 6000 will fit a small two-ton truck, 15,000 to 21,000 GVW. It has a sleeved substructure and no wheel wells in the deck area. A full 50-in, deck area has tread plate throughout, in-deck tie downs, along with a heavy duty step bumper....

Arsenic Treatment Products.
September 1, 2001... This new line of products is formulated to dramatically reduce concentrations of arsenic from a variety of water resources. The SORB 33 [TM] process can consistently achieve levels below 5 ppb, says the company. SORB 33 products are designed to...

Improved Litter Collector.
September 1, 2001... The 101-D mobile litter collector now boasts a 48-in, wide vacuum head and heavy-duty spring rear suspension. The machine, with self-compacting system, efficiently picks up glass, metal, bottles, cans, cardboard, and plastic--any debris, wet or...

Measures Fuel Level.
September 1, 2001... This gauge is used to measure levels of fuel, hydraulic fluids, lube oils, and refrigerants. Applications include construction equipment, Class 8 trucks, and stationary equipment. It features direct read or direct read with remote transmitter,...

Road Marking Vehicle.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... The Model P-5000 airless road marking system features Graco stainless steel hydraulic 9-gpm paint pump, 60-gal two-color oil/water based paint capacity, 18-hp engine with electric start, 2 to 3 automatic circulating stainless steel guns (4 in....

Remove Graffiti.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... Graff-Off [TM] graffiti paint stripper and all purpose cleaner is non-toxic, non-corrosive, environmentally friendly, and 100 percent biodegradable. It is quick and easy to use, cleans graffiti off in minutes, dissolves 98 percent of all...

Geospatial Software Viewer.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Responding to increased demand for its 3-D TopoQuads software, featuring the library of official scanned USGS 7.5-minute digital topographic maps for the entire U.S., this company has released XMap 3.0, an expandable geospatial software viewer,...

Stops Mold, Mildew, and Algae.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2001... Anti-Growth is described as the first product ever developed to stop algae and fungal growth for long periods of time. It is a clear liquid that can be sprayed, painted, or wiped on any surface. Anti-Growth is EPA approved for both interior and...

Compact Dewatering Pump.
September 1, 2001... The Ready 40 is a small, powerful pump especially suited for dewatering ditches, manholes, construction sites, small ponds, pools, and caissons. The pump's 120 lb weight and 11.5-in, diameter makes it easy to transport to any site. The...

Public Works Service Team.
September 1, 2001... This firm has expanded its consulting practice with the creation of a Public Works and Municipal Service Team, devoted to helping public works agencies stretch their limited resources to meet growing public demands for quality services at...

Well Management System.
September 1, 2001... The skid-mounted SK3500 well management system can easily be slid into or out of a transport vehicle such as a pickup truck, flatbed truck, or trailer. The extendible boom and hydraulic system will handle sampling jobs to a 300 ft depth. Manual...

Road Recycler.(the Bomag MPH454R)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... The BOMAG MPH454R cuts, pulverizes, and mixes old and deteriorated asphalt pavement for reuse as road base material. Its 96-in, wide rotor is 22 percent wider than current models for increased productivity. Workload rotor speeds of 135, 150,...

Portable Barrier.
September 1, 2001... Polyethylene Roadguard [TM] barriers are tough, versatile, portable, energy-absorbing, and water-ballasted. Applications include work zone safety, traffic channeling, lane delineation, and crowd control. The 6-ft long, 42-in, high Roadguard...

Hand Wash Station.
September 1, 2001... The Hand Wash Station for use in remote areas such as parks, picnic grounds, and nature centers features metered valve (runs up to 20 seconds), stainless steel spout, 10-in. pedestal, choice of eight colors or stainless steel, optional soap...

Bare Ground Weed Control.(Sonora)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... New Sonora(tm) 4SC herbicide has been registered by the EPA for bare ground weed control in and around non-crop areas. Sonora is recommended for use around buildings, storage areas, fences, recreational areas, roadways, guardrails, airports,...

Open Channel Comminutor.
September 1, 2001... The Dimminutor(tm) provides automatic screening and shredding of raw sewage solids through open channels. The unit effectively reduces rags, plastics, wood, and disposables to ensure continuous flow in the system. Gutting is evenly distributed...

Outdoor Area Luminaire.
September 1, 2001... Design AOPV-21 is an intermediatesized, decorative post-top-mounted luminaire that provides evenly distributed, glare-free pedestrian-level illumination for a broad range of uses, including parks. The luminaires are characterized by a...

Fire Hydrant Backflow Meters.
September 1, 2001... These 1-in, and 2-in, fire hydrant backflow meters measure throughput from fire hydrants and other non-permanent installations while protecting against backflow caused by either back pressure or backsiphonage. They are suitable for supply...

Put GPS Mapping in Your Pocket.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... The GPS Pathfinder [R] Pocket receiver is a personal, pocket-sized GPS receiver developed for use with popular handheld devices such as pen-based or laptop computers, Pocket PCs, and Palm devices. As part of this company's GPS Pathfinder...

Portable Trash Pump.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
September 1, 2001... The firm has added the CD300M 12-in. portable trash pump to its line of Dri-Prime [R] automatic self-priming pumps. It handles flows to 6,000 gpm, heads to 200 ft, and solids to 3.75 in. in diameter. The CD300M is designed to be direct coupled...