Containment

FarmWare is an analytical tool developed by AgSTAR to provide preliminary assessments on the benefits of integrating anaerobic digestion into an existing or planned dairy or swine manure management system. Version 3.3, released in November 2009, corrects programming errors identified in the previous version. The free software can be downloaded from the AgSTAR Web site. Learn more here.;

The latest online issue of AgStar Digest is available from the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) AgStar website. The Winter 2010 issue contains information on the 5th AgStar National Conference, the release of Farmware 3.3 free software for assessing the benefits of anaerobic digster systems, new digester projects, and much more. Read it online. Learn more here.;

In watertreatment facilities, sunlight can play a destructive role. Geomembrane cover systems help significantly. By blocking sunlight that algae requires, the need for chlorine, chloramines and hypochlorite chemical treatment is reduced. As such, geomembrane covers also save on chemical costs while reducing disinfection byproduct (DBP) production. Geomembrane Technologies (GTI) offers a couple case studies from installations in California.

Trelleborg's Year-end report for 2009 will be published on Tuesday February 16 at 7:45 CET. Analysts, investors and media are invited to attend a breakfast meeting and presentation, in English, combined with a telephone conference. The presentation will be held at Operaterrassen in Stockholm at 9:30 CET on February 16.

The India-based publication the Business Standard has published an article about Emmbi Polyarns and the company's plan to expand its operation significantly, including in canal liners and geotextile market. Emmbi is reportedly pushing its products in Eastern Europe and the Benelux region as the initial stage for growth. Learn more here.;

The Toronto Construction Association (TCA) has presented its 12th annual "Best of the Best" awards. One of the winners was Justin Gouthreau of Layfield Geosynthetics. Gouthreau was recognized with the Sean P. McKenna Young Construction Executive Leadership Award. Congratulations are in order. Learn more here.;

Join professionals from around the state for Minnesota Erosion Control Association's 22nd Annual Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Conference & Trade Show, March 11-12, 2010 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud. Network with stormwater and erosion control professionals from around the Midwest and learn about cutting edge projects, innovative designs and products. Visit www.mnerosion.org for the conference brochure and registration link, or call MECA at +1 763 478 3267. Learn more here.;

Lifeguards patrolling Europe's first artificial surf reef in Dorset are appealing for inexperienced surfers to talk to them before trying it out. The wave size has apparently thrown many newcomers. The surf reef - built by New Zealand-based ASR to enhance waves - is predicted to bring £10m into Bournemouth every year. It was created to improve surfing conditions using 55 sand-filled "geotextile bags" which are 225m (740ft) out to sea and and is part of an £11m regeneration of the seafront. Learn more here.;

In a move to continue development of solar landfill cover technology for the solid waste industry, Republic Services Inc. transferred the ownership of its solar landfill cover technology to Carlisle Energy Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlisle Construction Materials Incorporated (CCM) and a Pennsylvania-based solar systems provider.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is promoting National Public Works Week (NPWW) 16-22 May 2010. Each year, a promotional poster is sold and plays on the NPWW's theme. For 2010, that them is "Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around You" by illustrator Harry Campbell. Harry's distinctive graphic line illustration work can be found in most major publications including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and many others. The poster is available for purchase here. Learn more here.;

Each year since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has held a National Public Works Week (NPWW). The week celebrates the tens of thousands of people working to build and maintain infrastructure and encourages outreach endeavors on the part of both public and private engineers, government departments and agencies, media outlets and more.

Amalgamates Solutions and Research (ASR) has made a number of headlines for its artificial surf reef designs that use sand-filled geotextile tubes. But the Mount Reef Trust plan installation is plagued by problems. During construction, large swells in the water snapped an anchor on the installation barge. And now that the reef has not been performing right, ASR has found that the bags contained 2800 m3 of sand--but the system was designed to hold 6500 m3. Learn more here.;

The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG) will be held in Guaruja, São Paulo, Brazil 23-27 May 2010. The gathering provides an opportunity to learn about and discuss highly technical and scientific geosynthetics issues and their solutions. In addition to the exhibit hall activities, keynote lectures and technical sessions, the 9ICG offers five 3-hour short courses. These courses will be held on the opening day of the event, Sunday, 23 May. Read more.

A new book on "Geosynthetic Clay Liners for Waste Containment Facilities" has been published. It has been authored by Drs. Abdelmalek Bouazza (Monash University) and John J. Bowders (University of Missouri, Columbia). The book provides an insight into individual materials (bentonite and the associated geosynthetics) and the manufacturing processes. This is followed by coverage of important topics such as hydraulic conductivity, chemical compatibility, contaminant transport, gas migration, shear strength and slope stability, and field performance. Published in late November 2009. 254 pages. Learn more. Learn more here.;

Leister Process Technologies moved into its new headquarters in Kaegiswil, Switzerland. The representative high-tech building stands only a few hundred meters away from the previous headquarters. Its unconventional dominating glass front, which allows an exceptional degree of transparency, is an attractive feature. The building has an environmentally friendly air conditioning system. It is operated without the use of fossil fuels. Learn more about Leister at the company website. Learn more here.;

A sampling of 2010 events and abstract calls. This week's edition includes information on the International Erosion Control Association's EC10 conference; the Geosynthetic Materials Association's Lobby Day in Washington DC; the LatAm Mining Congress; the Global Waste Management Symposium 2010; Waterproof Membranes 2010; and Geo-Frontiers 2011.

Bioenergy technology is not the only thing to be showcased in Jönköping, Sweden during the World Bioenergy Fair from 25-27 May 2010. Access to world markets will also be on offer. During the 2008 conference, the S&H Teknik stand was visited by numerous attendees from outside Sweden. Half of the orders that were later traced back to the fair came from these international visitors. It's just one of the many success stories to be found at the conference.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has modified the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Simplot Plant Operable Unit (Simplot OU) of the Eastern Michaud Flats Superfund site. Among the project activities will be the installation of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner on top of the phosgypsum pile, which is known as the "gypstack," to minimize process water infiltration through the gypstack and into groundwater.

Huesker inc., a leading manufacturer and global supplier of geogrids, geotextiles and specialty geocomposites, has updated its website. The revised website features comprehensive information on Huesker's full product line with an option to view specifics offered from key global offices, such as Germany, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and more. The new website helps direct visitor focus to three primary areas of materials and applications: geosynthetics, geocomposites, and agriculture.

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) is holding its first-ever photo competition. Members should keep an eye on the deadline date: 1 February 2010. This initiative comes just ahead of the planned April 2010 launch of the redesigned IGS website and May 2010's major, quadrennial IGS conference: 9ICG. The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics will be held 23-27 May 2010 in Guaruja, Brazil (near São Paulo).

Congratulations are due to David E. Daniel, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, NAE, University of Texas at Dallas. Prof. Daniel has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) OPAL Awards for his excellence in advancing civil engineering education. Established in 1999, these prestigious awards recognize and honor outstanding civil engineering leaders whose lifetime accomplishments and achievements have made significant differences in one of five categories. Prof. Daniel has long been associated with geosynthetic research and education. The awards will be presented in a special ceremony on 25 March 2010 at the Renaissance Hotel Washington.

Roger E. Stoller, Ph.D., is the 2010 chairman of the ASTM International board of directors. Stoller is a distinguished research staff member and the program manager for fusion reactor materials in the Materials Science and Technology Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The January/February 2010 issue of ASTM Standardization News includes a profile. Learn more here.;

ASTM is seeking nominations for the ASTM President's Leadership Award. The ASTM President’s Leadership Award was established by the ASTM Board of Directors in 2007 to recognize extraordinary leadership within the first five years of an individual’s association with ASTM International. Deadline: 1 February 2010. Learn more here.;

The W. T. Cavanaugh Memorial Award is granted to a person of widely recognized eminence in the voluntary standards system who may or may not be a member of ASTM International. The title of Honorary Member is bestowed upon recipients of the award. No more than two award recipients shall be named in a calendar year. Deadline: 1 April 2010. Learn more here.;

At the Geo-Frontiers 2011 conference, there will be a technical session on "Advances in Sustainable Barrier Materials." Gemmina Di Emidio of Ghent University writes about this intriguing new session under the Geoenvironmental Engineering track. Abstracts may be submitted through the Geo-Frontiers 2011 website (http://www.geofrontiers2011.com) through 8 March 2010. Read more.