Containment

Abstract submissions are still being accepted for the 2nd Global Waste Management Symposium through 1 December 2009. Proposed topics for the 2010 GWMS include: facility design, climate change, leachate management, waste containment, energy recovery and much more. Learn about it here.

Ian Peggs writes from Dubai: "Day 2, now, from Dubai and SKZ's 2nd International Conference on Geosynthetics Middle East. About 85 registrants in total are here. A couple of geosynthetica underwriters spoke early on with Oliver Detert (Huesker) presenting interesting research test data on geogrid-reinforced bridge abutments Ivica Ducik of Colbond discussing interesting multifunction applications of Enkamat S-based composites with a primary function of sound and vibration control." Read more.

The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) has undertaken an extensive $25 million levee rebuilding project along approximately seven miles of Grand Isle in Louisiana. Tropical Storm Ida landed about 100 miles away a few days ago and caused a levee breach. However, it must be noted that the failed levee area had not yet been updated with the new Geotube design. Construction has been progressing steadily from east to west but had not yet reached the portion of beach affected by Ida. No reconstructed zones with the new Geotubes have failed or suffered any damage. Learn more here.;

Crain's Manchester Business publication, in a short article on Manchester, UK-based firms seeking further tenders with the London Olympics construction, has mentioned the use of geomembrane in the Olympic park. Icopal supplied 10,000 m2 to control Japanese knotweed. The firm is now awaiting word on new contracts. Learn more here.;

The U.S. Forest Service has decided to close 39 miles of off-road vehicle trails that brought off-road enthusiasts to the Cherokee County area, North Carolina. Numerous off-road trails had become severely eroded, having eroded down to bedrock. All of the eroded soil washed into waterways and interrupted the health of fisheries. The district reports that of 2100 sediment traps installed, roughly one third had failed. Trailbuilders should take note of this, improve their designs, and better select the soil separation and reinforcement materials for the specific use and environmental conditions. Learn more here.;

SKZ's 2nd International Conference on Geosynthetics Middle East is being held in Dubai, UAE, 10-11 November 2009 with geomembrane and geogrid technologies guiding most of the discussions. A special one-day seminar will follow on November 12 on HDPE liner issues. Ian Peggs of I-CORP has sent along a write-up from day one of the conference. Read his synopsis of the presentations and companies present at the event, and see images from this region of ever-increasing importance to the geosynthetics field.

Anyone involved with the design and construction of green buildings can now use the first comprehensive standard contract document that addresses the many challenges associated with these complex projects. The new document, known as the ConsensusDOCSTM 310 Green Building Addendum, was developed by members of the ConsensusDOCS group to help advise the owner, set proper expectations, and avoid delays and other legal hassles in the construction of buildings seeking green certification or other sustainable goals. Read more.

The Environmental Connection 2010 registration book is now available for you to download from the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) website. In an effort to reduce direct mail waste and the annual conference's environmental impact, IECA has elected to reduce the number of physical registration books it is sending this year. The full book and registration form have both been made available in an electronic format. Download the PDF (10 MB) today. Learn more here.;

When you book your hotel stay at the Hilton Anatole for EC10 under IECA's room block, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to be upgraded to a Garden Hospitality Suite. Click here for details and contest rules. From now until January 22, you will enjoy special rates of $149.00 plus tax per night at the beautiful Hilton Anatole Hotel. Call +1 214 761 7500 or book online now. Learn more here.;

Congratulations to the following members who were elected to the Chapter Board of Directors: Pete Hanrahan, president; Rick Fritschler, vice president; Andrea Wright, secretary; Joe Koziell, treasurer. Gene Ambroziak (New York) and Brandon Faneuf (Rhode Island) were elected as state representatives for their respective states. The Board thanks outgoing president Christine Odiaga for 4 years of outstanding service. Learn more here.;

John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods Inc., and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods of the Carolinas Inc., based in Atlanta, Ga., have agreed to pay a $350,000 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. The companies have also agreed to implement company-wide storm water compliance programs at their construction sites that go beyond current regulatory requirements. EPA estimates that the agreement will keep approximately 37 million pounds of sediment from polluting the nation's waterways each year.

Geosynthetica supports its underwriters and the geosynthetics field on many fronts: in magazine articles, in daily news on its site and as an approved provider to Google News, through webinars, with market research, and in many other ways. One of the important ways we deliver geosynthetics information around the world is through support of conferences, particularly of those that are not exclusive to geosynthetics or which have not yet realized their full market or regional potential in their utilization or understanding of geosynthetic technologies. In 2010, some of the events for which Geosynthetica.net is serving as a cooperating organization / media sponsor include: ** EC10 in Dallas, Texas, USA -- 16-20 February 2010; ** 7th Cooperation for Waste Issues in Kharkiv, Ukraine -- 7-8 April 2010; ** Polymers in Photovoltaics 2010 in Cologne, Germany -- 20-22 April 2010; ** LatAm Mining Congress 2010 in Coral Gables, Florida, USA -- 27-29 April 2010; ** Global Waste Management Symposium 2010 in San Antonio, Texas, USA -- 3-6 October 2010. **** To learn more about how you can be part of these events and others with Geosynthetica.net, or how Geosynthetica can work with you to expand your reach, contact Elizabeth Peggs at elizabeth@geosynthetica.net.

CETCO will present its next webinar, "Slope Stability & Shear Strength - Installation of GCL," on 16 November 2009 from 10:00 - 11:30 am (CST). This geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) webinar uses the GoToMeetings web application, so may require some download of software in order to have full access to the presentation. Phone-in and computer audio is a possibility for listening in. Visit the company's webinar and event page for more information and to request a space in the webinar audience. Learn more here.;

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection may change its policy for inspecting coal ash impoundments after a survey uncovered more problems — and dams — than expected. A report detailing the survey shows engineers found three of the state's 20 coal ash impoundments are in poor condition and two that the state had no idea existed were rated unsatisfactory. Learn more here.;

A Pennsylvania company has received a $36 million contract to repair Bluestone Dam. Brayman Construction Company of Saxonburg, Pa., will install 54 anchors in the dam's spillway and east abutment areas to help strengthen and stabilize the structure. Brayman also will build a work platform along the dam's western downstream face. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to install 600 anchors to increase the dam's stability. Learn more here.;

The Munich-based chemical company WACKER is strengthening its presence in India by opening a technical center in Mumbai. The facility will serve as a regional competence center for developments and applications in the construction, coatings, plastics and textile coatings industry, the main focus being on construction polymers, silicone emulsions, sealants, silanes and silicone resins. The new technical center will enable WACKER to tap the fast-growing markets in this part of the world. The investment is aimed at providing local support to customers for developing new and customized products while promoting internationally recognized quality standards in India. In 2008, WACKER generated annual sales of nearly €50 million with more than 140 employees in India.

Brantley County, Florida has had enough with its woodland roads flooding out and costly the county significant maintenance fees year after year. Instead of the simple dirt fix the county usually opts for, it is now installing geotextile separation fabric and drainage stone to prevent the subgrade breakdown during future heavy water periods. It costs a little more today, but it saves a considerable amount tomorrow. Learn more here.;

County Road 36 along the Crow River in the Otsego area of Minnesota, near Highway 101, has had a 20 to 50% chance of flooding each year. The commonality of floods has cost the area significant road delays, commercial dollars, and maintenance time and money. A new plan is being carried out now to support a critical quarter-mile stretch with a combination of geofoam, geotextile and geogrid. The project should be completed by late November. Learn more here.;

Consultant Dee Purkeypile has been brought in to evaluate and try to save a failing dam on Black Bass Lake in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to an article in the area newspaper, Purkeypile has said the historic look of the structure cannot be salvaged but that a more modern upgrade such as lining the waterside face could stem internal erosion and restore the dam to safety. Learn more here.;

On Tuesday, 3 November, our engineer colleagues and friends Gaye Sprague and John Paulson were elected to their city councils. At a time when so much of American government is debating infrastructure, it seems especially relevant and important to have civil engineers serve in office. Read about them here.

The mining of oil and gas in deep rock calls for the use of thousands of gallons of water. The fracturing fluids become contaminated, either as part of or subsequent to the process, and must, in many areas, be stored in lined pits. However, companies in Colorado are looking to turn away from liners and instead use underground injection disposal, in part because they are finding it difficult to dispose of liners after use. Many landfills will not accept them because of potential toxic contamination. Colorado may need to change its liner disposal rule to a bury-in-place scheme. Learn more here.;

NAUE GmbH & Co. KG, a German manufacturer of geosynthetic materials, such as geosynthetic clay liners will be appealing a recent decision of Australian Customs imposing anti-dumping measures on its products. NAUE is an internationally active company with a long-standing record of high-performance products and high integrity in its involvement in the global market. This includes many years of successful interaction with and service to numerous sectors of civil engineering and construction in Australia. Read the company's response here.

The 4th edition of the Grass Yarn & Tufters Forum will be held at the Austria Trend Savoyen Hotel in Vienna from 9-11 February 2010. This event will follow on from the success of our previous events that have typically attracted 150 participants from around the world. A special registration rate is available through 30 December 2009. Learn more about the companies and organizations taking part in the conference and download a PDF copy of the program.

Driven by strong upturns in Asia and despite additional, though slowing declines in the U.S. and Europe, the global construction market is forecast to yield virtually no growth in 2010 following back-to-back contractions in 2008 and 2009, according to the Third Quarter Global Construction Outlook by IHS Global Insight's Construction Service HIS forecasts China to lead recovery with the United States, Europe and Japan lagging.

The North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (GI) have signed an agreement to co-organize Geo-Frontiers 2011. The last Geo-Frontiers was held in 2005 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 edition will be held at the Sheraton-Dallas Hotel 13-16 March 2011. The event is the second Geo-Frontiers, the first of which was held in 2005 in Austin. The Call for Proposals has been issued. In addition to traditional paper sessions, this call seeks proposals for activities that will allow professional colleagues to share their expertise through panel discussions, hands-on workshops and short courses; and “show-and-tell” their stories in field demonstrations and technical tours. Learn more in the PDF brochure. Learn more here.;