Containment

Ian Peggs of I-CORP INTERNATIONAL continues Geosynthetica's planned series of primers on geoelectric leak location technology--how it's used with geosynthetic barrier systems, relevant applications, affiliated issues from the field, and more. In this second article, Dr. Peggs addresses essential design criteria for making an installation surveyable.

The 2011 International Achievement Awards from the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) have been announced. Thirty-three categories are included in the annual IAA competition. The winners are usually announced during the IFAI Expo Americas event (which is currently wrapping up in Baltimore). In the Geosynthetic Projects categories, TenCate Geosynthetics, Ace Geosynthetics and Agru America were recognized. Read more.

While nosing around in Geosynthetica's archives, we happened upon an interesting photo (dated 2004) of Ian Peggs conducting a liner integrity survey while suspended from a crane. Though liner integrity surveys are common, the conditions in which they must be conducted vary wildly. We asked Dr. Peggs if he might offer a few notes about this particular situation. Here's what he shared with us. Read more.

The International Waste Working Group (IWWG) reports that IWWG members are eligible for a 10% discount on registration for the renowned Sardinia Symposium, which will be held 3-7 October 2011 in Cagliari, Italy. According to the type of registration requested, the discount may amount to as much as 100 Euro. Learn more here.;

ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has reapproved standard D4491, "Standard Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles by Permittivity." Permittivity is an indicator of the quantity of water that can pass through a geotextile in an isolated condition. Learn more. Learn more here.;

ASTM International's Committee D18 on Soil and Rock has announced work item WK32272, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Performance in Protecting Hillslopes from Rainfall-Induced Erosion." This is a work item revision to existing standard D6459-07. Learn more here.;

TOLEDO, Ohio – CQA Solutions, Ltd. (CQAS) announced today that Kim M. Kline has joined the firm as the Sales and Business Development Manager to further develop their growing...

Solmax now offers Concrete Protection Liners (CPL). Anchor Knob Sheet (AKS) is a robust state-of-the-art liner designed to protect concrete structures in chemically aggressive environments. This cast-in CPL is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) to suit a wide range of applications and requirements. Read more about them. Learn more here.;

Three companies are competing for the contract to repair Tampa Bay's 15.5-billion gallon reservoir, which has experienced cracks in the soil-cement surface layer since 2006. Water has been trapped between the liner and the membrane. Problems are particular apparent when the confining pressure changes as water is drawn down. Repair of the facility may necessitate liner replacement. Learn more here.;

ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has revised standard D5199, "Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics" as D5199-11. This test method may be used for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of geotextiles and geomembranes, but caution is advised since information on between-laboratory precision is incomplete. Comparative tests may be advisable. Learn more here.;

A recent conference encouraged the government of Vietnam to invest considerably in more sustainable business practices and the environment. Representatives form 18 economic sectors, including civil engineering, aquaculture, transportation, and mining, estimated that 120 trillion VND (USD$5.3 billion) was needed for environmental protection. Greater regulation is also thought to be needed. Learn more here.;

The 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10 ICG) is not just the quadrennial, global conference for the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), it is also the point at which the...

A lawsuit filed by the Yakama Nation and Heart of America Northwest Research Center in Washington State. The low-level radiation in waste needs to be covered, the edge of the proposed cap it has been discovered would likely extend beyond the site's 100 leased acres. A new approach will be needed. Learn more here.;

As hearings continued through September 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks comments regarding the regulation of coal ash containment sites. The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) was among the first in line to address the issue Aug. 30 at the initial hearing in Arlington, Va. Read more, including remarks from GMA Members. Learn more here.;

Design/Build interests continue to fuel acquisitions in the geotechnical engineering field. Golder Associates Inc., the US subsidiary of global engineering and environmental services organization Golder Associates, announced recently its acquisition of the assets of geo-environmental contracting company InterGEO Services, Inc. This enhances Golder's design/build offerings in the geo-environmental industry in areas that already align well with Golder's core practice including linings and geosynthetic materials, ground improvement, mechanically stabilized earth, and sediment remediation.

In 1999, ACF Environmental was involved in a project that saw the installation of Propex's Pyramat turf reinforcement mat (TRM) in lieu of traditional riprap for roadside work. Now, through its e-newsletter, ACF Environmental begins a series of articles and photographic essays to look back on the work as it happened and as it stands now. The photographs from Delaware provide excellent proof of the power of the right erosion control and geosynthetic mix to secure vegetation and promote long-term, successful growth. Learn more here.;

ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has reapproved standard D5884, "Standard Test Method for Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced Geomembranes." Learn more here.;

Earthmate Geosynthetics has taken the next step to facilitate its expansion in the European market by earning the CE Mark for its geogrids. Testing was conducted by the independent laboratory BTTG, which is based in the United Kingdom. The current testing values and certification is good until 23 December 2011. Learn more here.;

American Environmental Group Ltd. (AEGL), an expert installer of geosynthetic materials, has been re-certified with the Approved Installation Contractor (AIC) status from the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI). AEGL is one of eight US-based Approved Installation Contractors and has held AIC status since 2007. Read more about the AIC program's importance.

Aquaculture production is up with the installation of pond liners. In some cases, production is dramatically improved (ie, 57 percent better). The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery in North Dakota is set to receive close to $1 million in support from the federal stimulus funds for the installation of more pond liners. The fish are used throughout the Midwestern United States. Learn more here.;

University of Iowa researchers have confirmed that sediments of the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal (IHSC) in East Chicago, Ind., are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The PCB levels found here are comparable to other PCB-contaminated sites in the U.S., most established by law as Superfund Sites, which requires the removal of contaminants from environmental media such as soil, groundwater and sediment. The IHSC is not a Superfund Site.

In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for people in the State of Wisconsin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $105,948,300 million to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This new infusion of money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to wastewater projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in the United Kingdom has awarded TenCate Geosynthetics for the article "Modelling the geotextile tube dewatering process" in Geosynthetics International Magazine. This publication...

The International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) held an awards ceremony in February in conjunction with the Geosynthetics 2015 conference in Portland, Oregon. The biannual gathering include four key...

Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand are the newest partners in the Methane to Markets (M2M) program, which aims to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and clean energy source. Methane to Markets now numbers 25 partners. Landfills and animal waste management are major areas of concern in M2M programs. Learn more here.;