Containment

The International Geosynthetics Society (www.geosyntheticssociety.org) has announced its selection of Prof. Richard J. Bathurst, P.Eng., Ph.D., FEIC, FCAE, to deliver the 2014 Giroud Lecture—one of the Society's highest distinctions. Since its first awarding in 1998, the Giroud Lecture has recognized exceptional achievement and influence in the field of geosynthetics and has been delivered every four years at the opening of the International Conferences on Geosynthetics, organized by the IGS. Dr. Bathurst is only the fifth to be bestowed this honor and will present the lecture at the opening of the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10 ICG), Berlin, Germany, 21–25 September 2014. Learn more.

feedstock costs and a tighter rein on production have allowed prices for several commodity resins to post modest increases since November 1. Learn more here.;

Waste & Recycling News has posted some photos from Day One of Waste Expo 2009. See them here. Learn more here.;

Chilean film maker Polytex S.A. has added a large, Gloucester Engineering-manufactured line for the production of geomembranes at Polytex's new plant in Lima, Peru. The 365-in. line’s main extruder is 8 in. in diameter. The diameter of the die is 86 in. The system is expected to begin production this month. Learn more here.;

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) plan to lift the recreational advisory for and reopen the Emory River on Saturday, 29 May 2010, at 7:00 a.m. The main river channel will be accessible to the public, but caution is advised. A no-wake zone has been established from Emory River mile 1.5 to mile 3 because large equipment remains in the area as TVA and EPA continue recovery of the Kingston ash spill.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has given the go-ahead for Apex to expand its landfill that has space in both Jefferson and Harrison Counties. The EPA issued Apex Environmental LLC a final solid waste permit-to-install and final air permit-to-install for the company's proposed landfill expansion. This includes vertical expansion. However, Apex Environmental LLC will retain the existing 4-to-1 grade on the northern slope of the landfill. This means that the buried waste under 12 acres of the northern slope will not receive any new waste and will not need to be uncovered, preventing some potential odors. Learn more here.;

The latest Week in Review column is available. We look back at the news that shaped the week in geosynthetics, from North American Green's new site to Ian Peggs' piece on electrical leak location versus water balance testing; from Russia infrastructure news to Milliken's acquisition; and so much more. Read it today.

Leister Process Technologies, the worldwide leader in plastic welding and hot air equipment announces the opening of its expanded U.S. headquarters outside of Chicago. The new, centrally located facility quadruples Leister's capabilities in North America. Among the new services offered: Complete inventory of Geosynthetic tools for instant availability; Complete spare parts inventory for overnight parts shipping; Complete new service and repair facility; and Complete new training and demonstration space. Read more.

The geosynthetics industry has received some interesting acquisition news: South Dakota-based manufacturer Raven Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAVN) has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire fabrication, installation, and design-build service provider...

The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) has been a globally influential organization in geosynthetics-related research, specification, and education. This year, Dr. Robert Koerner has launched a webinar series. The sessions are...

Pipelines International has published an article on its website regarding the construction of pipelines in rainforests. Among the many recommendations is the need for geotextiles or other geosynthetics to ensure access road stability. The soils at most of these sites do not have good load bearing capacity. Geosynthetics provide that support and allow dependable pipeline construction. Learn more here.;

A new study linking chemicals in the Bonaparte River in British Columbia, Canada to leachate in the Cache Creek landfill is being debated, but many officials remain unconvinced. Several independent engineering studies performed on the landfill over the years have failed to find problems with leachate escapement; but some strong similarities in the landfill's leachate and Bonaparte River contaminants have been found. One consultant--who has not actually studied the landfill--has speculated that wrinkles in the liner and methods used to wrap the leachate pumps have resulted in holes in the liner. Learn more here.;

Leak location technology has greatly improved construction quality assurance (CQA) measures and, thus, geosynthetic lining system performance. But while the benefits of geoelectric surveys cannot be disputed, one should understand that not all lining systems are immediately survey-able. Ian Peggs' short tech note on double liner systems illuminates this issue but establishing minimum boundaries and pointing out troubles (challenges to surveys) that may result from certain system arrangements.

Orewa Beach Reef project near Auckland is progressing. Funding is being obtained steadily for the off-shore, geotextile-based artificial reef that will be constructed to stem erosion of the beach. Project supporters cite the success of other installations in Australia and New Zealand and even the acceptance and successful use of geotextile tubes in Florida. Learn more here.;

Como visto na www.geosynthetica.net.br - A Prefeitura de Curitiba está trabalhando em sete pontos da cidade para implantar galerias pluviais, fazer contenção de taludes em córregos e alargamento de...

Inadequate infrastructure and chaotic urban development are being blamed for floods that have devastated Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Thirty years ago, Turkey's population was approximately 45 million. Today, more than 70 million people call Turkey home, and more than 70% of the population lives in urban areas. This breakneck growth and movement into cities like Istanbul has resulted in an infrastructure ill-prepared to properly support the nation's needs. Even moderate rainfall is thought to challenge Istanbul's system. Learn more here.;

Solmax, one of the world's largest manufacturers of geomembranes, is currently part of a Canada Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) trade mission to Nigeria and Ghana. The company, along with other Canadian firms across multiple sectors, is traveling with the honorable Minister Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

Duke University’s Center on Globalization, Governance, & Competitiveness (CGGC) published a 44-page report in 2012 on coastal restoration projects and how geosynthetic technologies were playing a greater role. Funded...

The North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS) has announced the second in its 2014 Webinar Series. On 9 July 2014, Robert Mackey will present "Composite Drainage Nets – Design and...

CETCO has completed an extensive update of its website. The new content includes new tools and contacts for specification assistance, an extensive reference and document library (all available freely and without any login requirements), and key testing updates, such as to recent direct shear testing results. We encourage our readers to explore CETCO's new site. The added content is worth the time. Learn more here.;

In Norriego Point, Florida, a proposal is gaining momentum to build a partial seawall with a T-head groin while repairing the two existing T-groins. Crews would later extend the stem of the T-head groin to the tip of the point with a sand-filled geotextile tube before constructing another T-head/terminal groin. A sheet pile wall would be constructed to protect the point. Lastly, sand would be piled on the point by a dredge and sea oats would be planted. Learn more here.;

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may kill a plan to install a plastic liner along 10 miles of the polluted south fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. The liner was intended to keep clean surface water from mixing with groundwater polluted from past mining activity. Last summer, the liner drew criticism during public hearings over an expanded Superfund cleanup in the upper Coeur d'Alene Basin. Local residents worried the south fork would lose its natural look. Learn more here.;

25 March 2013 – The North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS) is proud to announce the launch of its new website: www.igs-na.org. Featuring new graphics and navigation, cleaner display, and deeper content,...

Mechanically stabilized earth constructions, such as MSE walls, have enabled economical, safe, more vertical constructions. Often, these designs have yielded shorter construction windows, offered vegetated faces, and reduced the...

The World Water Council has selected Marseilles, France as the next host city for the World Water Forum. The event will take place in 2012. The World Water Forum is the world’s largest water gathering and brings together over 20,000 political leaders, NGOs, government officials, water professionals, and scientists every three years. Learn more here.;