Containment

Increasing costs for raw materials and energy and demand for sustainable climate protective waste treatment and recycling techniques have placed technologies like bio-methanation and material recovery facilities (MRF) in the spotlight. The biennial Waste-to-Resources Symposium (24-26 May 2011, Hanover, Germany) combines a conference, commercial exhibition and site visits to address this growing energy and waste management sector. The 2009 edition included participants from 41 countries. Abstracts for 2011's presentations will be accepted through 4 December 2010. The event will feature simultaneous translation (English-French-Spanish-German) and is being held under the patronage of Dr. Norbert Roettgen, Germany's Minister of the Environment. Learn more here.;

UK-based Electrokinetics, which combines geosynthetic and electrokinetic technologies for drying out soils, was launched in 2004 out of research and development work conducted at Newcastle University. Last year it announced is was nearing the turn to profitability. In a November 26 article titled "Rise in Fortune…", the company reports that its technology is being considered for potential sludge drying at the source, in order to prevent storage disasters such as occurred in Hungary. When an aluminum slag cell failed two months ago, it flooded a Hungarian town, ruined infrastructure, and killed eight people. Learn more here.;

With two of its most senior people, Chris Jenner and Hein Jas, retiring at the end of this year, Tensar International's commercial director John Kiely unveils the succession plan: "Knowing that Hein and Chris would be retiring we have had plans in place for some time and are pleased to have two Tensar personnel of immense experience and talent to replace them." Chris Jenner, who headed the technical design side of Tensar International in a 25 year career, handed over the role of Chief Civil Engineer to Chaido Doulala- Rigby (Yuli) almost 12 months ago. Hein Jas hands over the role of Director of Application Technology to Ian Fraser from January 2011.

Providing the Canary Islands with fresh water may someday involve Greenland and geotextiles. Three-dimensional modeling is being used to determine the feasibility of towing an iceberg to the Canary Islands. One criterion identified by scientists includes the utilization of a geotextile cover on the iceberg during towing to slow melting. Already, geotextile covers are used on mountain peaks to prevent snow pack loss. Learn more here.;

Hollis Cole, President Geomembrane Technologies Inc., announced the addition of Mike Lever, to the GTI team. This new position, Design and Technical Sales Engineer, allows GTI to place greater emphasis on servicing North American customers. Based in Lexington, South Carolina, USA, Mr. Lever comes to GTI with over 10 years experience in cover systems, plus strong professional and academic credentials (B.Sc.Eng., P.Eng.). His background in the membrane cover market complements the strong technical abilities of existing staff at GTI.

Chris Eichelberger, Technical Manager of American Environmental Group, Ltd. (AEG) joins Ms. Abigail Beck of Asuenco Vector as guest presenters/teachers at TRI's CQA Week. Chris has over 9 years experience in the geosynthetics industry including; constructability reviews, project management, contract administration, specification and material selection, with field experience in CQA of soils and geosynthetic materials. Chris is active within the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI), a voting member of ASTM Committee D 35, and the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI). Previously, Chris has worked with a large environmental construction company and a geotechnical engineering firm. Learn more. Learn more here.;

Danosa, a leading Spanish producer of geotextiles, waterproofing and insulation materials, is rapidly expanding its foreign business with export sales up by 35% so far this year. Danosa products include non-woven polyester geotextiles, flat-roof synthetic PVC water proofing membrane, flexible noise insulation membranes of non-foamed reticulated PE and high density polyethylene nodular sheet for wall and floor drainage. The company has entered the renewable energy field, developing a product range dedicated to solar energy. Learn more here.;

When international geosynthetics manufacturer NAUE GmbH & Co. KG set out to put together its annual calendar, the company could hardly have anticipated that its photography would gain recognition from a major German news source and be subsequently entered in a larger prize competition. Yet, that is exactly what has happened. A photograph from the 2011 NAUE calendar, unveiled during the recent German Geotechnical Society (DGGT) biennial Baugrundtagung in Munich, has been selected by readers of FOCUS in the "Images of Research" contest. Next up, the photograph will be considered for a prize during a December contest in Berlin.

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS), the world's largest manufacturer of corrugated plastic pipe, announced that it is opening a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Buxton, North Dakota to better serve customers throughout the entire region. The new Plant will be fully operational by spring. In addition, this new plant location is situated to service western Ontario, Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. ADS chose the Buxton area for its strategic geographic location, excellent interstate access, and a very skilled and dedicated labor pool.

Pacific Comox Resources Ltd. reports that the contract for the installation of the first test leach pad at the Mabel property has been signed. The preliminary site clearance and contouring is underway. This is being followed by the laying of the clay base for the geomembrane which will be followed by about a 0.3 meter layer of crushed and screened granodiorite filter material on which the mineralization to be leached will be placed.

A Quebec company has been awarded a $200,000-plus contract by the provincial government to remove some 100 tonnes of PCB contaminated material from the controversial dumpsite in New Harbour. The contract is one of a series of steps being taken this year and in 2011, and also includes the completion of groundwater, surface water and sediment sampling. An inspection is also being carried out on the geomembrane storage and leachate collection system. Learn more here.;

The Association of Producers of Geosynthetic Materials (APGM) is a non-commercial organization founded in 2008 with the goal of defending the interests of manufacturers of geosynthetic materials. APGM unites enterprises producing various types of geosynthetics (road geonets, geogrids, geotextiles, geomembrances, and so on), enterprises producing specialized equipment, research organizations, and retail companies. Recently, APGM conducted a seminar on road design with geosynthetics through Techtextil Russia. Learn more at APGM's English-language page. Learn more here.;

During the 31st German Geotechnical Society (DGGT) biennial "Baugrundtagung" conference (3-6 November 2010, Munich), one of the geosynthetics field's most-respected colleagues was elected the new chairman of DGGT: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Heerten. NAUE congratulates him on this honour. In this new leadership role, Prof. Heerten succeeds Prof. Manfred Nussbaumer, who has provided outstanding guidance to DGGT over the past eight years. Prof. Heerten's election comes at an interesting time. In 2014, the DGGT is planning to co-locate its main geotechnical conference with the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10 ICG) in Berlin, Germany.

Kuraray's EVAL™ group today announced it will install a Davis-Standard 7-layer cast coextrusion film and sheet lab line with a Cloeren NanoLayer™ feedblock and die at its Kuraray Research and Technical Center in Pasadena, Texas. The lab line will provide leaders and innovators in industries as diverse as food and medical packaging, agricultural films, and building and construction with access to pilot scale lines as they seek ever-higher performance and cost efficiencies through the use of specialty materials.

While coal ash facility design has been all the talk, there are other challenging sites in need of re-evaluating the environmental security of. The Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) has published its White Paper #18: "Geosynthetic Lining Opportunities at Uranium Mill Tailings (UMT) and Low Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) Facilities in the USA." It's a cursory but fascinating snapshot of the extent of base liner, capping systems, and affiliated geosynthetics potential for these critical containment sites. From environmental protection to slope stability, the incorporation of geosynthetic technologies could be as beneficial here as they already are (and already are required) for municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities. Read the six-page white paper, with a break down of some facility scopes, here (PDF). Learn more here.;

Effective Monday, November 22, Tensar Corporation and its principal business unit Tensar International will consolidate their headquarters locations to operate more efficiently. The move, which takes the companies to the Northwinds development in Alpharetta, Georgia, ends more than a decade of separate locations within a business park in Atlanta's Northern Perimeter area. Read more.

TRI reports that only a few spots are left for participation in the next CQA Week at the TRI campus in Austin, Texas. During the 6-10 December 2010 CQA Week, the already excellent course lead by Dr. Ian Peggs will include expert education from Ausenco Vector's Abigail Beck. Ms. Beck's 49 million square feet of electrical leak location experience is the perfect complement to Dr. Peggs' 30+ years of Geosynthetic Materials Science & Electrical Leak Location experience. Construction quality assurance (CQA) training at TRI focuses on geomembrane liner integrity surveys, QA/QC of geosynthetics installation (geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, etc.), and QA/QC of compacted clay and geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) installation. Optional certification exams are also offered. Download a flyer (PDF)

TenCate has entered into an agreement to purchase the geosynthetics activities of Emas Kiara Industries Berhad, a publicly listed company based in Rawang, Malaysia. This transaction will provide TenCate Geosynthetics with a significantly larger position in the supply of geosynthetics solutions to the Southeast Asian markets. The purchase is expected to be finalized in early 2011. Emas Kiara Industries is an important full-line producer and supplier of a wide range of geosynthetic products and solutions with primary focus on the Asian markets. This addition of the Emas Kiara production capabilities, employees, and product brands will significantly strengthen the position of TenCate Geosynthetics activities in this rapidly growing region of the world.

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) today announced that Bhavesh V. (Bob) Patel has been named senior vice president, Olefins & Polyolefins-Europe, Asia and International (EAI), with additional responsibilities for licensing and catalyst sales, effective immediately. Patel will succeed Anton de Vries who has departed from the company. Read more.

Christopher Hardin, P.E. joins Haley and Aldrich as a Senior Geotechnical/Environmental Engineer and Ash Management and Coal Combustion Practice Leader. Mr. Hardin will lead the company's ash management / coal combustion practice for utility and energy clients. He is a sought-after national expert in coal ash storage and ash containment closure design with technical, business management and international experience in solid waste design, soil, sediment and groundwater remediation and design/build projects.

Crystal Lagoons Corp.'s concept and technology enable to build crystal clear water bodies in almost unlimited dimensions thanks to its uniquely new and patented concept. In a region where the sea is too rough and thus unattractive to tourists, it is now possible to construct giant artificial lagoon landscapes. There are already several of these pools in the world. One of them is situated in Las Brisas de Santo Domingo, Chile. But the world's largest one can be found in San Alfonso de Mar. It covers an area of 8 ha. In fact, Crystal Lagoons Corp. managed an entry in the Guinness Book of Records with it in 2007. The longest distance stretches for more than 1 km. An even bigger basin with an impressive 12.5 ha area of crystalline water is currently taking shape in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh.

Concord Geotechnical (USA) has been a division of Leister Process Technologies since 1 September 2010. A distinguished expert has now come on board in the form of Steve Hobbs, the previous owner of Concord. As Business Development Manager, he is sure to contribute his vast expertise in the future. By making this step, Leister aims to boost its civil engineering market. Concord’s previous customers will continue to be supported to the same high standard as existing Leister customers or potential new ones. This means everyone will benefit from the innovative flair, product quality and service spectrum of Leister. Learn more here.;

Effective 1 January 2011 Colbond will raise prices 6-10% in Europe and Asia for their entire product range due to the continued escalation of raw material costs. Similar price increases will be implemented in North America. The company is in the process of informing customers. The company states that the need for price increases has been further reinforced by rising manufacturing components and transportation costs, which have also escalated with no downward trend projected for the foreseeable future.

ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock has announced work item WK30886, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Performance in Protecting Hillslopes from Rainfall-Induced Erosion." This work item is balloted for the withdrawal of the existing standard D6459-07. No replacement is currently scheduled. Learn more here.;

The Emirates News Agency (WAM) has published an article regarding the opening day of Geosynthetics Middle East 2010, an important conference that not only has been co-organized by SKZ and BMC Gulf but is taking place under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Municipality. WAM reports that strong attendance has kicked off the event and that discussions have tied together nicely with the Emirates' move toward sustainability and continuing the trend of adopting newer engineering technologies. Learn more here.;