GeoTrump
The troubled Meadowlands landfill-to-links project from EnCap Golf seems to be back in motion. Site pollution concerns had slowed progress and EnCap seemed in default. Now, one of Donald Trump's companies, Trump Organization, is heading up the management of the construction. They report that soil tests are taking place and plans are moving on installing the right geosynthetic barrier systems.
Learn more here.;
Trailbuilding
The Anchorage Press has published an article on the design and construction of trails. Of note, the article contains a portion of the role geotextiles play in Alaskan trail design: separators to keep paths from "melting" into surrounding wetlands.
Learn more here.;
Upgrades in Guam
The Dandan, Inarajan landfill site is to go forth, it seems, as a lengthy debate on the subject is coming to a close. Construction is estimated to require $100 million for the first two cells, but the waste cells are badly needed. The old dump has been ordered closed. Additional funding will be needed, it's thought, for road improvements to accommodate new truck traffic.
Learn more here.;
Hidden in the News
You can find a lot of construction and engineering news hidden in roundups from county board and city council meetings. The Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum's note about Crawford County, Ohio's business exemplifies this. The board of commissioners last week approved the sale of geocomposite and geomembrane rolls to a landfill under "ORC Section 317.12." That code pertains to surplus equipment in Ohio counties.
Learn more here.;
Going Public
It's rare that the general public gets to see cross-sectional views of a landfill's construction. But the Caller Times has done just that for its Corpus Christi, Texas readers. The city has just opened a new landfill, and to help explain the facility the paper has published some nice graphics.
Learn more here.;
Yet…In English
An online China-based website has posted a short informational article about landfills and their construction. Topics include types of landfills, types of waste, international waste statistics, and general points in the waste disposal, collection and burial process. The article seems to be from a Chinese and English-language book that teaches American English and culture.
Learn more here.;
Surf's Up, UK!
Global Surf News updates its readers on the artificial reef construction project planned for Bournemouth Borough - in the UK. The sand-filled geotextile bag scheme is closer to approval. The system and materials will come from New Zealand and Australia where similar, geosynthetic-supported artificial reefs have been successfully developed and implemented.
Learn more here.;
Working Together
geosynthetica is working to create larger opportunities for sharing knowledge about geosynthetics. One of the ways we do this is by working with conferences. In the past week, we've become a cooperating organization for EC08, EuroGeo4, and the Global Waste Management Symposium. For information on how to be part of these activities, please contact Elizabeth Peggs at elizabeth@geosynthetica.net, +1 561 655 2060.
Geogrid Beneath Versailles
No, not the historic French palace. The city of Versailles, Ohio - pronounced "Ver Sales" - encountered soft soils during road reconstruction. To shore up the road foundation, Tensar geogrids were specified. Notes on this may be found in Linda Moody's write-up of the Versailles Village Council meeting.
Learn more here.;
New York Steps Up
Hardball Gov. Eliot Spitzer and some hardball environmentalists have come to a $400 million agreement with developers and the state on a new project in the Catskills. The resort in question has taken seven years of debate and will take eight years in construction; but it will lead to the protection of 1400 acres of land and stringent erosion and sediment control.
Learn more here.;
A Fine Approach
Long long ago, and perhaps in a galaxy far far away, erosion and sediment control was not a major concern during construction. But failure to abide by the codes of the past few years can be costly. Jedi Corp. is learning that lesson...though this instance pales in comparison to the enormous fines other developers have been able to amass.
Learn more here.;
Slow in the Go
Barrie, Ontario's long-awaited Site 41 Landfill project is finally moving forth with construction. Slowly. In addition to the standard debate that roils the siting of most waste facilities, Site 41 has been delayed by a need for an environmental inspector, poor access road conditions, and difficulty obtaining the specified geotextile.
Learn more here.;
Underwriters Featured
The forthcoming issue of Land & Water will feature a generic article on canal lining geosynthetics. The article, "Smarter Infrastructures" by Chris Kelsey, offers a general introduction to types of liner materials.
Halting Erosion from Development
While many see the US property market eroding, property in development remains a significant threat for erosion. North Carolina's Henderson County is preparing for the construction of nearly 8,000 new homes. Construction runoff is the top source for water pollution in the state. A number of technologies will be needed in order for the Blue Ridge-located development to go forth cleanly.
Lining Whitewater
In Charlotte County, North Carolina, a non-profit organization has spearheaded construction of a $38 million hiking, rafting and climbing park. The manmade whitewater course is perhaps the first of its kind and uses a synthetic liner to prevent leakage through and wear against the concrete liner.
Learn more here.;
The Never-Ending Story
More major fines have been assessed to developers who ignore the proper installation stormwater and sediment control technologies on construction sites. Five developers in Tennessee were recently fined a combined $4.5 million. These companies need help--not for payment of the fine but for learning the right technologies to avoid them.
Learn more here.;
Erosion Control Course Overflow
KXLY in Idaho reports that erosion control courses for the state's construction industry are being well received and producing a waiting list.
Learn more here.;
China Invests Big
China's largest composites production facility is under construction. Among the many materials to be produced in Tiana Group's new facility will be geogrids. The Chinese infrastructure continues to expand at a rapid clip and geosynthetics are being designed into much of it for long-term support.
Learn more here.;
A Stormwater Regulation Backlash?
Princeton Borough, New Jersey has placed itself at risk of fines for rejecting state-mandated stormwater control regulations. At issue is how the city regulates the many small residential construction projects that occur each year, such as the building of an addition. The city council feels that the state rules are too severe for the average homeowner.
Learn more here.;
Ventura and USACE Must Wait
Ventura, California would like to construct an artificial reef to rebuild and protect the beach. The design comes from New Zealand's ASR Limited, known for geotextile bag reef constructions. But funding for the project requires the US Congress re-opening the Water Resources Development Act, which would allow the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to execute the work.
Learn more here.;
ASA Report on Subcontracting
The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) annually reports on the public policy environment for subcontracting in construction. The 2006 report is now available with grades and breakdowns on a state by state government and construction level for prompt payment protections, payment bond protections, anti-"bid-shopping" measures, and more. Download the Executive Summary or the full report at the "continued" link.
Learn more here.;
China and Unchecked Sediment Runoff
Erosion control codes grow more strict in the US as cities and states realize the tremendous pollution problem of unchecked sediment entering waterways. But in China, where development is booming, the rapid construction of a road system is producing dangerous sediment runoff into rivers that feed much of Southeast Asia. Solutions are needed.
Learn more here.;
$4.8 Billion for Civil Works
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works program is to receive $4.8 billion for the fiscal year 2008, according to the USACE publication Engineer Update. The money will primarily go towards the Corps' major water resources project planning, design and construction.
Learn more here.;
More from Mat-Su
Mat-Su Valley, Alaska, was profiled last week ( https://www.geosynthetica.net/news.asp?search_key2=n1628 ) for the geosynthetic lining system being installed on a needed new waste cell. This week we find geotextiles on tap for the area's summer road construction plans.
Learn more here.;
New Erosion Program Launched
The Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Inc. is excited to announce the development of it's Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector Certification Program (CESSWI). This new program will be available to all qualified technicians and inspectors who wish to demonstrate their proficiencies in construction and post construction inspection skills and abilities.
Learn more here.;
