Special Series

A new standard recently approved by ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock is the result of requests from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for an effective test method to cover the determination of the maximum dry unit weight and water content range for effective compaction of granular soils. D 7382, Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight and Water Content Range for Effective Compaction of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer, was developed by Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils. Learn more here.;

A new ASTM International standard, D 7322, Test Method for Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Ability to Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under Bench-Scale Conditions, covers guidelines, requirements and procedures for evaluating the effect of RECPs on seed germination and vegetation enhancement. The standard was developed by Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment Control Technology, part of ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock. Learn more here.;

ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics invites all interested parties to participate in the development of a proposed new standard, WK15082, Specification for Measuring the Asperity Height of Textured Geomembrane. The proposed standard is being developed by Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes. Learn more here.;

The BRIC countries--Brazil, Russia, India, and China--occupy much of the global financial discussion regarding growth for infrastructure and manufacturing expansion, and with good reason. Large populations and accessible, affordable labor await. But a report from Ficci in India suggest that the Indian textiles market, including geotextile use and manufacture, could quadruple by 2020 to $37 billion. This will require significant changes, however. Learn more here.;

The New York Times has published a piece on Frank Levy and Sergio Dell'Orco's fabric and fiber recylcing machines. Their decades-old business has transformed old carpet and other fabric materials into new fibers for products such as geotextiles. Learn more here.;

Beach erosion at Wainui in New Zealand has been ongoing and severe for decades. Since 1994 residents have been encouraged to move homes, but a new effort to preserve the dunes is giving geotextile sand walls another chance. Years ago the idea was shelved, as were other engineered solutions. Residents and officials are now willing to make an effort to save the beach. Learn more here.;

The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in South Dakota is popular site. To better manage the wastewater infrastructure that supports the area, the state's Department of Game, Fish and Parks is replacing the liners on three lagoon cells and opening a 1.2-acre wetland pond into which some treated lagoon water may be discharged. The combination of technologies will create a safe, long-term solution that also promotes vegetation (including cattail) growth. Learn more here.;

A new report from Global Industry Analysts Inc. forecasts an industry of $84.5 billion by 2012. "Industrial Rubber Products: A Global Strategic Business Report" includes a portion on geomembranes (presumably EPDM). If you are looking for individual sections for purchase, the GIA website write up breaksdown sections for you. Section Two (Product Overview) includes a table (Table 3) with geomembrane information. Learn more here.;

Nanoposts.com has announced the publication of a market study on Nanotechnology and Textiles: Market Applications to 2015. The global market for nanotechnology in the textiles industry was around $480 million in 2007. The report forecasts that nano-based products and processes will be worth $4.9 billion to the textiles industry by 2015. Learn more here.;

Nanoposts.com announces the publication of Current and Future Market for Nano and Synthetic Clays 2007-2012. This report provides information on the market for nanoclays and nanofillers to 2012. More than 30 tables and graphs describe the market, including production data for specific nanoclay products; nanoclay pricing per tonne; current market state; current value of the market; total market for Nanoclays in 2012; carbon black; and much more. Learn more here.;

The India-based Business Coordination House, which helps facilitate business and trade within India and between Indian industries and the rest of the world, invites you to visit their booth at Index 08. The nonwovens conference will take place 15-18 April 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn more about BCH at their booth (Hall 4, Booth 4086) and on their website. Learn more here.;

New Bedford, Massachusetts has a long industrial history, one that has led to considerable environmental cleanup needs. There are approximately 30 brownfield sites in the city. The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $400,000 to begin cleanup of two of those sites. Overall, $2.2 million was awarded to the state of Massachusetts. Brownfield redevelopment often requires site capping. Learn more here.;

Oregon officials are worried about gophers--the leading cause of canal damage. New funding and solutions are needed to limit damage and water loss from burrowing animals. The canal breach in Fernley, Nevada early this year has sent many irrigation districts in search of preventative measures. Learn more here.;

Federal water managers are launching an ambitious canal analysis program to prevent future floods on the scale of what hit Fernley, Nevada when years of burrowing animal damage led to a major canal breach. Roughly 8,000 miles of Western canals are in need of review: embankments, berms, water loss rates, etc. Learn more here.;

Dr. David J. Elton, P.E., became President of the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS) at the biennial meeting of NAGS held in early March during the GeoAmericas 2008 conference in Cancun, Mexico. Dr. Elton received the office from Dr. Grace Hsuan, who served as President of the organization for two years. Read the release for more.

The North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), a chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), co-sponsored a seminar on “Geosynthetic Advancements in Soil Reinforcement Applications” on 25 March 2008 at Syracuse University. David Suits, NAGS Executive Director, has provided a report from the event in PDF. Also, if your engineering society or department would like a NAGS seminar to visit you, Dave's contact information is included in this report. Learn more here.;

A former hazardous waste site in Coventry, Rhode Island, and which has been previously declared a Superfund site, is to be converted to a solar energy farm. This forward idea may serve as a ready way cities can beneficially reuse polluted sites after appropriate cleanup and capping takes place. Learn more here.;

Craig H. Benson (Wisconsin Distinguished Professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at the University of Wisconsin at Madison) was elected as one eleven ASCE fellows who have made "significant technical or professional contributions and have demonstrated notable achievement in responsible charge of engineering activity for at least 10 years following election to the ASCE grade of member." From ASCE News. Learn more here.;

The Hidden Lane Landfill has finally been added to the National Priorities List (NPL)--otherwise known as Superfund. The Sterling, Virginia site has been a known source of water contamination for roughly 20 years. An 18-month study will now be conducted after which cleanup strategies will be announced. Learn more here.;

Do you often schedule meetings or Webinars with people in another time zone? Here’s how to set up your Microsoft® Outlook® calendar to show two time zones at once: Go to your Outlook calendar, click View and select “Day” or “Work Week.” Right-click the vertical bar showing the hours of the day. Select “Change Time Zone.” Select “Show an additional time zone.” Pick your desired time zone, give it a name in the Label box, and click OK. You should now have two parallel time bars next to your appointments.

Ireland-based Research and Markets has added Making the Transition from Traditional to Technical Textile Markets to its offerings. The publication addresses not only applications, but manufacturing equipment, testing standardization, and other elements of more stringently engineered materials. Learn more here.;

In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, officials have ordered linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) geomembranes to cap a 40-year-old dump. Connected to this project will be the cleanup of PCB-contaminated soils. Details on the site's restoration are forthcoming. Learn more here.;

A lawsuit was filed in California last week against the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The focus of the suit is on the EPA's 27-year-old directive to establish regulations that would demand companies demonstrate the financial ability to protect and cleanup sites. Those regulations, which were to be established within 5 years of the directive, have yet to be settled. Meanwhile, the polluted site tally increases. Learn more here.;

The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) will team up with CPESC Inc. to present online versions of the Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ) and the Certified Erosion Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) exam review courses through IECA’s online training program. Each live session will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing allowing participants to catch up on missed segments of the series. Download the PDF for course dates. Learn more here.;

The Charleston Daily Mail reports that an Indian burial ground discovered in Mason County, West Virginia will be saved. The cultural site was discovered during preliminary work on a new highway connection. The road will now be routed around the site. Limestone and geotextile will be used to rebury and protect the burial zone. Learn more here.;