Special Series

Rowad National Plastic Co. Ltd. one of the fastest growing plastic processor in Saudi Arabia, announced today that they have formed a new Joint Venture Co. to manufacture HDPE Geo-Membrane in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The name of the new Joint Venture is "ROWAD INTERNATIONAL GEOSYNTHETICS CO. LTD." The license has been issued by SAGIA as 30% share is with foreign company. Mr. Mohammed Z. Al-Laboon, the General Manager of Rowad N. Plastic Co. said that, the new Joint Venture is part of Rowad's continuing strategy of diversification and growth with distinguished engineering plastic products. With this first Geo-Membrane manufacturing line in Middle East, it will allow to serve better the Geosynthetic needs of potential customer locally and internationally. The Rowad Geo-Membrane will be available in smooth, one side texture and double side texture in various thicknesses (0.5 mm to 2.50 mm) with unique 7.0 meter width in Rolls. The Rowad Geo-Membrane is to be manufactured using first quality, high molecular weight polyethylene specifically formulated to be most resistant to sunlight, chemicals, leachate, toxic wastes and hydrocarbons. Geo-Membrane will meet the growing demand of Saudi market driven by Government and private construction projects in municipal/ sanitary land field, water treatment and mining industry. To know more about the product application and installation of Rowad Geo-Membrane kindly visit the web-site (www.rowadgeo.com). Rowad International Geosynthetic Co. Ltd. will commission the first 10,000 TPA plant by second quarter of 2007, as the construction of factory is already ongoing on its new plot in Dammam 2nd industrial area. On the other side, we are already in touch with several major installation companies in the Middle East and Africa says Ashraf A. Shah, Manager Sales & Marketing. We also signed off-take agreement with JV partners, WASEW Technologies and Golden Trade for lifting 50% capacity for necessary supply to their ongoing overseas projects. Rest of the capacity will be for a growing local and GCC Countries which till today remained as an import market. Mr. Laboon further stated that with this new JV, ROWAD will take a quantum leap in its overall annual sales, and continue to maintain its leadership position in the plastic sheet business, along with a strong position in injection molding and industrial plastic waste recycling protecting Saudi and regional environment.

NAUE News September issue is now available on-line. Features include: Safe Crossing of Inhomogeneous Subsoil for German Freeway A38; Securing and Re-Cultivation of the Landfill Cap in Emden; Construction of a Surface Respository in the Ukraine; Secutex® Sandcontainers Save Bridge Cateasca on River Arges; and Encapsing an Encapsulation cell.

Tech note authored by Ian Peggs, I-CORP INTERNATIONAL - Liner Integrity/Leak Location Surveys: Practical Problems Encountered. "I have learned some practical pointers from recently performed integrity surveys at several stages of construction and immediately after completion of the following lining system..."

In Homer, Alaska, geogrids and geotextiles are being installed beneath troubled streets. The project is being directed by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in cooperation with the Homer Department of Public Works. Read about it. Learn more here.;

The saga surrounding Pennsylvania's Interstate 99 construction through a zone of rock with 260,000 cubic yards of pyrite is finally inching forward. The system controlling sulfric runoff from the rock will include geocells packed with neutralizing material and a geosynthetic clay lined median and collection zone. This is a prelude to a 675,000 cubic yard project. Learn more here.;

FHS, Australia's largest plastic welding equipment supplier, is doubling the size of its headquarters in Melbourne. Ever-growing global demand for geosynthetics, plastic pipe, and affiliated products has caused a surge in need for plastic welding technologies. 09/07/06 Learn more here.;

The City of Midland, Michigan, capitalized on a Clean Water Initiative grant by landscaping a number of stormwater ditches. Geotextile fabric was installed and riprap placed above it. Read about the Midland Conservation District's work. Learn more here.;

The green roof movement is picking up steam in North America. Often, it starts with grants. Tax and development incentives, tied to energy savings, may be included too. Finally, the social benefits enter. The latest urban area to jump in full bore: Minneapolis. Learn more here.;

As already announced in IGS News of July 2006, an Ordinary General Assembly of the IGS will be held on Friday, September 22, 2006 from 10:30 to 12:00 hrs in Yokohama, Japan. View the Agenda for the next IGS OGA. Learn more here.;

Land & Water's latest issue is loaded with geosynthetic projects and design information. The issue includes a feature article on preventing whales in the geomembrane liners of wastewater treatment pond. The article was authored by Ian Peggs of I-CORP and can be viewed in full at the "continued" link below.. Also see the Blown Straw vs. Erosion Control Blankets article on-line by cutting and pasting this URL into your browser http://www.landandwater.com/features/vol50no4/vol50no4_2.html . Learn more here.;

Rehabilitation of the Sewage System in Baneasa using Carbofix Concrete Protection. Read the case study at the link below.

Permathene's July 2006 Newsletter is now available on-line. Under Permathene News: First NZ Liquid Boot® Job, Launch of Estore, New Erosion Control Products for the Australian Market, Geomembrane Range for Australia, New Staff. Under Product Feature: Liquid Boot®, Dimpled Drainage Sheeting. Under Case Study: Stormwater Retention, Pond Baffles, Gasproofing, Gasproofing Sewage (Liquid Boot®). Learn more here.;

According to CompositeWorld.com, "Clyvia Inc. (Point Roberts, Wash.) announced August 9 that its wholly owned subsidiary, Clyvia Technology GmbH successfully converted 3 metric tons (approximately 3.3 US tons) of plastics into 2,000 liters (approximately 528 US gal.) of diesel fuel." Learn more here.;

Composite textiles and geosynthetics are revolutionizing many industries. In a feature article at Nonwovens Industry, this trend is explored with particular attention given to Colbond's redevelopment of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs). The new designs will further reduce soil consolidation times. Learn more here.;

Nonwovens Industry reports that "Basell has completed the expansion of its Geelong, Australia polypropylene plant, increasing capacity from 60 to 130 kilotons per year." Learn more here.;

The International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) is pleased to announce that two of its member companies, Clean Air and Water Systems, LLC (CAAW Systems) and Taylor Geosynthetics, Inc., have achieved Approved Installation Contractor (AIC) status. To be awarded AIC status, geosynthetic installation companies must meet requirements in the following areas: corporate history and business practices, insurance verification, safety training, and professional competence and experience. CAAW Systems and Taylor Geosynthetics, Inc., are pioneer participants in IAGI’s AIC program. Both companies are eager to promote industry growth and encourage better quality workmanship, thus fulfilling the goals of the AIC program. CAAW Systems is comprised of individuals with over 70 years combined experience in the geosynthetic installation industry. CAAW Systems is known for its ability to source specification compliant materials from the industry’s leading manufacturers and for successful implementation of geosynthetic liner installations. Extensive experience has given CAAW Systems the knowledge required to review plans and specifications, procure project specific materials, and complete installations within required time frames and budgets. CAAW Systems has successfully completed projects in solid waste landfills, landfill closures, waste water containment, decorative ponds, methane barriers and secondary containment. Serving the geosynthetics community for 19 years, Taylor Geosynthetics, Inc. has experience in the installation of a variety of geosynthetic products. Services include the installation of liner systems (HDPE, LLDPE, EPDM, PVC and Polypropylene), geotextiles, and GCL products. With experience in the installation of various products and designs, the Taylor Geosynthetics, Inc. staff has the knowledge and flexibility to work with clients to provide and install complete geosynthetic systems meeting site-specific requirements. Installation companies interested in applying for what will become an engineer-specified designation, AIC, can find complete program details and submittal form online at www.iagi.org. Applying companies submit the required program criteria, which is then reviewed and verified by a third party. IAGI strives to provide a forum for geosynthetics installers to advance installation and construction techniques, and to strengthen the knowledge, image and communication within the industry. For more information about IAGI or the AIC program, contact Laurie Honnigford at +1-651-554-1895, e-mail iagi@iagi.com or visit www.iagi.org. Learn more here.;

In 2005, Ten Cate Geosynthetics & Grass acquired Polyfelt, a manufacturer of geosynthetics. According to Inteletex, the acquisition has resulted in a 50 percent increase in Ten Cate's sales. Strong growth is expected to continue in the United States and Europe. Learn more here.;

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is scrambling to repair a torn geotextile barrier over asbestos-contaminated soil. Clean fill was placed on the site three years ago, but recent water main work punctured the geosynthetic barrier. Read more in the Daily Inter Lake. Learn more here.;

The delegates of CEN elected Dr Juan Carlos López Agüí from the Spanish standards body AENOR as new CEN President. Dr Lopez Agui will take office in Jan 07 until Dec 09. He is currently General Director of the Spanish institute of cement and its applications (IECA). Ernst-Peter Ziethen, DIN, was elected CEN Vice-President Technical. He will take over January 2007 from Lars Flink.

The International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) is pleased to announce that two of its member companies have achieved Approved Installation Contractor (AIC) status. Congratulations to Clean Air and Water Systems, LLC and Taylor Geosynthetics, Inc. Learn more here.;

Propex has announced its second quarter results, which include the addition of SI Geosolutions and SI Concrete. Propex acquired SI in January, renaming the division Propex Geosolutions Corp. and Propex Concrete Corp. Learn more here.;

The Geoengineer Website is pleased to announce the first issue of the International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories. This journal brings many unique features, such as high quality papers provided at no cost to the members of the Geo-Profession, an accompanying online digital database, colored figures and many others. Learn more here.;

As reported in Nonwovens Industry On-Line, "Basell will build a new Spherilene S polyethylene plant at its Wesseling industrial site near Cologne, Germany. The plant will be based on Basell’s new Spherilene S single reactor gas phase design." Learn more here.;

In March 2006, the PVC Geomembrane Institute elected a new Board of Directors. President: Stuart Lange (Lange Containment Systems), Secretary: John Heap (Colorado Lining International), and Treasurer: Tom Latourneau (Canadian General Tower). Learn more about the Board in PGI's July/August newsletter. Learn more here.;

Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. (GSE) announces second quarter results and a report on new orders and backlog. Learn more here.;