The word certification is broadly used in geosynthetics. For example, ISO 9000/14,000 uses the word certification to establish that a company has a quality system in place and that the company follows the system through every detail. Many geosynthetics manufacturers are ISO-certified, particularly those doing international work. However, this neither establishes materials for fitness-of-use nor specific specification compliance, as in the case of a CQA organization certifying materials or services to a site-specific set of plans and specifications. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the organizations establishing and offering certification services should vary considerably with different target audiences. It is also not surprising that the solid waste industry is the most "certified" segment of the geosynthetics industry. One suspects that, in the future, varying degrees of certification might become available to other critical geosynthetic applications such as reinforced walls, steep soil slopes and waterproofing of hydraulic structures.
Certification in the solid waste industry has a number of organizations offering services. They are as follows:
* Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). There is an ongoing program for landfill operators which is not only very successful but required by many landfill owners and operators. Landfill designer certification is a genuine possibility now, as suggested by its mention at a recent U.S. EPA Conference on Bioreactor Landfills.
* National Institute for Certification of Engineering Technologists (NICET). This organization has approximately 30 programs for certifying engineering technologists, including a certification program for CQC and CQA personnel. It has been in place for approximately ten years. In this writer’s opinion, however, it is a poor fit for CQC personnel and is currently outdated for CQA purposes. Thus, the program still exists but, at least for the moment, is rarely required or even discussed.
* International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI). This relatively new program focuses on CQC personnel and is very active. Current attention surrounds the seaming of geomembranes. It is unique in its requirement of hands-on welding and subsequent seam testing. This type of program, directed specifically at CQC personnel and/or organizations, appears to be well suited for its targeted audience.
* Geosynthetic Institute: Product Certification Program (GSI-PCP). This program focuses on the certification of geosynthetic materials (e.g., HDPE, LLDPE or fPP geomembranes) to a specific generic specification. It began three years ago with a particular manufacturer – no longer in business – and is being re-started with an international company. (Readers with questions are encouraged to contact GSI.)
All of these certification programs, however, fall short of being sustained if no one requires their use. The potential "drivers" in this regard are regulatory agencies, facility owners and/or specifying consulting organizations. The best of intentions (along with effort, time and expense) that go into setting up a certifying program are considerable. Thus, the salient question is: Do we need certification (of contractors, designers, CQC personnel, CQA personnel and/or the materials themselves) in the geosynthetics industry? It seems to this writer that a dialogue should be started. Thank you for reading.
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A Forum for Certification Debate
by Christopher Kelsey
Managing Editor, GFR magazine
Dr. Koerner’s comments raise an excellent point for discussion: How helpful and valued are certification programs? How aggressively are they promoted? and overseen? What needs do they leave unfulfilled? How far down the project chain are they understood? What are the primary benefits? What goals should guide future certification efforts? and in what industry segments?
The editors of GFR invite your feedback. A new column focusing on certification concerns, possibilities and providers debuts in the August issue. If you are interested in authoring a column or posting a letter in the magazine, please send your queries and responses to:
The Editors, GFR
1801 W. County Rd. B
Roseville, MN 55113-4061
E-mail gfr@ifai.com
