Media Contact
Laurie Honnigford
FGI Representative
+1 651 554 1895
laurie@honnigford.com
5 May 2009 – The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) has experienced dramatic membership growth since the kick off meeting held on February 26, 2009 in Salt Lake City, UT. Andrew Mills, Layfield Environmental Systems Ltd., has headed the membership recruitment efforts for FGI. As a result of Mr. Mills’ efforts, 15 companies have joined at the manufacturing membership level; six companies have joined at the fabricator/installer membership level; and five companies have joined at the associate level membership.
"Andrew Mills has been the driving force behind the tremendous growth in membership that FGI has experienced since its inception," commented Tim Stark, Technical Director for FGI. "We are appreciative of his contributions to FGI’s successful start."
Companies interested in joining FGI should contact Tim Stark at +1 217 333 3929 or geomembrane@illinois.edu. There are four levels of membership within the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute; Manufacturer, International Manufacturer, Fabricators/Installers and Associate. Dr. Stark has conducted a membership survey to determine the research objectives for the FGI and will be announcing these objectives shortly. Anyone interested in contributing to the research work is encouraged to call Dr. Stark.
The main objectives of the new FGI include conducting research on fabricated geomembranes, disseminating technical information, establishing and maintaining a world wide website, and answering technical questions regarding the design, testing, specification, and installation of fabricated geomembranes. Overall, the FGI will serve as an information clearinghouse for fabricated geomembranes. The FGI and its member companies will research and develop opportunities for fabricated geomembranes in many areas, including floating pond/reservoir covers, landfills, golf course water features, industrial waste ponds, canals, mining, and waste water and water containment.
The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute is housed at the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign. Dr. Timothy D. Stark is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an expertise in Geotechnical Engineering. Dr. Stark has been teaching, researching, and consulting on geosynthetics, stability of manmade slopes, and design of waste containment facilities for more than 15 years.
For more information on the FGI, contact Meg Griffin at +1 217 333 3929 or geomembrane@illinois.edu.
