The International Geosynthetics Society (www.geosyntheticssociety.org) has announced its selection of Prof. Richard J. Bathurst, P.Eng., Ph.D., FEIC, FCAE, to deliver the 2014 Giroud Lecture—one of the Society's highest distinctions. Since its first awarding in 1998, the Giroud Lecture has recognized exceptional achievement and influence in the field of geosynthetics and has been delivered every four years at the opening of the International Conferences on Geosynthetics, organized by the IGS. Dr. Bathurst is only the fifth to be bestowed this honor and will present the lecture at the opening of the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10 ICG), Berlin, Germany, 21–25 September 2014. Learn more.

ASTM International announced today that it has been accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). With 1,400 members in Canada and 180 ASTM standards referenced in Canadian federal legislation, SCC accreditation further strengthens ASTM's presence in Canada. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, SCC carries out a variety of functions to ensure the effective and coordinated operation of standardization in Canada. Accreditation signifies that ASTM meets all of the requirements for consensus standards development set by SCC. These requirements mirror the principles of the World Trade Organization: transparency, openness, consensus and relevance. SCC's audit was conducted on 6–8 November 2012, at ASTM headquarters.

When former Florida governor Charlie Crist toured a geosynthetic-lined site, he chose the perfect day to learn about geosynthetics: JP Giroud and Ian Peggs, two of the most experienced geosynthetic lining system experts in the world, happened to be there.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and in particular the traditional Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) states (e.g., United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) have played a strong role in the geosynthetics field for many years. Most often, however, recognition has been given only to companies active on the raw materials side of the business, such as the extraction of petroleum and natural gas, which are subsequently used to manufacture polymers, which in turn influence the properties and performance of geosynthetics manufactured everywhere. The continued expansion of Mattex Geosynthetics, headquartered in Dubai (UAE), tells a different story and is more emblematic of the region's growing influence on the manufacturing side of geosynthetics.

A new, patent pending capping system called LiteEarth™ launched at the international Waterproof Membranes Conference in Dusseldorf, Germany. The system features a single-ply composite of synthetic grass fused with EPDM geomembrane to produce a flexible, durable, one of a kind product for a wide range of permanent closures.

Solmax, one of the world's largest manufacturers of geomembranes, is currently part of a Canada Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) trade mission to Nigeria and Ghana. The company, along with other Canadian firms across multiple sectors, is traveling with the honorable Minister Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

Randy Massingill is now a member of ProTech Environmental Supply, a division of L & M Supply. Randy was first introduced to the erosion and sediment control industry by C. Joel Sprague of TRI Environmental, where together they built and ran a large-scale erosion and control materials and systems testing and research facility. There, he accrued a hands on knowledge of the installation and performance of multiple erosion control devices. Learn more about Massingill's new role.

The Layfield Group of Companies has announced the formation of a new business unit: Engineered Membranes & Films (EMF). The move is part of a major capital expansion project at Layfield which includes a new state-of-the-art wide width geomembrane extrusion line. The new line will provide an additional 23 million pounds (10.5 million kilograms) of geomembrane capacity in various widths and thicknesses.

Strata introduces StrataBase®, a complete line of rigid biaxial geogrids designed for structural reinforcement in paved and unpaved roads. The line consists of fully tested extruded and oriented polypropylene geogrids offered in multiple tensile strengths, all of which meet or exceed current industry standards. StrataBase reduces pavement failure caused by lateral spreading of base material and is a cost effective alternate to costly undercutting and backfilling. It has proven to reduce aggregate thickness up to 50% and improve structural performance and pavement life. Learn more.

U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., was welcomed by top executives during a recent tour of Tensar International's Headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia. During his visit employees were able to discuss industry trends, and learn about a transportation bill that could expand the country's infrastructure.