The following meetings scheduled for the ASTM D35 Meetings in Tampa, FL. On Thursday, January 15th have been cancelled: Connection Strength 10:30am-11:00am Segmental Block Shear 5:00pm-5:30pm

The 2004 GFR Specifier's Guide is now available. The Spec Guide is an international industry resource that offers technical geosynthetic product data and links to expert installers, designers, consultants, test labs and manufacturers. Data on the following products is available: geotextiles, geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners, drains and geonets, geogrids, geocells, rolled erosion control products and hard armor. The publication is available to GFR subscribers. A limited number of copies are available for purchase. For subscription information, contact Susan Smeed at subscriptions@ifai.com, or call +1 651/222-2508, fax +1 651/225-6966. To purchase a copy of the 2004 Specifier's Guide, contact Barbara Connett at bjconnett@ifai.com, +1 651/225-6913, fax +1 651/631-9334, Web site www.bookstore.ifai.com. GFR is published by the Industrial Fabrics Association International, 1801 County Rd. B W., Roseville, MN 55113-4061; Web site www.ifai.com. Learn more here.;

Bernard V. Jones, P.E., died in Denver on 24 December 2003. He was 69. Jones graduated from Regis College and worked for the Bureau of Reclamation from 1957 to 1991. He was involved in some of the early developmental studies on the underwater lining of irrigation canals. This effort eventually led to the successful installation on the Coachella Canal in California in the early 1990s. The Coachella project involved the underwater placement of a PVC geomembrane and protective concrete lining. Jones was associated with the studies on developing the Bureau's materials and construction specifications for buried PVC canal linings. These specifications served as industry standards for a number of years. He was also the principal investigator on the use of geomembranes in roofing applications. Jones worked closely with other government agencies and the private sector in these endeavors. In addition he was an expert on concrete joint sealant materials and water stops. He retired in 1991 as a supervisory materials engineer. He was a big supporter of the use of geosynthetic materials in hydrotechnical construction. - Bill Morrison, Materials Engineer (retired), Denver, Colorado.

GMA is working on a new strategic plan. The GMA Executive Council will meet in February to review the results of the survey currently in circulation and will develop a new plan from the results. The new strategic plan will be discussed at a GMA General Assembly (TBA).

A warning about fire insurance and salvaging. At 3:00 AM on 11/06/03, our branch manager received a call that our Texas laboratory was on fire. Upon arriving at the facility, he found the fire department had brought the fire under control. They had also taken extra efforts to cover key equipment to limit water damage. At daybreak the insurance adjustor arrived along with fire investigators and salvage people.

Seeking geosynthetics CQA monitor (NICET Level 3 or equivalent) with some soils CQA experience for several year full time project in SE USA . Please send experience details to lara@geosynthetica.net.

ASTM Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes in ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics is developing Standard Test Methods for Strip and Grab Tensile Properties of Reinforced Geomembranes as quality tests of materials that line or cover landfills. Learn more here.;

In addition to its nearly 100 approved standards, ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics is proposing a Specification for Geosynthetic Alternate Daily Covers to evaluate products that cover landfills. Learn more here.;

HOUSTON, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. (NYSE: GSE), a leading global provider of geosynthetic lining solutions, products and services, and GEO Holdings Corp., a newly formed entity indirectly controlled by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (CHS), jointly announced today they have entered into a merger agreement under which all publicly traded shares of GSE's common stock are to be converted into cash at the rate of $18.50 per share. Upon completion of the merger, GSE will be wholly owned by CHS. Samir Badawi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GSE said, "We are pleased about joining the CHS organization. We are looking forward to working with CHS and exploring additional opportunities to enhance our growth. This agreement is the result of a thorough examination of the Company's various strategic alternatives. While we will have a new owner, our business commitments will continue as usual to satisfy our customer needs, our staff development and our relations with our suppliers." "As a global leader in the geosynthetic lining solutions industry, Gundle/SLT Environmental provides an excellent investment platform for CHS," said Dan Hennessy, Partner at Code Hennessy & Simmons. "The Company's success is built upon a foundation of technical innovation and outstanding customer service all overseen by a world-class management team. We are very pleased and excited to have the opportunity to work with the entire GSE team to build and grow the business through investments in new products and new markets." Under the merger agreement, certain GSE executives will enter into new employment contracts with GSE upon completion of the merger. A portion of their outstanding options to acquire shares of GSE's common stock will be converted into options to purchase shares of GEO Holdings Corp. estimated to represent approximately 8% of GSE's post-merger fully diluted shares. All other outstanding options to purchase GSE common stock will be converted in the merger into cash in an amount equal to the per share "in the money" value of each option. Consummation of the merger is subject to the conclusion of certain financing arrangements by CHS, to any necessary antitrust clearances under federal and foreign laws, approval of the merger by the shareholders of GSE and to other customary conditions. The boards of both companies have previously unanimously approved the merger agreement and the proposed merger. Wembley, Ltd., the holder of approximately 40% of GSE's outstanding common stock has entered into a voting agreement with CHS agreeing to support the proposed merger and to vote for it. Harris, Williams & Co. served as financial advisor to the Company in this transaction. Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. headquartered in Houston, is a global manufacturer and marketer of geosynthetic lining solutions, products and services used in the containment and management of solids, liquids and gases for organizations engaged in waste management, mining, water and wastewater treatment, and aquaculture. Additional information is available at www.gseworld.com . Founded in 1988, Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC is a private equity firm that manages approximately $1.5 billion in capital in four funds. CHS focuses on building shareholder value in middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies through strong relationships with management teams and sound investment strategies. Additional information is available at www.chsonline.com . SOURCE Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc.

"The downsizing of technical staff at many companies in recent years has caused a shortage of in-house technical marketing support. I hope to be of assistance to these companies as a consultant, assisting them with technical needs on an as needed basis. Scope of assistance may include development of small, collateral literature, and range to complete new market and product development projects to field assistance on critical geosynthetic projects Finally, technical training of in-house and distribution personnel is offered." - John Paulson, P.E. After 5 years with Strata Systems, Inc. John joined Anchor Wall Systems, where he was VP of Engineered Wall Products and Services. He has most recently decided to embark on a new venture as an independent consultant to the geosynthetic and retaining wall community. John has over 20 years experience in reinforced soil structures, having provided technical and marketing support for some of the larger manufacturers of geosynthetics in the US. The focus of his new venture will be on technical marketing assistance to the industry. John continues to reside in Atlanta area, and may be reached at 770-851-6090, or jnptut@aol.com.