Testing is currently underway at PGI (PVC Geomembrane Institute). They are studying the puncture resistance of flexible and rigid geomembranes as well as the chemical resistance of PVC geomembranes. For more information, contact PGI.

D5048-03 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using 125-mm Flame (revised). Learn more here.;

According to the directive issued by Shanghai Municipal Government on 23 April 2003 regarding the prevention on spreading of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the staging of The 10th International Exhibition on Textile Industry and Shanghai International Techtextiles, Nonwovens, and Machinery Exhibition on 2 - 5 June 2003 in Shanghai New International Expo Center, together with other related activities including symposiums and technical seminars, will be postponed to 10 - 13 December 2003 in the same venue. Learn more here.;

Chime Spark International Company are manufacturers and exporters of PP woven silt fence fabric with trading offices in Taiwan. Please contact Tina at chime.spark@msa.hinet.net

The outstanding group of nominees have been proposed by the IFAI Nominating Committee for the Board of Director positions available in October 2003. The Nominating Committee met June 19th and selected the following: Chairman of the Board - George K. Ochs, Eide Industries, Cerritos, CA (2-year term). 1st Vice Chairman/Treasurer - Jeffery W. Kirk, IFM, The Astrup Co., Cleveland, OH (2-year term). 2nd Vice Chairman - Scott C. Cambell, Ranier Industries Ltd., Tukwila, WA (2-year term). Directors - William R. Truog, Duracote Corp., Ravenna, OH (3-year term) and Joseph Luna, Colbond Geosynthetics (a gsa underwriter), Enka, NC (3-year term). The Nominating Committee carefully reviewed the qualificatins of all candidates who applied for the positions. Every attempt was made to select individuals who can provide a spectrum of representation on the board, including geographic location, size of company, types of products or services, and experience in association or business management issue. An opportunity is available through the IFAI Bylaws for additional candidates to be considered by the membership. Independent nominations must be in writing, addressed to Stephen M. Warner (President), and received at IFAI headquarters in Roseville no later than the close of business day on August 15. The letter must be accompanied by a petition or letter of support signed by at least fifty (50) Active and/or Associate members in good standing. If no nominations are received by August 15, a unanimous vote will be placed for the slate of candidates proposed by the Nominating Committee. If, however, independent candidates are proposed and meet th equalifications, a mail ballot will be sent out on August 18 to all voting members.

The July 2003 issue (.pdf) includes the IGS Call for Candidates, the Call for IGS Award Nominations, the IGS Student Awards, as well as conference updates for NAGS, EuroGeo3, and GeoAsia 2004. The 27th CEN/TC 189 Meeting Report and a synopsis of the International Conference on Fast Slope Movements rounds up the issue.

The 2003 catalogue, issued as Volume 3 of the DIN Catalogue of Technical Rules, lists published English translations of DIN (German) standards, DIN EN standards and DIN ISO standards (some 13,300 - an increase of 1,100 over last year), as well as typescript translations in English, French and Spanish. Learn more here.;

Bob Phaneuf has been supervising the Western Hazardous Waste Engineering Section within the Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials since April 2003. Bob will assist the Division with any upcoming Part 360 rule-making/revision efforts - specifically with respect to Subpart 360-2 Landfills, bioreactor landfill concepts, CQC and CQA matters and any other landfill related requirements of Part 360. He also continues to provide technical support to the Division’s Solid Waste Program staff along with his new duties. Scott Menrath has taken over Bob's old duties in the Division's Solid Waste Program.

Cetco has recently updated their GCL installation guidelines. The document (.pdf) provides procedures for the installation of Cetco's GCLs in a manner that maximizes safety, efficiency, and the physical integrity of the GCL.

WestPoint Stevens, an Atlanta-based company that was established as a result of the acquisition of J.P. Stevens & Co. by WestPoint Pepperell back in the late 1980s, filed for Chapter 11 protection earlier this week. Stevens Geomembranes is a business unit of JPS Elastomers, a division of JPS Industries, Inc., of Greenville, S.C. (NASDAQ/NM:JPST). They want to assure the public that they have nothing to do with WestPoint Stevens. "We are still known in some quarters as 'J.P. Stevens', despite our efforts over the past years to re-brand the company as Stevens Geomembranes. To emphasize, we want to make it very clear that neither Stevens Geomembranes, nor JPS Elastomerics is in any way affiliated with, or connected with WestPoint Stevens and this filing." A press release issued by JPS Industries is posted on their Web site at www.stevensroofing.com in the "Press Room." Learn more here.;