Part I- Separation and Reinforcement Applications Using Geotextiles and Geogrids Part II - Filtration and Drainage Applications Using Geotextiles Part III - Drainage Applications Using Geonets, Geocomposites and Geospacers

Only 15% of the over 10,000 km (16, 100 mi) of main canals and over 16,760 km (27,000 mi) of laterals in the western United States are currently lined. The remaining canals and laterals require evaluation to assess their part in the effort to conserve water resources. The geosynthetics industry is poised to benefit as water users recognize today's canal lining technologies to be economical long-term conservation solutions. Source article: Eliminating Seepage in South Texas - EPDM Geomembrane Systems for Concrete Irrigation Canals, authored by William Johnson in the April 2004 issue of GFR.

During a recent landfill leak location survey a 2 to 3 mm diameter hole was found at a T extrusion weld on the edge of a patch. When shown the hole, and a much smaller pinhole close by, the installer commented that such a hole would not explain the leak flow rate of about 200 gpd. However, there was no argument about the caterpillar track holes at the toe of a slope in the adjacent cell!

IFAI update - Bob Koerner is being invited to serve as the technical program chairman and that IFAI invites industry-affiliated organizations to contact IFAI for the opportunity to participate as a cooperating organization, as well as to hold meetings and courses related to the geosynthetics industry.

Wasew Technologies, Inc, based in Houston Texas, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Joint Venture agreement with Rowad Plastics, a subsidiary of Tasnee, Saudi Arabia. (Tasnee recently announced the construction of a new 800,000 Ton HDPE and 800,000 Ton LLDPE plant, in co-operation with Basell Polyolefin, in addition to its existing Polypropylene plant.) The new company, Rowad Geosynthetics International Company will produce HDPE Geomembranes and other geosynthetic products. The new plant is currently under construction in Dammam’s Second Industrial Estate, close to the new resin plants. Wasew will supply full technology transfer and will also lead the sales and marketing of the company’s products in the Middle East. Mike Mathieson, President of Wasew, says that the new plant will be “state of the art” with new Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering extrusion plant, and products will meet or exceed the specifications according to GM 13. The company will also apply for ISO certification. The new company is already planning phase 2, the addition of more capacity, and will be launching new geosynthetic products. We expect to be able to serve the needs of the Middle East in the Geomembrane markets especially as most Arabic countries have favorable trading relationships with Saudi Arabia, with low import duty’s. Exports from Saudi Arabia are expected to be welcomed as a viable alternative to European or US imports. This plant will be in addition to Wasew’s other JV in Ethiopia, where the company Geosynthetic Industrial Works, is producing PVC and HDPE Pipe, HDPE nets and Geomembranes. Wasew is currently studying plans for 3 other new Geomembrane plants.