Containment

Yesterday, March 20, was not only the first official day of spring but National Agriculture Day. Woods Houghton's guest column in the Current Argus newspaper, published in New Mexico, offers some interesting statistics on the United States agriculture industry. For example, farmers manage 1.3 million acres of water conveyance ditches. Learn more here.;

Two aluminum-processing industries in Tennessee have submitted preliminary plans to construct a landfill behind the county airport, a proposal similar to one two years ago that was voted down by commissioners. The 95.2-acre landfill proposed by Tennessee Aluminum Processors Inc. and Smelter Service Corp. will be discussed at a city planning commission meeting on 5 January 2010. Any aluminum by-product would be separated from the groundwater by a 12-inch thick leachate collection system, a 7-foot clay buffer, two high density polyethylene liners and a clay liner, according to the plans. Learn more here.;

Cooley Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Shields to the position of Business Development Manager for Cooley Engineered Membranes. Mr. Shields' responsibilities will include identifying and developing new markets for the division. Mr. Shields has an extensive background with the aviation industry and was formerly Director of Business Development for a large specialty coating and laminating organization.

Did you miss something last week? Catch up on the latest geosynthetics news with our Week in Review column. This issue includes IECA Southeast Chapter at Denver Downs, better business across the US-Canada border, liner integrity, a new Koerner's Korner, the debut of "Catching Up With..." and much more.

The performance of a three million pound ($NZ6.2m) New Zealand-built artificial surf reef at a British tourist beach has been sub-standard, according to Bournemouth Borough Council. Experts at Plymouth University assessed the quality of waves enhanced by the underwater creation over six months, and found the reef achieved only four of its 11 objectives. The installation uses 55 sand-filled "geotextile bags" placed 225m out to sea. The criticism conflicts with some early reports from lifeguards about the waves being dangerous. Learn more here.;

AGRU America’s podcast series explores geosynthetic applications and polymeric material advances that beneficially influence the performance of infrastructure. The latest episode finds Cody Miles discussing geosynthetics in aquaculture. (Listen...

In November 2009 the north west of England experienced widespread flooding. In the town of Workington, one road bridge collapsed and the other was deemed unsafe. The town was divided in two. The Royal Engineers were commissioned to build a temporary footbridge. The Engineers required design guidance on stabilisation and delivery of geogrids within 24 hours.