How Geomembranes Have Been Instrumental in Cleaning Up BP's Oily Mess

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The largest marine oil spill accident ever is over--or is it? BP, the energy giant responsible for the blunder at the now infamous Macondo well, located off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico, finally declared the troublesome well officially dead in September 2010. Numerous types of equipment and technologies have been deployed to aid in cleaning the affected Gulf region. Among them are various types of geomembranes. In more ways than one, geomembranes have been vital to curbing the environmental damage caused by the spill. The following information details the distinct applications of geomembrane products in the Gulf cleanup effort. Read more from Bill Shehane and Kim Seaman.

D35 on EPDM Geomembranes

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ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has reapproved D7106, "Standard Guide for Selection of Test Methods for Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) Geomembranes." It is available as D7106-05(2010). This guide includes test methods for scrim-reinforced, composite, and smooth, non-reinforced EPDM membranes. Learn more here.;

D35 on PVC Air Channel Seam Evaluation

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ASTM D35 on Geosynthetics has reapproved D7177, "Standard Specification for Air Channel Evaluation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Dual Track Seamed Geomembranes." It is available as D7177-05(2010). This specification covers a nondestructive evaluation of the strength and continuity of parallel PVC geomembrane seams separated by an unwelded air channel. Learn more here.;

Cotton Inc. Recognizes Innovation in Erosion Control

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Cotton Inc. has recognized seven recent innovations that display cotton's versatility. Among the technologies recognized is Alabama-based Mulch and Seed Innovation's for use of cotton in erosion control products. Mulch and Seed's premium products are marketed under the brand names Hydra CM™ Steep Slope Matrix and Hydra CX2™ Extreme Slope Matrix. These materials are distributed by North American Green. Learn more here.;

Third Time's the Charm?

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Five years into a two-year plan to cap the Flint Road landfill in Charlton, Massachusetts at no cost to the town, two companies have defaulted and the board of health is preparing a $1.3 million check to hire a third. The 10-acre site has been capped with a geomembrane but still needs a soil cover. Project officials are concerned with the cap's integrity from prolonged exposure. Learn more here.;

Geocomp Corporation Appoints Jack F. Salerno, P.E. As New York Branch Manager

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Geocomp Corporation, a leading geo-engineering services firm, is pleased to announce that Jack F. Salerno, P.E. has been named as Branch Manager in the New York office. In his new role, Mr. Salerno has overall responsibility for project management, client development, and technical oversight. Mr. Salerno has more than 25 years of experience in the disciplines of structural engineering and project management. Through his extensive work on a variety of structural facilities in the New York and New Jersey area, Mr. Salerno has been involved in all phases of structural engineering including design, rehabilitation, construction and inspection.

GeoTweets: Biotic Earth

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Like other forms of social media, Twitter is simultaneously alluring, daunting, and befuddling to businesses of all sorts. Some in the erosion control and geosynthetics fields have found it to be of good use, though, in staying in touch with clients and colleagues while adding to marketing reach. It can be particularly useful for active users posting regularly and on matters of importance to their business. For example, Mark Myrowich at Biotic Earth has used it to post photographs from job sites. This can be especially interesting for return visits to sites to document progress. Learn more here.;

Sika Strengthens Sealing and Bonding Business in North America

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Sika AG announces that its US subsidiary, Sika Corporation, has acquired May National Associates, Inc., a leading manufacturer of silicone and polyurethane products for sealing and bonding in Construction, Industrial, and Distribution markets. May National is located in Lakewood, New Jersey with annual sales revenue of approximately $20 million USD and 60 employees.

EPA Releases Draft Plan on RE-Powering America's Land

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As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) RE-Powering America's Land initiative, the agency has developed a two-year draft management plan to advance the development of renewable energy on potentially contaminated land and mining sites. The draft plan describes activities EPA can take to build upon the progress that the initiative has achieved since its launch in September of 2008. EPA started the initiative to determine the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund, brownfields, and former landfill or mining sites. Superfund sites are the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified by EPA for cleanup due to the risk they pose to human health or the environment. Brownfields are properties at which expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence of contaminants. The initiative aims to decrease the amount of green space used for development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide health and economic benefits to local communities, including job creation.

Kendall Bay to Smoother Toxins

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A proposal to manage toxins in Australia's Kendall Bay would bury contaminated silt under a 5 hectare blanket of geotextile. The 40-metre-wide geotextile strips would be installed over 56,000 sq m of the bay and weighted down by 400 mm of basalt rock. The combination would of materials would stop boat propeller activity from disturbing the soils in the lake bed. The Mortlake gasworks plant had operated along the shore for 100 years. The new remediation plan is being pushed by a developer who wants to open a 172-berth marina. Learn more here.;

EPA Issues Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Policy

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Policy with the goal of increasing the sustainability of water and wastewater infrastructure in the United States. Communities across the country are facing challenges in making costly upgrades and repairs to their aging water infrastructure, which include sewer systems and treatment facilities. Making this infrastructure last longer while increasing its cost-effectiveness is essential to protecting human health and the environment, and maintaining safe drinking water and clean water bodies. The new policy is part of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's priority to protect America's waters.

Water Insecurity Threatens 80% of World Population

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About 3.4 billion people around the world reside in areas with an insecure supply of fresh water because of scarcity, pollution and "engineering palliatives" used to protect drinking water resources, according to U.S. researchers. The identification of a "planetwide pattern of threat" underscores the need for governments to bolster water-management strategies that involve infrastructure and the preservation of watersheds, wetlands and flood plains. Learn more here.;

EPA, DC Showcase Recovery Act Funded Green Roof

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Federal and local officials celebrated today the completion of the third largest green roof in the District, a $1.1 million project funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Sitting atop the World Wildlife Fund headquarters in Northwest D.C., the 27,750 square feet of green roof will help reduce stormwater runoff to nearby Rock Creek and bring additional benefits to the urban environment.

China's New Great Wall: Water Management

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Engineers are working on a huge water-diversion project designed to carry water from China's wet southern regions to Beijing and the country's parched north. The $62 billion project will essentially replumb the entire country by creating a huge network of canals, tunnels and aqueducts, in what experts say would be an engineering feat of almost unprecedented audacity. "This is on a par with the Great Wall, a project essential for the survival of China," said the project manager. Learn more here.;

Park Remediation

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A 33-acre park in Westland, Michigan's is being remediated from lead contamination in the soil. Phase I involves work on 12 acres. Crews have had to remove all of the trees on-site to allow for excavation, installation of a geotextile barrier layer, and the addition of 12 inches of top soil. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment has worked with the city on the plan. Learn more here.;

GAF Materials Corporation to Reopen Gainsville, Texas TPO Plant

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GAF Materials Corporation, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, recently announced plans to reopen its state-of-the-art Gainesville, TX thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) manufacturing facility in January 2011. The 185,000 square foot facility is the largest operational production line in North America devoted solely to the manufacture of TPO-based single-ply membrane roofing products and will produce GAF's EverGuard® TPO roofing membranes and accessories.

Invitation to Trelleborg’s Capital Markets Day, November 24

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Trelleborg invites analysts, investors and media to a Capital Markets Day on November 24, 2010, at Berns Salonger Berzelii Park (Näckströmsgatan 8), in Stockholm, Sweden. If you have questions, contact Trelleborg Corporate Communications at the following e-mail address marie.linse@trelleborg.com or telephone Marie Linse at +46 410 670 38. Learn more.

Port Talbot's Busiest Road Stabilized

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After two years of disruptions, residents in the southwestern Wales industrial town of Port Talbot now have one of their busiest roads back. A roadway reinforcement project utilized geotextile separation fabric as a key part of the rebuild. The A4107 roadway suffered a partial collapse in 2008. Learn more here.;

Superfund to Solar

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After five years, the cleanup operations at the Foote Mineral federal Superfund site in East Whiteland, Pennsylvania is coming to a conclusion. Site crews have finished installing a 10-acre geosynthetic cap to seal off the old lithium tailings and other pollutants. Because of concerns with root penetration into the cap, trees and shrubs will be avoided. Instead, a 2MW solar farm is planned. A brownfield's grant has already provided roughly $2.5 million towards the site reuse plan. Learn more here.;

AMCOL International Corporation (NYSE: ACO) Purchases the Remaining Interest in South African Chromite Mine

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AMCOL International Corporation (NYSE: ACO) today announced it has exercised its option to purchase the remaining 47% interest in a holding company that owns a chromite mine in the Republic of South Africa from Chrome Corporation for US$12.4 million. AMCOL is required to transfer a 26% interest in the mine to a South African Black Economic Empowerment Enterprise, after which AMCOL will hold a 74% interest in the mine. Chromite ore is a feedstock used to produce chrome sand. AMCOL currently markets chrome sand to the metalcasting industry. AMCOL is the parent of CETCO, an expert company in geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and other containment and remediation technologies.

Workshop: Leaks in Geomembrane Liners – Their Significance and Methods for Locating Them

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On 14 October 2010, Ian D. Peggs, PhD, PE of I-CORP International will conduct a one-day seminar and workshop on geoelectric liner leak location and liner integrity surveys in Laramie, Wyoming. The workshop, "Leaks in Geomembrane Liners: Their Significance and Methods for Locating Them," is co-sponsored by Solid Waste Professionals of Wyoming, Peak GeoSolutions, and Trihydro Corporation. Learn more and register online.

Construction of Guyana's Hope Relief Canal to Finally Begin

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Construction of the $3.6 billion Hope Relief Canal is set to begin next month, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said on Friday. The Hope Relief Canal has been plugged as a viable option for managing water in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and avoid the need to drain water through the Maduni and Lama sluices. The third part of the project was for the supply of geotextile material for the Construction of the EDWC and the associated drainage. Learn more here.;

Leister at the K Fair, Düsseldorf

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Leister is proud to present a wide range of its enormous portfolio at its spacious exhibition stand at the triennial K-Messe. Visitors can come and see products from the areas of plastic welding, process heat and laser systems. K 2010, one of the world's premier events for the plastics and rubber industry, will be held 27 October - 3 November 2010 in Düsseldorf, Germany. It attracts roughly 250,000 visitors and more than 3,000 exhibitors. Read more about some of the technologies Leister will have on display.

LEED doesn't live up to the hype, critics say

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The Green Building Council's LEED program has taken the U.S. construction sector by storm, but critics say the system is fundamentally flawed. By basing certification on projected energy savings rather than actual energy use, they say, LEED lets companies claim credit for savings that are never actually realized. "LEED certification has never depended on actual energy use, and it's not going to," says energy-efficiency expert Henry Gifford. "You can use as much energy as you want and report it and keep your plaque." Learn more here.;

Solar Cells That Fix Themselves

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Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed microscopic solar cells that mimic the way plant cells create energy from sunlight. These solar cells are longer lasting and more efficient than static photovoltaic cells and are able to repair themselves, just like plant cells do, when they are damaged by extended exposure to the sun. Learn more here.;
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