|
2009 Environmental Industry Summit
|
|
December 2, 2008
|
|
Environmental Business Journal’s Environmental Industry Summit VII will be held Feb. 18-20, 2009, at the Coronado Island Marriott in Coronado, California. Now in its seventh year, this annual networking and learning event offers attendees an opportunity to gain a current perspective on today’s environmental industry and its prospects in these challenging times. |
Read full article
|
|
Innovative Lidar Solutions conference
|
|
December 2, 2008
|
|
Optech, Inc., announced that its first Innovative Lidar Solutions Conference will be held in Toronto on June 24-26, 2009. The company issued an initial call for papers. |
Read full article
|
|
Voters approve $71 Billion for transportation funding
|
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Nov. 4, voters across the country approved tax measures that would generate more than $71 billion in new revenue for transportation infrastructure work, according to a post-election report by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). ARTBA tracked 37 state and local transportation funding-related ballot initiatives in 17 states. Of the 37 measures, 32 (86 percent) asked voters to initiate, extend, or increase taxes, or approve bonds to fund transportation improvements. Twenty-five (78 percent of the bond and tax measures) were approved by an average majority vote of 63 percent. |
Read full article
|
|
PBS&J markets credits for largest wetlands bank in Texas
|
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
TYLER, TEXAS—PBS&J is marketing credits and conducting oversight for the Pineywoods Mitigation Bank, recently launched by The Conservation Fund, a national non-profit. Private, industrial, and government developers whose projects impact wetlands in the Neches River basin and select surrounding watersheds can purchase credits necessary for these projects, as determined by a standardized assessment based on calculated functional loss at the impact site. |
Read full article
|
|
More A/E firm leaders turning to overseas outsourcing
|
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
CHICAGO, ILL.— Outsourcing of project work offshore is rapidly becoming a common operational strategy for many A/E industry firms. According to a new ZweigWhite survey of firm leaders, 42 percent of companies polled have outsourced some of their services offshore. A similar ZweigWhite study conducted in 2006 found only 19 percent of firms reporting offshore outsourcing experience. |
Read full article
|
|
Florida DOT awards 35-year highway concession
|
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
MADRID, SPAIN—The Florida Department of Transportation awarded an approximate $1.26 billion contract to ACS Infrastructure Development, the North American division of Grupo ACS, to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain Interstate 595 for the next 35 years. The construction period is estimated to take five years, leaving 30 years of operation, which means that ACS will be operating the highway until 2044. |
Read full article
|
|
NTSB cites design errors for I-35W bridge collapse
|
|
November 18, 2008
|
|
The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of the collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis was inadequate load capacity because of a design error by Sverdrup & Parcel and Associates, Inc. (now part of Jacobs Engineering Group), of the gusset plates at the U10 nodes. The plates failed under a combination of substantial increases in the weight of the bridge that resulted from previous modifications, and traffic and concentrated construction loads on the bridge on the day of the accident. |
Read full article
|
|
EPA targets stormwater from impervious surfaces
|
|
November 18, 2008
|
|
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a targeted effort to apply more stringent controls on stormwater pollution in the Charles River watershed in Eastern Massachusetts, where stormwater containing high levels of phosphorus is a chief culprit in dramatic algae blooms—including toxic cyanobacteria—that have plagued the river in recent years. The EPA action will require certain industrial, commercial, and residential facilities in the towns of Milford, Franklin, and Bellingham, Mass., with two or more acres of impervious area (parking lots, roofs, roadways, et cetera) to operate under a Clean Water Act permit. |
Read full article
|
|
Database of nature-inspired design strategies
|
|
November 18, 2008
|
|
Naturalist Janine Benyus and design software firm Autodesk launched what they claim is the world’s first database of design ideas inspired by nature—AskNature.org. The free database is a public-domain online library where architects, designers, and engineers can search for and study nature’s solutions to design challenges, for example, how organisms filter air and water, gather solar energy, and create non-toxic dyes and glues. This nature-inspired design intelligence is being shared with companies around the world who are using biomimicry strategies to create the next generation of sustainable, efficient buildings, products, and designs. |
Read full article
|
|
UDOT postpones RFQ for $2.6 billion project
|
|
November 18, 2008
|
|
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) postponed its release of a request for proposals (RFP) on the $2.6 billion I-15 CORE project slated for Dec. 3. In addition, the industry outreach webinar that was scheduled for Dec. 2 is also postponed until further notice. |
Read full article
|
|
Innovations in low impact development
|
|
November 18, 2008
|
|
National experts will convene in Concord, N.H., Dec. 3-4, 2008, to present the latest innovations on low impact development methods—methods for developing land in ways that allow stormwater to be retained, infiltrated, or reused on site. The conference, co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will be held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord and is open to the public. |
Read full article
|
|
Register for 2009 TRB Annual Meeting
|
|
November 18, 2008
|
|
Advance registration ends Nov. 30, 2008, for the Transportation Research Board 88th Annual Meeting, which is expected to draw more than 10,000 transportation policy makers, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of government, industry, and academic institutions to Washington, D.C., for the Jan. 11-15, 2009, conference. |
Read full article
|
|
Free webinar highlights HDPE pipe
|
|
November 13, 2008
|
|
The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) offers a free, live, one-hour webinar on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST, providing information about the organization and the types of information it can share about high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe material and installation techniques. |
Read full article
|
|
Economy impacts state road and bridge programs
|
|
November 3, 2008
|
|
Reacting to a weak economy, the Florida Department of Transportation is accelerating more than 179 road and bridge projects totaling $1.4 billion. Meanwhile, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission directed the Missouri Department of Transportation to revise its five-year Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program. |
Read full article
|
|
Associations urge federal infrastructure investment
|
|
November 3, 2008
|
|
At separate events in October, both the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association urged members of the U.S. House of Representatives to use infrastructure investments as part of any economic stimulus plan. Boosting highway, rail, airport, and water infrastructure construction will quickly create jobs and spur economic recovery, the groups said. |
Read full article
|
|
ACET premieres anti-corruption program
|
|
November 3, 2008
|
|
The Global Anti-Corruption Education & Training (ACET) project—a collaborative effort led by a worldwide team of educators, engineering professionals, and communicators—developed Ethicana, a dramatic film and education program. The 41-minute film promotes ethical decision-making among engineers and other professionals in design and construction, as well as portrays how to avoid falling prey to corruption and how to have the moral courage to expose it. Ethicana premieres Nov. 6, 2008, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 138th annual conference in Pittsburgh. |
Read full article
|
|
ESRI seeks papers for Survey & Engineering GIS Summit
|
|
November 3, 2008
|
|
ESRI invites surveyors and engineers to participate in the next Survey & Engineering GIS Summit, July 11—14, 2009, in San Diego, by submitting an abstract for possible presentation as a user paper at the conference. |
Read full article
|
|
Primavera holds 25th Annual Conference
|
|
November 3, 2008
|
|
Primavera’s 25th Annual Conference will take place Nov. 16-19, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The conference provides a forum for project managers, program managers, and technology professionals to learn about the latest techniques, strategies, and technologies for project, resource, program, and portfolio management. |
Read full article
|
|
Houston firm recovers from hurricane damage
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
HOUSTON—In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Houston-based LJA Engineering & Surveying, Inc. (LJA) survived devastating damage to its corporate headquarters, but is conducting business as usual from a temporary location. On late Thursday, Sept. 11, LJA closed its local offices to let employees prepare for Hurricane Ike. The company fully expected to reopen on Monday, Sept. 15, at its West Houston headquarters. The corporate office, however, was severely impacted by Ike, and suffered extensive water damage to portions of every floor LJA occupied, forcing the company to seek temporary office space. |
Read full article
|
|
New York DOT encourages green designs
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
ALBANY, N.Y.—The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced a first-in-the-nation initiative to encourage designers of department projects to minimize impacts to the environment and promote sustainability in public transportation design. The new design program—Green Leadership In Transportation and Environmental Sustainability (Green LITES)—calls for the department to certify transportation project designs based on the extent to which they incorporate sustainable environmental choices. The initiative, which formalizes internal directives and implements a recognition program, started in September with the review of all project designs completed after Sept. 25, 2008. |
Read full article
|
|
APWA develops Certified Stormwater Manager program
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
KANSAS CITY, MO. — The American Public Works Association (APWA) developed a new certification program for stormwater managers. The purpose of the program is to promote excellence in the profession by advancing knowledge and practices in stormwater management. According to APWA, a Certified Stormwater Manager will have understanding and experience in the administration of a stormwater program, use of best practices, hydrology, maintenance, and other related areas. |
Read full article
|
|
Oklahoma DOT approves eight-year plan
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.—The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved an estimated $4 billion construction plan for the next eight years that will include projects in each of the state’s 77 counties. The plan includes projects made possible by funding hikes approved by the state legislature earlier this year. The legislation increases the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) funding by $30 million each year until it reaches an additional $370 million annually in 2016. The legislature also approved $300 million in bonds to keep the agency’s plans on track. |
Read full article
|
|
CRSI forms epoxy-coated rebar group
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
SCHAUMBURG, ILL.—The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) formed the Epoxy Interest Group (EIG) comprising coaters and fabricators of epoxy-coated reinforcement, manufacturers of epoxy powder, and accessory manufacturers. The purpose of the EIG is to provide relevant information covering specifications, improvements, costs, case histories, and other significant issues concerning corrosion protection with epoxy-coated rebar. EIG goals include informing interested parties about the increased quality and lower life-cycle costs of roads, bridges, and other construction projects that use or should use epoxy-coated reinforcing steel. |
Read full article
|
|
Researchers study coastal hazards
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
CORVALLIS, ORE.—Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) are studying why wave heights in the Pacific Ocean have been increasing in recent years and how this phenomenon—coupled with global warming—might affect coastal erosion, flooding, and development along the Pacific Northwest coast. Peter Ruggiero, an assistant professor of geosciences at OSU, is developing new computer models that factor in the increasing wave heights, as well as rising sea levels and the potential increase in frequency of El Niño weather conditions. El Nino is a cyclic water temperature weather pattern that results in warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures and triggers larger storms in the Pacific Ocean. |
Read full article
|
|
Trimble outlines Dimensions 2009 User Conference
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
SUNNYVALE, CALIF.—Trimble will hold its International User Conference Feb. 23-25, 2009, at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. According to the company, the theme of Dimensions 2009—Positioning for Success Today And Tomorrow—provides insight into how surveying, engineering, construction, mapping, GIS, geospatial, and mobile resource management professionals worldwide can harness the power of today’s technology to help face tomorrow’s challenges. |
Read full article
|
|
Construction begins on record UV disinfection facility
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
NEW YORK—Construction recently began on what is claimed to be the world’s largest ultraviolet (UV) disinfection facility. A joint venture of Malcolm Pirnie/CH2M HILL is serving as the construction management team for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s Catskill-Delaware Ultraviolet Disinfection Facility. Other partners include URS. The project designer is a joint venture of Hazen and Sawyer/CDM. |
Read full article
|
|
Alliance seeks to change perspective on water
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
DENVER—The National Association of Clean Water Agencies recently launched the Clean Water America Alliance (CWAA) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help achieve changes in how water issues are discussed, managed, and solved, with a focus on holistic, watershed-based approaches. Board members are leaders from a variety of fields and viewpoints, including the private sector, municipal utilities, state agencies, the environmental and conservation communities, academia, and three former assistant administrators of water for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. |
Read full article
|
|
AE management association changes name
|
|
October 31, 2008
|
|
LAFAYETTE, CALIF. — The Professional Services Management Association (PSMA), a national organization that supports leadership growth and best practices within the architectural and engineering (AE) services community, will now be known as the Association of AE Business Leaders (AEBL). In addition, David Sprenkle, P.E., AEBL board president, announced the appointment of Kathryn Sprankle as executive director. |
Read full article
|
|
Report calls for overhaul of EPA stormwater program
|
|
October 20, 2008
|
|
Radical changes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s stormwater program are necessary to reverse degradation of fresh water resources and ensure progress toward the Clean Water Act’s goal of "fishable and swimmable" waters, according to a new report from the National Research Council. To provide meaningful regulation, all stormwater and other wastewater discharge permits should be based on watershed boundaries instead of political boundaries, the report says. Moreover, the program should integrate stormwater management and land management practices, and focus less on chemical pollutants in the stormwater and more on the increased flow of water. |
Read full article
|
|
Webcast to discuss green practices in the water industry
|
|
October 20, 2008
|
|
The American Water Works Association offers a webcast, Environmental Values in the Water Industry, 1 p.m. EST on Nov. 5, 2008. According to AWWA, water and wastewater professionals will learn how to adopt cost-saving, energy-efficient practices within facilities. Water industry experts will explain how they’re using green practices such as delivering water via wind power and assessing their potential carbon footprint. |
Read full article
|
