|
Iowa State engineers design, test taller, high-strength concrete towers for wind turbines
|
|
May 17, 2013
|
|
AMES, IOWA — Grant Schmitz, eyes inches from a 6.5- by 12-foot panel of ultra-high performance concrete, studied the smooth surface for tiny cracks. He and other research engineers carefully marked every one with black markers. Schmitz, an Iowa State graduate student of civil, construction and environmental engineering, and Sri Sritharan, Iowa State’s Wilson Engineering Professor and leader of the ’s College of Engineering's Wind Energy Initiative, were trying to answer some basic questions about using concrete panels and columns to build wind turbine towers using prefabricated, easily transportable components. |
Read full article
|
|
GEI opens Manhattan office
|
|
May 17, 2013
|
|
BOSTON — GEI Consultants, Inc. opened an office in Lower Manhattan to support growth and expansion of its geotechnical, geostructural, instrumentation and monitoring, and environmental investigation and remediation services. It appointed Peter Heynen, P.E., to manage the office. |
Read full article
|
|
Cascade and Veolia Water sign sustainable water services agreement
|
|
May 17, 2013
|
|
CHICAGO — The Cascade Water Alliance (Cascade) extended the term of its agreement with Veolia Water North America (Veolia Water) to provide improved operation, maintenance and management (OM&M) services for the White River/Lake Tapps Reservoir Project. The project will serve as a future water supply for seven municipalities in the Puget Sound region. |
Read full article
|
|
Klotz re-appointed to Coastal Water Authority board
|
|
May 17, 2013
|
|
Houston — D. Wayne Klotz, P.E., D.WRE, president of Klotz Associates was re-appointed by Mayor Annise Parker to the Coastal Water Authority (CWA) board of directors. The Houston City Council voted in favor of Klotz’s re-appointment during its May 1 meeting. Klotz was first appointed to the CWA board in 2011. He was elected president of the board at his first meeting. |
Read full article
|
|
New ULI report explores housing, transportation, community preferences
|
|
May 16, 2013
|
|
SAN DIEGO — A new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) underscores the influence that growing demographic groups in the U.S. — in particular Generation Y, African Americans, and Latinos — will have on reshaping urban growth patterns by spurring more development of compact, mixed-use communities with reliable, convenient transit service. |
Read full article
|
|
PPI honors members and projects
|
|
May 16, 2013
|
|
IRVING, TEXAS — At its recent annual membership meeting with record-setting attendance, the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) honored four individual members and five member-company projects. Winners were recognized for exceptional service and significant achievements involving the use of polyethylene (PE) pipe. |
Read full article
|
|
Study finds no evidence of water contamination from shale gas drilling in Arkansas
|
|
May 16, 2013
|
|
DURHAM, N.C. — A new study by scientists at Duke University and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) finds no evidence of groundwater contamination from shale gas production in Arkansas. "Our results show no discernible impairment of groundwater quality in areas associated with natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing in this region," said Avner Vengosh, professor of geochemistry and water quality at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment. |
Read full article
|
|
National Public Works Week honors public works professionals’ contributions to quality of life
|
|
May 15, 2013
|
|
KANSAS CITY, MO. — The week of May 19-25, 2013, marks the annual celebration of National Public Works Week (NPWW), which is sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) to raise awareness of the vitally important contributions of public works professionals and the crucial role that infrastructure, facilities, and services play in the quality of life in all communities. |
Read full article
|
|
Analysis: Urban flooding not correlated with floodplains
|
|
May 15, 2013
|
|
CHICAGO — When it comes to flooding in cities, it makes little difference whether a property is located within a floodplain or not — damage happens, happens often, and can inflict significant costs. This stark lack of correlation between property damage claims and recognized floodplains is among the key findings of “The Prevalence and Cost of Urban Flooding,” a report released by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT). |
Read full article
|
|
SWEMA to accelerate initiatives to provide Clean Water Act guidance
|
|
May 15, 2013
|
|
ST. PAUL, MINN. — The board of the Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (SWEMA) announced that the organization's 2013-1014 initiatives will focus on expanding its outreach program to help communities attain the goals of the Clean Water Act. |
Read full article
|
|
Revised Kentucky and Tennessee topo maps reveal new design
|
|
May 15, 2013
|
|
RESTON, VA. — U.S. topographic maps now have a crisper, cleaner design — enhancing readability of maps for online and printed use, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported. Map symbols are easier to read over the digital aerial photograph layer whether the imagery is turned on or off. Improvements to symbol definitions (color, line thickness, line symbols, area fills), layer order, and annotation fonts are additional features of this supplemental release. Users can now adjust the transparency for some features and layers to increase visibility of multiple competing layers. |
Read full article
|
|
Report: Federal government spent more on 2012 extreme weather cleanup than on schools or roads
|
|
May 15, 2013
|
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. taxpayers paid nearly $100 billion responding to damages caused by last year’s extreme weather events — drought, storms, floods, and wildfires — about $1,100 per taxpayer, according to an analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). By paying nearly $100 billion, taxpayers — through the federal government — spent more on cleanup than on education or transportation, the analysis shows. |
Read full article
|
|
Bechtel launches Center of Engineering Excellence
|
|
May 14, 2013
|
|
ABU DHABI — Bechtel announced that the company will establish a global center of engineering excellence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) initially focused on rail and marine engineering projects. The center uniquely positions Bechtel to provide customers with high-quality, innovative engineering solutions more efficiently and cost effectively. |
Read full article
|
|
Consultant for Florida DOT sentenced for accepting bribe
|
|
May 14, 2013
|
|
MIAMI — Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office; Michael DePalma, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Marlies T. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General; announced the sentencing of defendant Ron Capobianco, Jr., 40, of Pompano Beach, Fla., on charges of bribery in connection with programs receiving federal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666. U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr. sentenced Capobianco to 12 months plus one day in prison. |
Read full article
|
|
Federal agencies expand urban waterway revitalization efforts
|
|
May 10, 2013
|
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal partners, announced that the Urban Waters Federal Partnership is adding 11 new locations. In addition, two more federal partner agencies will join the partnership in its collaborative efforts to restore waterways and their environments, boost recreation, help local economies, create jobs, and protect Americans’ health. |
Read full article
|
|
Black & Veatch report: Anxiety levels rising for electric industry leaders
|
|
May 9, 2013
|
|
OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — Key findings from Black & Veatch's seventh annual U.S. electric utility industry report show rising levels of concern across the industry for a broad range of issues. Once again reliability was the top-rated industry issue. |
Read full article
|
|
AECOM reports second-quarter fiscal year 2013 results
|
|
May 9, 2013
|
|
LOS ANGELES — AECOM Technology Corporation reported second-quarter revenue of $2.0 billion, and revenue, net of other direct costs, of $1.3 billion. Operating income of $80 million and reported net income of $54 million both increased 10 percent, and diluted earnings per share of $0.53 were up 23 percent. |
Read full article
|
|
ASTM International Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete
|
|
May 9, 2013
|
|
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA. — A symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete will be held Dec. 8, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, Fla. Sponsored by ASTM International Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, the symposium will be held in conjunction with the December standards development meetings of the committee. |
Read full article
|
|
Kamehameha Schools constructs largest Complete Streets demonstration in Hawaii
|
|
May 9, 2013
|
|
HONOLULU — On May 12, 2013, Our Kakaʽako will be giving a sneak peek into its future by creating Hawaii’s largest Complete Streets demonstration. Cooke Street, between Halekauwila Street and Ala Moana Boulevard, will be transformed into a pedestrian and bike friendly space — creating a physical place for people to experience Kamehameha Schools’ envisioned walkable neighborhood. The demonstration is sponsored by Kamehameha Schools and is part of the Hele On Kakaʽako cyclovia event also taking place on May 12. |
Read full article
|
|
AECOM publishes its second corporate sustainability report
|
|
May 7, 2013
|
|
LOS ANGELES — AECOM Technology Corporation published its second annual global sustainability report. The report, titled, “Complex Problems. Integrated Solutions.” demonstrates AECOM’s approach to helping communities and clients around the globe adapt to the ever-changing needs of nature and society. |
Read full article
|
|
Merrick & Company acquires K.M. Ng Associates, Inc.
|
|
May 7, 2013
|
|
COLORADO/TEXAS — Merrick & Company, an international engineering, architecture, design-build, surveying, and geospatial solutions firm, acquired the established firm K.M. Ng & Associates, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas, announced by Ralph Christie, Chair of Merrick. K.M. Ng has served the engineering industry, guiding clients and business partners to create quality environments for more than 40 years in Texas. Merrick and K.M. Ng have worked together on projects for two decades. This acquisition provides Merrick with added talent in the realm of nearly all facets of engineering including structural, civil, and mechanical/electrical and will extend the firm’s reach throughout Texas and the southwestern US on private, government, sustainable infrastructure, and water projects. |
Read full article
|
|
Winning cities announced for CH2M HILL-supported National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
|
|
May 7, 2013
|
|
DENVER — CH2M HILL WaterMatch partnered with Wyland Foundation on the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation to promote resource conservation and the importance of sustainability during Earth Month in April. Five U.S. cities were honored for residents’ commitment to water-saving choices. Separated into five population categories, the winning cities are Denver; Tucson, Ariz.; West Palm Beach, Fla.; Bremerton, Wash.; and Laguna Beach, Calif. Residents in all 50 states made more than 44,000 online pledges to save water, use less energy and reduce pollution in four categories — home, yard, community and life — with potential cost savings of more than $30.6 million. |
Read full article
|
|
APWA announces 2013 Top Ten Public Works Leaders
|
|
May 7, 2013
|
|
KANSAS CITY, MO. — Marking the 53rd anniversary of the award, the American Public Works Association (APWA) announced the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of 2013. Awardees receive one of the most coveted and prestigious awards presented by APWA. This year’s Top Ten list includes a street transportation director/city engineer, several directors of public works, an assistant city manager, and a president of an engineering company, each who represent the best of the public works profession. |
Read full article
|
|
Columbia team's design recognized in EPA's first Campus RainWorks Challenge (with video)
|
|
May 3, 2013
|
|
NEW YORK — Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Professor Patricia J. Culligan and her doctoral student, Robert Elliott, were members of an interdisciplinary team at Columbia University whose design proposal was recognized for innovative technology in a green roof competition sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Their team received honorable mention in EPA’s first-ever Campus RainWorks Challenge, where a total of 218 student teams from 42 states competed for a chance to win cash prizes and research funds for advancing green infrastructure research. |
Read full article
|
|
EPA funding to help upgrade wastewater and drinking water facilities damaged by Sandy
|
|
May 3, 2013
|
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will provide grants of $340 million to the state of New York and $229 million to the state of New Jersey for improvements to wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities impacted by Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 29, 2012. Wastewater and drinking water treatment systems in New York and New Jersey were so severely damaged that some could not provide safe drinking water or treat raw sewage. The funding will give states the capacity to further reduce risks of flood damage and increase the resiliency of wastewater and drinking water facilities to withstand the effects of severe storms similar to Sandy. |
Read full article
|
|
Baker reports higher net income and EPS for first quarter 2013
|
|
May 3, 2013
|
|
PITTSBURGH — Michael Baker Corporation announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2013, including significant increases in net income and earnings per share compared to the first quarter of 2012. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors declared an $0.18 per share dividend for the second quarter of 2013, payable on July 2 to shareholders of record on June 12. This represents a $0.02 per share increase from the dividend paid for the first quarter of 2013. |
Read full article
|
|
GEI board of directors elects Raymond Hart as president
|
|
May 3, 2013
|
|
BOSTON — GEI Consultants, Inc. announced that its two-year company leadership transition has culminated with the election of Raymond D. Hart, P.E., G.E., as the firm's new president by GEI's board of directors. Hart had served as GEI's chief operating officer for the past seven years. He replaces Francis D. Leathers, P.E., F.ASCE, D.GE, who will return to full-time client practice after serving as GEI's president for the past 14 years. As previously announced, Ronald Palmieri, P.E., formerly GEI senior vice president and central region manager, has been named GEI's new chief operating officer, replacing Hart in that position. |
Read full article
|
|
Report: Sandy caused 11 billion gallons of sewage overflows
|
|
May 1, 2013
|
|
PRINCETON, N.J. — Six months after Hurricane Sandy left parts of the East Coast leveled and underwater, a new Climate Central report details another layer of destruction: 11 billion gallons of partially or untreated sewage leaked into rivers, lakes and waterways in the aftermath of the storm. |
Read full article
|
|
CH2M HILL wins LCRA Lower Basin Reservoir Project
|
|
May 1, 2013
|
|
DENVER — The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) selected CH2M HILL for Phase 1 Engineering services for the Lower Basin Reservoir Project near Lane City, Texas. CH2M HILL has performed water resources planning and study work for LCRA for many years, including the recent Water Supply Resource Plan that identified potential strategies to meet water demands through 2100. |
Read full article
|
|
13 GAI staff graduate from onsite MBA program
|
|
May 1, 2013
|
|
PITTSBURGH, PA. — On April 28, engineering and environmental consulting firm GAI Consultants, Inc., in partnership with Point Park University, graduated its second onsite Corporate MBA class as 13 GAI executives and top-level managers received master’s degrees in business administration. |
Read full article
|