Geosynthetics 2015 conference ‘best in 10 years’
February 25th, 2015
IFAI/IECA partnership a big success in Portland The Roseville, Minn.-based Industrial Fabrics Association International hosted its Geosynthetics 2015 conference, co-located with the International Erosion Control Association's Environmental Connection conference, February 15–18, 2015, in Portland, Ore. In a Feb. 24 press release, IFAI described the biennial Geosynthetics conference and exhibition as “exploring advances and innovations shaping […]
Duke Energy to pay $102.2 million
February 24th, 2015
Duke settled following Dan River disaster last year Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy Corp. has agreed to settle charges that it violated the federal Clean Water Act by spilling coal ash into the Dan River in North Carolina last year. The company will pay $102.2 million in penalties and restitution. Last week, the U.S. Department of […]
Profile introduces topsoil alternative
February 23rd, 2015
Establishing vegetation in poor soil conditions In a Feb. 19 press release, Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Profile Products introduced ProGanics, a patent-pending media intended to help establish sustainable vegetation in difficult conditions. The release stated: “ProGanics is a sustainable solution designed for any project where soils have low organic matter, low nutrient levels, and limited biological […]
Mount Polley mining pond disaster investigation
February 12th, 2015
Poor design ’loaded the gun,‘ steep slope ’pulled the trigger' By Ron Bygness Building an unlined tailings pond over a weak foundation was step one leading to a disastrous dam breach that unleashed millions of cubic meters of sludge into adjacent lakes and rivers in south-central British Columbia, Canada. The widespread destruction occurred in the […]
Raven offers new online learning course
February 6th, 2015
“Critical elements in specifying underslab moisture & gas barriers” Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Raven Industries’ Engineered Films Division announced in a Feb. 3 press release that it now offers a new, free online distance learning course approved by the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA CES). The course, “Critical elements in specifying underslab moisture […]
New video from IGS: ‘Geosynthetics for Sustainable Development’
February 4th, 2015
How geosynthetics are part of the sustainability conversation The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) announced in a Jan. 27 press release the availability of its new video: “Geosynthetics for Sustainable Development.” The video produced by the IGS Education Committee, asks the question: “What defines quality of life?” The release said: “It’s a question that is being […]
Aria Energy, Casella Waste to develop renewable energy project at Maine landfill
February 3rd, 2015
4.8MW landfill gas-to-energy for 4,800 homes Novi, Mich.-based Aria Energy announced in a Jan. 30 press release that it will partner with Casella Waste Systems to develop, construct, own and operate a 4.8MW landfill gas-to-energy project at the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town, Maine. According to the release, the facility, which will utilize methane […]
HNY to all
February 1st, 2015
By Ron Bygness Special Happy New Year (HNY) greetings are in order for our many readers, contributors, and colleagues involved with geosynthetics and Geosynthetics magazine. And HNY for all of our acronym friends who especially stood out in 2014: HNY, EPA—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was told by the court to finally issue its ruling […]
Mold in green roofinstallations
February 1st, 2015
Mold in green roof installations Mold in green roof installations Questions and answers from the GMA Techline Mold in green roof installations Recently there has been a greater demand for sustainable projects in Southern California, so I was glad [to read the article in Geosynthetics magazine] “Geosynthetics: The science that makes green roofs work." I […]
Landfill stability analysis
February 1st, 2015
Questions and answers from the GMA Techline Landfill stability analysis We are involved in a landfill that is beginning to shows signs of distress on one 3:1 (H:V) slope. I am attempting to back-calculate the waste strength in the distressed area using 2-D limit equilibrium method and insipient failure (FS=1); however, the liquid level in […]