GMA will host Geosynthetics Morning
March 25th, 2022
GMA will host Geosynthetics Morning at Outlook Conference 2022, with a focus on infrastructure and coal combustion residuals, as well as other important topics and current trends. The lobby of the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., in 2016. Photograph by Antony-22. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) The Industrial Fabric Association International (IFAI) Geosynthetic Materials Association […]
Windfall: Substantial water infrastructure funding is in the infrastructure law
December 3rd, 2021
Photograph courtesy U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Following the passage and signing of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be making significant investments in the health, equity and resilience of American communities. With unprecedented funding to support our national infrastructure, EPA will improve people’s health and safety, […]
EPA finalizes revisions to the coal ash closure regulations, increases public access to information
July 30th, 2020
On July 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized several changes to the regulations for coal combustion residuals, known as CCR or coal ash, to implement the court’s vacatur of certain closure requirements as well as adding provisions that enhance the public’s access to information about the management of coal ash at electric utilities. […]
GMA history, Part 2
June 1st, 2020
During the Geosynthetics CASE STUDIES Conference in March in North Charleston, S.C., a few of the past Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) leaders had an opportunity to address the gathering and recall their personal experiences and achievements when they chaired the GMA executive council. This is the second installment of the history of GMA. Beginning in […]
EPA announces coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for state, local and tribal governments
April 17th, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating its coronavirus website to include new resources for state, local, and tribal agencies and intergovernmental associations. These resources will help EPA and its partners continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption during the coronavirus public health emergency. “EPA is doing all we […]
GMA history and happenings
April 1st, 2020
By Andrew Aho Throughout the history of geosynthetics, leaders have emerged who have significantly affected the growth of the industry in North America. During the Geosynthetics CASE STUDIES Conference in March in North Charleston, S.C., a few of the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) leaders had an opportunity to address the gathering and recall their personal […]
EPA proposes additional amendments to the regulations for coal combustion residuals
February 20th, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced further proposed revisions and flexibilities to the regulations for the management of coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash, from electric utilities. “This proposal is the last in a set of four planned actions we are taking under the Trump Administration to stabilize coal ash regulations […]
EPA proposes approval of Georgia’s coal ash permit program, encourages other states to follow suit
June 25th, 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Georgia’s permit program for the disposal of coal combustion residuals—commonly known as coal ash—from certain coal-fired power plants. “EPA encourages other states to follow Georgia’s lead and assume oversight of coal ash management within their borders,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA is committed to working with […]
EPA signs MOU with FEMA to support restoring water infrastructure after disasters
June 5th, 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to streamline coordination between FEMA and the EPA-funded State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. Now, the funding used to restore vital water infrastructure can be provided quicker in times of disaster. “This first-of-its-kind MOU with FEMA will […]
Geosynthetics opportunities and solutions in shale gas extraction
October 1st, 2018
While natural gas contained within shale rock is geologic and thus ancient by its very nature, the practice of its removal by horizontal drilling coupled with hydrofracking is a relatively recent development (Figure 1). Indeed, these dual technologies are making possible the recovery of huge amounts of natural gas—so much so that one can envision […]