ECTC-A sustaibnable industry group for over 30 years
April 1st, 2024
ECTC members at last in-person meeting in Greenville, S.C. Photo courtesy of ECTC. The Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) was formed in 1992 with a focus on Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs). Over the past 32 years the group has changed and adjusted to the times. Many say ECTC is a sustainable industry group. This […]
Erosion control history and evolution
February 1st, 2023
Figure 1 Curlex, the first ever erosion control blanket (ECB), was invented in the 1960s. Photo courtesy of American Excelsior Co. I'm always excited at the opportunity to write this column in Geosynthetics magazine on behalf of the industry, but this issue’s focus on erosion control is extra special because “it’s in our name”: Erosion […]
Erosion and sediment control mine applications
August 1st, 2022
Successful synergistic approach to erosion control, sediment control and revegetation on this mine site. Turf reinforcement mat (TRM) was installed down the center of the channel, erosion control blanket (ECB) on the slopes, hydraulic erosion control product (HECP) on the flat surface above slope, and sediment retention fiber rolls (SRFRs) across the channel. Material was […]
GMA’s geosynthetic education offerings make a difference on campus and Capitol Hill
October 1st, 2018
August 2018 was a great month for the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) and the industry at large. Banner legislation promoting innovative materials was introduced in Congress by friend of the industry Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. GMA members and industry educators met at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to educate students about the importance of […]
Barry R. Christopher honored with 2018 Koerner award and lecture series
September 11th, 2018
The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), led by a Koerner awardee selection task force, selected Barry R. Christopher, Ph.D., P.E., as the recipient of the 2018 Dr. Robert M. Koerner Award and Lecture Series. The award and lecture series is named for Dr. Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., the founder and director emeritus of the Geosynthetic Institute […]
GMA advocating for infrastructure funding
April 1st, 2018
Over the past year, infrastructure has been talked about regularly as the “next big issue” for the White House and Congress to tackle. With tax reform out of the way and the midterm elections fast approaching, it is time for Congress and U.S. President Donald J. Trump to act. On Jan. 30, 2018, during […]
GMA partners with FGI on free webinar program
April 1st, 2018
On Nov. 7, 2017, the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) and the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) hosted a webinar entitled “Fabrication, Installation, and Testing of Geomembranes.” Dr. Timothy Stark of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who is also FGI’s technical director, presented the webinar, and GMA Executive Council member Andy Durham of Owens Corning moderated. […]
GMA focus groups
April 1st, 2018
GMA provides technical guidance to outside agencies and groups seeking more information about best practices for the use of geosynthetic products. Our geotextile, geogrid, environmental and erosion control focus groups review specifications and provide industry guidance. In 2017 GMA reviewed specifications for nine states and worked closely with the American Association of State Highway and […]
GMA spring Lobby Day is May 16–17, 2018
April 1st, 2018
GMA’s biannual Lobby Day has helped the industry make significant strides toward increasing our exposure in Washington, D.C., and pushing for stronger consideration of geosynthetics’ use in environmental and civil infrastructure applications. Many members of Congress are now advocating for our industry, and geosynthetics have been cited as an innovative material in multiple pieces of […]
NEWS ALERT: GMA waste containment seminar sponsorship opportunities available
March 26th, 2018
The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) is hosting the seminar “Waste Containment System Design II: Landfill Design Considerations,” April 17–18, 2018, at the Crowne Plaza in Syracuse, New York. The seminar is expected to draw more than 100 design engineers, construction supervisors, landowners and operators, exhibitors, regulatory agency staff, and public works and municipal engineers. A […]