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Release Date: 12/09/2015
Contact Information: John Martin, (212) 637-3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov
(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $690,940 to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Research Foundation of SUNY, to better protect wetlands throughout New York.
“Wetlands play a critical role in alleviating harmful effects of climate change, protecting against flooding and storm surges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “These grants will help strengthen shorelines and the health of wetlands, protecting water quality and fish and wildlife habitats.”
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe will use a $212,156 grant to develop water quality criteria for wetlands throughout its jurisdiction. Water quality standards define the goals of water bodies by designating how specific water bodies are used (for fishing, swimming, boating, etc.), setting environmental criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions to protect water quality from pollutants. To meet EPA approval, state and tribal water quality standards must include definition of designated uses, water quality criteria, anti-degradation requirements and general policies in their water quality standards.
With a $155,337 grant, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will analyze wetlands and stream networks and categorize them by their susceptibility to the impacts of storm water. NYC Parks will also identify factors that lead to wetland vulnerability and prepare guidelines for storm water management that will best protect downstream wetlands. NYC Parks is responsible for managing almost half of New York City’s freshwater wetlands. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will contribute $52,000 towards the total cost of this project.
The Research Foundation of SUNY at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry will use a $323,447 EPA grant to develop criteria to determine if vernal pools are of “unusual local importance.” Vernal pools are small, temporary bodies of water that are typically found in forests. The Research Foundation of SUNY will work in partnership with the New York Natural Heritage Program on this project and will contribute $133,032 towards the total cost of this project.
Since 1990, EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants have provided financial assistance to help build or refine state and local government wetland programs. These funds provide opportunities for states to conduct research and help build the science behind comprehensive wetlands programs at the state level.
For more information on the EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/wetlands/funding-and-other-resources
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Ottawa, IL, November 30, 2015 – Recent rulings of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
of the United States Patent and Trademark Office have no impact on the continued validity of the fundamental patent claims surrounding LMK’s commercial embodiments for the Insignia Seal™. LMK, in fact, prevailed on petitions filed by BLD on patent claims surrounding LMK’s commercial embodiments for the Insignia Seal™. Specifically, claims covering the Hydro Hat™ remain 100% intact and valid following BLD’s multiple unsuccessful challenges to LMK’s patent claims. The PTAB also determined that some of the claims of U.S. Patents 7,975,726; 8,667,991; and 8,667,992 were unpatentable. However, those patent claims are not focused on the Hydro Hat™ sealing gasket, but primarily describe materials and methods that are not practiced by LMK. LMK remains committed to the Hydro Hat™ gasket because of its superior performance. Importantly, patent claims covering LMK’s Hydro Hat™ are still considered valid and enforceable, and the technology is very valuable to utility owners and their rate payers.
As a result of the PTAB’s decisions, nothing changes for LMK’s patented cured in-place pipe processes, and BLD cannot practice the use of the Hydro Hat™ sealing gasket without infringing LMK’s patent rights. The materials supplied by LMK and installed by licensed LMK contractors are the same high quality products today as they have been for many years. The Insignia Gasket Sealing System remains the most advanced long-term watertight CIPP sealing solution available in the market today.
LMK’s patented Hydro Hat™ gasket is specifically designed and engineered for sealing the unique shape of the juncture between two pipes and provides a positive compression seal. The molded Hydro Hat™ gasket consists of a 3″ brim seated against the mainline pipe and extends up into the lateral pipe forming the ultimate seal at the weakest and most critical location in a collection system. Gasket Sealing Technology raises the bar for the trenchless industry by providing a gasket seal for rehabilitated pipes just like that of a gasket found in new pipes, making CIPP a true trenchless watertight alternative to new pipe.
LMK Technologies has been the innovation leader in the pipeline rehabilitation industry since 1993 and has over 125 worldwide patents. LMK’s President and Founder, Larry Kiest, is thankful that the PTAB proceedings did nothing to alter the most important aspects of LMK’s patent rights — patent claims directed to the Hydro Hat™ gasket. “Our Insignia™ gasket sealing technology with compression gaskets located at service connections and manhole connections provide a total sealed system and making CIPP a true trenchless watertight alternative to new pipe is a big win for the industry.”
“Our mission has never wavered,” Kiest added. “Through innovation and adherence to industry standards, we provide the nation’s sewer utilities and their rate payers with the highest-value, most cost effective long-term trenchless solutions.”
The decision by the PTAB is not a final ruling, and the patent infringement lawsuit filed by LMK against BLD Services is still pending in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
LMK is the leading trenchless technology provider, as well as a manufacturer of liner materials and equipment, for the pipeline rehabilitation industry. LMK serves the municipal and residential market through a large network of licensed and factory trained contractors and installers. For more information regarding LMK’s Insignia™ Gasket Sealing Products, T-Liner® Main-to-Lateral Lining System, Performance Liner® Lateral Lining systems or to obtain a listing of the independent municipal contractors who install the T-Liner lining system visit www.lmktechnologies.com, call 1-815-433-1275 or email info@lmktechnologies.com.
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Congratulations to Mike Burkhard of Reline America, who received the Virginia Tech 2015 SWIM Award (Sustainable Water Infrastructure Management Award) during the 2015 Water Asset Management Conference in Arlington, VA on 12/2-12/3/15.
Picture: Mike Burkhard, Executive Director of Business & Technology Development, Reline America; Roland Waniek, Managing Director, IKT
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NASTT turns 25 in 2015! What was happening 25 years ago?
On December 7, 1990, Ted Turner and Jane Fonda announced their engagement.
On December 9, 1990, Lech Walesa won the presidental election in Poland.
On December 11, 1990, the United States’ 69th manned space mission STS 35 (Columbia 11) returned from space.
Check in every Friday in 2015 when NASTT posts more facts about 25 years ago…
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Introducing Two Innovative Robotic Systems to Change the way Gas Utilities Manage Cast Iron Infrastructure
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., November 23, 2015 – ULC Robotics, Inc. and UK Gas Utility SGN are proud to introduce the next generation of pipeline robotics – the CIRRIS XITM and the CIRRIS XRTM Robotic Systems. These breakthrough robotic systems were strategically developed to allow gas utilities to extend the life of large diameter cast iron pipeline infrastructure. The systems, which are taking on one of the most challenging and sensitive pipeline environments, represent the next evolution of robotics in the gas industry, and are currently undergoing field testing in a live, cast iron gas main in London.
The CIRRIS XI™ Inspection Robot is a first-of-its-kind robotic system that internally assesses the condition of cast iron pipelines and collects critical pipeline integrity data that, before now, network operators were previously unable to obtain. The second robotic system, the CIRRIS XR™ Repair Robot, repairs leaks and prevents future leaks from occurring through the injection of sealant into the joints of the cast iron gas main. To minimize disruption to the public, both of these groundbreaking robots can carry out their work in live gas mains.
“ULC’s team of mechanical and electrical engineers, sensor scientists and precision machinists worked collaboratively with SGN’s innovation team to integrate the needs of the gas utilities with cutting-edge technologies to develop the CIRRIS XITM and the CIRRIS XRTM Robotic Systems,” said Gregory Penza, President and CEO, ULC Robotics, Inc. “The shared vision of making a positive impact to gas customers, the environment and to gas networks around the globe is what drove our teams to complete the two-year project.”
Cast iron pipelines are utilized throughout the United States, Europe and many other countries around the world, but due to their size, weight and inaccessibility can be very costly to replace. However, the thick pipe walls of large diameter cast iron gas mains are capable of providing safe and reliable service for hundreds of years. By entering the main through a very small excavation in the street and travelling hundreds of meters in either direction to assess and renew these gas mains, the CIRRIS XI™ and CIRRIS XR™ robots will deliver reduced public disruption and lower costs while fixing and preventing harmful gas leaks.
SGN Innovation and New Technology Manager, Gus McIntosh said, “We’re thrilled to be trialing the CIRRIS XI™ and XR™ Robotic System on live gas mains in London. It’s all part of how SGN is transforming the way they work in the street. SGN wants to develop innovative solutions to repair pipes that are causing issues now and identify others before they cause issues in the future.”
Find out more:
For additional information on the ULC Robotics and the CIRRIS XI™ and CIRRIS XR™ Robotic System please visit www.ulcrobotics.com or call 631-667-9200.
About SGN
SGN operates over 74,000km of gas mains and services in Scotland and the south of England. Whoever the supplier is, SGN has a responsibility to deliver gas safely, reliably and efficiently to all 5.8 million customers. For more information about SGN visit www.sgn.co.uk
About ULC Robotics, Inc.
ULC Robotics, Inc. is a leader in developing and deploying innovative robotic technology and processes that help pipeline operators and energy companies repair, inspect and assess their infrastructure. The deployment of ULC Robotics’ range of products and services helps to eliminate costly and disruptive excavation while eliminating gas leaks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving efficiency.
Both ULC Robotics and their clients have shared accolades for developing some of the most innovative products in the energy industry. Recognition includes a Robotics Business Review 2015 Game Changer Award in Construction, Mining and Energy, 2014 Energy Innovation Award for enabling gas utilities to deliver a safe and reliable supply of energy to customers and inclusion on the 2014 Top 50 Global Robotics Companies by Robotics Business Review. For more information on ULC Robotics, Inc. and its products and services please visit www.ulcrobotics.com
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National wastewater collection systems firm, RJN, leads the field in innovation
Wheaton, IL, November 17, 2015 – Some anniversaries are a nod to surviving. Other anniversaries celebrate thriving.
For 40 years, RJN Group, a national wastewater collection systems engineering firm located in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, IL, has thrived. More specifically, it has led the way with innovative wastewater infrastructure solutions, helping to solve the nation’s aging infrastructure problems.
As the population grows and 100-year storms occur more frequently than ever before,
municipalities are desperate for solutions to ease their sewer overflow issues. Simply,
their aging infrastructures and growing service areas can’t manage these frequent
events.
“There’s only so much capacity you can put into a pipe, and it has to go somewhere,”
says Vice President Paul Costa. “Water is overflowing into rivers, streams, and
harbors or even into house basements.” A specialized wastewater collection system
engineering firm, RJN solves infrastructure issues using industry-accepted practices
enhanced by innovative technology, developed over the past 40 years. RJN was a
pioneer in utilizing computers to assist with the condition assessment of underground
infrastructure. Their technology allows them—and their clients—to have “eyes in the
sewer.”
RJN’s innovations are numerous. In 1979, RJN developed the Q vs. I technique for
estimating inflow during surcharge conditions. This logarithmic relationship has been
reinforced by decades of studies. Three years later, in 1982, RJN pioneered the dual blower smoke testing method which detects 5 to 7 times more defects than the
standard single blower technique. Today, RJN leverages the “cloud” and mobile
applications to expedite and communicate field data collection, analysis, and client
reporting.
RJN’s approach can be summed up in three short statements: “We have an idea. We
create. And we make it happen.” Their technology fuses creativity and execution to
provide cost-effective solutions to communities under duress. According to Al
Hollenbeck, CEO at RJN, “The technology ensures that the dollars municipalities are
investing truly result in improvements to the underground infrastructure.”
To celebrate their 40 years of innovation, RJN has produced a video that highlights
their expansion from a local Chicago firm in 1975 to a national firm with branches
spanning the United States today. https://www.rjn.com/news-and-events/265-
celebrating-40-years-of-innovation
Ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 200 Environmental Firm and a Top 500
Design Firm, RJN continues to bring innovation to bear on our nation’s greatest
infrastructure challenges. Its work directly affects the quality of life and prosperity of
millions of Americans. Building partnerships with municipalities around the nation,
RJN rehabilitates infrastructure that supports public health, protects the environment,
and encourages economic development.
For more information on RJN’s innovation and approach to providing collection
system solutions, visit www.rjn.com.
