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On July 22, 2015, a 3.5 m (11.5 ft) Robbins Main Beam TBM began a new chapter in its 
storied 32-year career. Originally built for the Terror Lake project in Alaska, the veteran machine has been used all over the world, most recently in Hong Kong. Including its new 6.3 km (4.0 mi) long tunnel for the Mid-Halton Outfall in Ontario, Canada, the machine will have bored nearly 30 km (18.6 mi) of tunnels since 1983.
The machine’s latest endeavor will not be without challenges. The rebuilt TBM has been beefed up for high-capacity tunneling in hard rock. Geology is expected to consist of laminated shale with interbedded limestone and siltstone layers and a maximum rock strength of 120 MPa UCS. “We have kept this a simple, streamlined Main Beam machine, but we modified the cutterhead with larger muck buckets, so material can be moved through it faster,” explained Robbins Project Manager Lynne Stanziale. In addition the TBM was outfitted with fully modernized VFDs, electronics, and high-capacity gearing and motors. The back-up system was also modified to make it more mobile through two 130 m (427 ft) radius curves that the TBM will have to navigate, one in each direction.
“The concept of using refurbished TBMs bears great opportunities for value-for-money constructors,” said Christian Zoller, Commercial Project Manager for contractor STRABAG. “Our TBM ‘Peggie’ is evidence of that–when well-maintained and professionally refurbished, the lifespan of these machines is extensive. We’re pleased to see that our client Halton Region has the forward-oriented mindset that allows STRABAG to provide its renowned high level of skill and quality, paired with the good value for money that a refurbished TBM yields.”
Contractor STRABAG, who has had several projects in Canada including the epic Niagara Tunnel project, is in charge of the works. In addition to the tunnel, STRABAG had to construct two deep shafts for the launch and exit of the TBM. The scheme involves two sections of tunnel designed to carry treated effluent water from a treatment plant in Oakville into Lake Ontario. The completed system will upgrade water treatment capacity in the Halton Region of Ontario.
The TBM was launched from a 12 m (39 ft) diameter, 62 m (203 ft) deep shaft and is ramping up production, having excavated over 300 m by early September 2015. “An ongoing challenge associated with the tunneling on this project is the requirement to drive the TBM downhill for the first 4 km (2.5 mi) of the tunnel. Keeping the water that infiltrates the tunnel from flowing directly to the cutterhead requires significant effort,” said Terry McNulty, Technical Project Manager for STRABAG.
Management of water inflows is not the only challenge. A portion of the drive will curve to run directly under Lake Ontario for 2.1 km (1.3 mi), though the tunnel is deep enough that it will remain in bedrock. Once the machine has completed its final bore under Lake Ontario, it will be backed out of the blind heading and removed from an 8.0 m (26 ft) diameter shaft in a local park.
“We can already see the potential performance that this TBM will have, once fully assembled and tested. We look forward to the continued support and cooperation with our partner Robbins on this endeavor,” said Zoller. Though the TBM has only recently started up, crews are moving forward with a plan to line the tunnel with mesh panels and ring beams if necessary. A cast-in-place liner will follow on after tunneling is completed in August 2017.
Photo Information:
Photo 1: Officials from the Mid-Halton Region visit the hard-working Robbins Main Beam, nicknamed “Peggie” in the Solon, Ohio, USA manufacturing facility. Photo Credit: Michelle Hill, NASTT.
Photo 2: The Robbins Main Beam TBM has been in service since 1983, and with its new project for the Mid-Halton Outfall, it will have bored nearly 30 km (18.6 mi) of tunnels.
Photo 3: Contractor Strabag lowers the main beam of the Robbins TBM into the 62 m (203 ft) deep launch shaft.
Contact Information:
Desiree Willis
Technical Writer
Email: willisd@robbinstbm.com
Direct: 253.872.4490
29100 Hall Street
Solon, OH 44139 USA
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Release Date: 10/01/2015
Contact Information: Peter Cassell, cassell.peter@epa.gov, 312-886-6234
CHICAGO — The U.S Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, has received a $10 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to monitor coastal wetlands around the Great Lakes basin over the next five years. This project expands an existing GLRI grant to the university for Great Lakes wetlands monitoring.
“This new Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant will expand coastal wetland monitoring around the Great Lakes basin,” U.S. EPA Regional Administrator/Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman said. “The information collected by Central Michigan researchers will be used to assess ecosystem health and to prioritize areas for habitat protection and restoration.”
“Michigan is home to over 3,100 miles of Great Lakes shoreline,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “This investment will help Central Michigan University researchers study coastal wetlands across the Great Lakes basin to help restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats for years to come. Today’s announcement further underscores the importance of partnerships like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which invests in the health of our Great Lakes and waterways.”
“The Great Lakes are a critical component of Michigan’s economy, and wetland areas in particular help improve water quality and support local wildlife,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. “Central Michigan University is well-equipped to implement this coastal wetland monitoring program, which will help us better protect and restore wetland areas throughout our Great Lakes. This grant underscores the importance of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative as a tool for revitalizing the health of the world’s largest system of fresh surface water.”
“Congratulations to Central Michigan University on being awarded this grant,” U.S. Rep. John R. Moolenaar said. “The Great Lakes are vital to our state and the $7 billion economy they support. This GLRI research will play a valuable role in protecting them for future generations.”
Central Michigan University will continue to implement a basin-wide coastal wetland monitoring program over the next five years while simultaneously evaluating ongoing and future wetlands restoration efforts. Fish, invertebrate, bird, amphibian, and plant communities, along with chemical and physical variables, will be assessed in the majority of coastal wetland areas throughout the Great Lakes basin. The data and the results will be used to prevent further wetland degradation and loss through future wetland protection.
“Over 50 percent of all Great Lakes coastal wetlands have been lost to development at this point and we are just now beginning to understand how important these systems are to the overall Great Lakes ecosystem and our economy,” CMU Institute for Great Lakes Research Director Dr. Don Uzarski said. “They filter toxicants before reaching the open water of the lakes and serve as nursery habitats for sport fishes to name just a couple of services that these systems provide. Our project spans the entire basin including US and Canada covering over 10,000 miles of shoreline. Of course, CMU cannot do this work alone. Our team represents most of the top scientists in the field of Great Lakes coastal wetland ecology and extends across the entire basin representing nine universities, one state agency, one Canadian federal agency, and one U.S. federal agency beyond EPA.”
Other institutions and agencies collaborating with CMU on this grant include University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Wisconsin campuses of Green Bay and River Falls, Lake Superior State University, University of Notre Dame, Grand Valley State University, University of Windsor, State University of New York at Brockport, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Geological Survey, Environment Canada, and Bird Studies Canada.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was launched in 2010 to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative resources are used to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is available at: http://www.glri.us/.
More information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding is available at: http://www2.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-glri.
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Crew wins use of a Vermeer D24x40 S3 Navigator® HDD for one year
PELLA, Iowa — The judges’ votes are in. B&T Drainage Inc. from Marshall, Illinois, has been
named the winner of the Ultimate Crew contest, sponsored by Vermeer. B&T Drainage bested three other crews during today’s Ultimate Crew Underground Showdown, a live drilling competition held at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A panel of judges scored each team based on time to complete the bore, accuracy, safety procedures and teamwork. The crew’s efforts earned the grand prize — the use of a new Vermeer D24x40 S3 Navigator horizontal directional drill for one year.
B&T Drainage Inc. is a family business that was founded by Allen Boyer in 1981. Today, Allen’s sons, John, Scott and Steve, run the business along with John’s sons, Chase and Colby. There are currently three generations and 10 family members involved. When asked about the “T” in the company’s name, the family says it stands for team. B&T relies heavily on teamwork to perform superior work safely and efficiently.
“We’d like to thank Vermeer for giving us this opportunity. We had so much fun coming to ICUEE and participating in the Underground Showdown,” said John Boyer. “I believe that we won today because we came in with a plan and worked well together as a team. Now, we can’t wait to get home and try out our new drill!”
Later this year, the crew will be featured in Vermeer advertising running in key underground publications. In addition, they will participate in a “Behind the Job”Web series. Each episode will focus on the challenges faced on HDD jobsites, how the crew works together to complete a job, as well as how they are using technology to succeed and stay productive. The Web series will be hosted on NavigatorNation.com and YouTube.
Vermeer congratulates all the finalists who competed in the Underground Showdown: Martin Hildreth Company Inc., from Rockwell City, Iowa; Precision Underground Inc., from Bismarck, North Dakota; and Tru Tek Drilling, from Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania.
“The Ultimate Crew contest is a true testament to the talented individuals in the underground industry who build the infrastructure that powers our daily activities,” said Jean Kaul, marketing manager – underground, at Vermeer. “We witnessed some of the best crews in North America compete head-to-head today. We are grateful for their hard work, competitive spirit and loyalty to our industry — and our brand.”
Coverage of the Ultimate Crew Underground Showdown and ICUEE 2015 are available at www.vermeericuee.com.
Vermeer, the Vermeer logo, Equipped to Do More and Navigator are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.
© 2015 Vermeer Corporation
All Rights Reserved.
Please send all reader inquiries to:
Vermeer Corporation
P.O. Box 200
Pella, Iowa 50219
+1-641-628-3141
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NASTT turns 25 in 2015! What was happening 25 years ago?
On September 28, 1990, Marvin Gaye received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
On September 29, 1990, “Millie’s Book” written by 1st Lady Barbara Bush for president’s dog was a best-selling non-fiction book.
On September 30, 1990, The Dalai Lama unveiled the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa.
Check in every Friday in 2015 when NASTT posts more facts about 25 years ago…
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September 29, 2015 – PELLA, Iowa– The Ring-O-Matic 550 Dual Pump Combination Sewer Line Jetter and Vacuum Excavator gives contractors and municipalities the advantages of a dedicated, combination jetter/vacuum truck in the more versatile footprint of a compact trailer unit. Compared to PTO-driven, truck-mounted models, the Ring-O-Matic 550’s low initial investment cost and lower operational costs have made owning a combination jetter/vacuum machine affordable even for those who do not need jetting and/or vacuum excavation services on a daily basis.
The Ring-O-Matic 550 fits into spaces too confined for truck-mounted combo rigs, yet it can clean sewer lines up to 20 inches in diameter. Its versatility makes it a practical alternative for numerous other applications, as well, such as potholing and lateral cleaning.
Powered by an 81 hp CAT turbo diesel, the Ring-O-Matic 550 machine features a 1,000 cfm blower and can deliver 27 gpm at 2,700 psi up to 400 feet with its ¾-inch jetter hose. The trailer’s axles are rated to 16,000 pounds, allowing the 550-gallon spoils tank and 500-gallon freshwater tank to be easily pulled behind a suitably equipped ¾- or 1-ton truck.
Bob Zylstra, Ring-O-Matic’s engineering director, said the unit’s compact size makes it particularly attractive not only to smaller municipalities but also to larger cities looking for a utility combo jetter to complement their truck-mounted units.“Its low profile offers a 2- to 3-foot height advantage over truck-mounted units. It’s less than half their weight and it’s narrower. This makes it easier to use in tight alleyways with overhead obstructions, with less potential for damage to soft asphalt or brittle cement pavements.”
In addition to its versatility, Ring-O-Matic CEO Brian Metcalf believed the trailer-mounted Ring-O-Matic’s price-point has now offered the advantages of jetting to customers who could not previously justify purchasing jet-vac equipment. “Customers will quickly learn that although they acquired their Ring-O-Matic 550 with one purpose in mind, they’ll see many other applications they can use it for.”
Should customers have questions or need assistance of any kind, Metcalf said Ring-O-Matic has ideal logistics for industry-leading responsiveness. “Although we have a global presence in the industry, our modest company size and our ideally located headquarters in Pella, Iowa, enable us to provide close customer support to every region of the U.S.”
The Ring O Matic 550 Dual Jetter Combo will be on display in booth K-160 at the 2015 International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, September 29 through October 1.
For more information, contact:
Matt Fueston
Ellenbecker Communications
507-945-0105
Ring-O-Matic, Inc. of Pella, Iowa, USA, manufactures a full line of vacuum excavation machines and car wash pit cleaners. Ring-O-Matic’s product line has a strong reputation for reliability and ease-of-use. Ring-O-Matic offers worldwide sales, support, service and parts through a network of authorized dealers. For more information about Ring-O-Matic products, please call 800-544-2518 or visit www.ring-o-matic.com.
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Release Date: 09/24/2015
Contact Information: George Hull, hull.george@epa.gov, (202) 564-0790, (202) 564-4355
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule to modernize Clean Water Act reporting for municipalities, industries, and other facilities. The final rule will require regulated entities and state and federal regulators to use existing, available information technology to electronically report data required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program instead of filing written paper reports.
EPA estimates that, once the rule is fully implemented, the 46 states and the Virgin Islands Territory that are authorized to administer the NPDES program will collectively save approximately $22.6 million each year as a result of switching from paper to electronic reporting. The final rule will make facility-specific information, such as inspection and enforcement history, pollutant monitoring results, and other data required by NPDES permits accessible to the public through EPA’s website.
“Electronic reporting will give the public full transparency into water pollution sources, save millions of dollars, and lead to better water quality in American communities,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This rule will significantly reduce the burden and costs of paperwork, freeing up limited resources for states and other regulatory authorities to focus on the most serious water quality problems. After more than two years of working closely with states and a range of stakeholders, today we take a critical step to bring clean water protection into the modern age.”
“ECOS is pleased to see a rule move ahead that modernizes how businesses, states, and the federal government interface and share information in the clean water program,” said Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Environmental Council of the States. “Our focus going forward with EPA and the impacted regulated community will be on smooth implementation of this rule, and on developing flexible approaches when needed.”
The Clean Water Act requires that municipal, industrial or commercial facilities that discharge wastewater directly into waters of the United States obtain a permit. The NPDES program requires that permitted facilities monitor and report data on pollutant discharges and take other actions to ensure discharges do not affect human health or the environment. Currently, some facilities subject to these reporting requirements submit data in paper form to states and other regulatory authorities, where the information must be manually entered into data systems. Through the e-reporting rule, these facilities will electronically report data directly to the appropriate regulatory authority.
EPA proposed the e-reporting rule in July of 2013 with a public comment period. Since then, EPA has held over more than 70 technical and individual meetings with states to review the electronic reporting provisions and to identify any issues requiring resolution. In addition, EPA held over 50 webinars and meetings with over 1,200 stakeholders to discuss the rulemaking. EPA will continue collaborating with states as they enhance their electronic reporting capabilities to support the rule’s implementation. Over the next few months, EPA will schedule trainings and outreach webinar sessions for states and regulated entities to provide an overview of the final rule, and the next steps for implementing electronic reporting.
In response to state feedback, the final rule provides authorized NPDES programs with more flexibility for implementation, providing more time for the transition from paper to electronic reporting and more flexibility in how they can grant electronic reporting waivers to facilities. Most facilities subject to effluent monitoring reporting requirements will be required to start submitting data electronically one year following the effective date of the final rule. A second phase will incorporate electronic reporting for other Clean Water Act reports such as performance status reports for municipal urban stormwater programs, controls on industrial discharges to local sewage treatment plants, and sewer overflows. Also in response to comments and suggestions from states, EPA is providing states with more time to electronically collect, manage, and share this data – up to five years instead of two years as initially proposed.
This rulemaking is part of EPA’s Next Generation Compliance strategy, as well as the E-Enterprise for the Environment strategy with states and tribes, to take advantage of new tools and innovative approaches to increase compliance and reduce pollution. The shift toward electronic reporting in the NPDES program and others will help make environmental reporting more accurate, complete, and efficient. It will also help EPA and co-regulators better manage information, and improve effectiveness and transparency.
EPA expects to publish the final rule in the Federal Register in October, 2015. The final rule will be effective 60 days following this publication.
View the final rule at:
http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/final-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule
More information on Next Generation Compliance:
http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/next-generation-compliance
storied 32-year career. Originally built for the Terror Lake project in Alaska, the veteran machine has been used all over the world, most recently in Hong Kong. Including its new 6.3 km (4.0 mi) long tunnel for the Mid-Halton Outfall in Ontario, Canada, the machine will have bored nearly 30 km (18.6 mi) of tunnels since 1983.
