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GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, will be
showcasing its latest GPR technology at the 2016 World of Concrete conference, to be held February 2-5, 2016, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, Booth # C4156. New technology to be featured includes the StructureScan Mini XT handheld GPR, as well as a 3D module for GSSI’s SIR® 4000 GPR control unit, which features numerous updates that support next-generation digital capabilities.
GSSI experts will be highlighting the new StructureScan Mini XThandheld GPR, the latest addition to the industry standard StructureScanall-in-one GPR system. Ideal for locating rebar, conduits, post-tension cables and voids, the StructureScan Mini is also used for real time determination of concrete slab thickness. Its compact design has long made the StructureScan Mini a favorite among concrete inspection professionals, especially in tight spaces or overhead survey locations. Drop by the booth to see the newest model, which features a friendly user interface and several new data collection modes. Additionally, the redesigned model is IP 65 rated- to withstand the jobsite’s toughest conditions.
Also on display will be the standard StructureScan Mini, whose 1600 MHz antenna can reach depths of up to 50 centimeters (20 inches).All the StructureScan Mini systems safely locate metallic and non-metallic targets, with an auto target feature that marks the features of interest. The systems are available with standard 2D capabilities, or with 3D capabilities for an x-ray-like image. The units’ ruggedized plastic casing and wheels ensure long-lasting performance.
The updated SIR 4000 GPR control unit on display features a variety of updates, including a new 3D functionality for Expert Mode that promises to revolutionize how three-dimensional GPR data is visualized, while simplifying an often complicated process. The controller’s innovative technology is compatible with both GSSI’s traditional analog antennas and newest digital offerings, resulting in the versatility and flexibility needed to support a wide range of users and applications.
The SIR 4000 updates also brings the StructureScan 2D and 3D collection modes to the controller, streamlining its use for the concrete construction industry. The module includes high frequency antenna-specific set-ups to ensure survey efficiency, and enables the controller to automatically recognize smart antenna set-ups. The updates also include an on-the-fly automatic gain option to better enhance the data display, while still saving the file in the original raw format for post processing. Also included is a horizontal zoom function that helps resolve smaller targets, and a “Save Image” shortcut for quick reports.
The updated SIR 4000 provides a 10.4 inch high definition display, a simple user interface, plug-and-play GPS integration, and multiple data transfer options. Designed with a number of exclusive features, the SIR 4000’s casted aluminum chassis offers superior temperature stability and an impact resistant design. The unit delivers a full IP 65 capability, and can withstand tough jobsite conditions.
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AURORA, IL. – TT Technologies recently introduced new downhole tooling for its Grundodrill 4X
compact HDD rig. The new tooling improves safety and simplifies drilling operations by allowing users to quickly and safely disconnect the sonde housing segment from the drill string after the pilot bore is complete. The system is comprised of a specially designed sub saver and clamp that locks into place and allows the operator to easily and quickly disengage the sonde housing without the use of pipe wrenches.
The compact Grundodrill 4X is designed for residential service, small diameter main installations and “last mile” operations, offering 9,800 lbs. of thrust and pullback. Using the compact drill is less intrusive and ideal for areas where larger units are not an option. The Grundodrill 4X also comes with the exclusive Smart Vice system that performs vice cycling operations automatically.
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District developing a long-range water plan to maximize assets
Broomfield, Colo., Jan. 13, 2016 – After a two-year study conducted by MWH Global and Hawksley Consulting, Castle Pines North Metropolitan District has decided on a long-range water plan that ensures the future of enduring water supplies to the District.
“The business of providing water to our residents in Castle Pines has become increasingly challenging. It’s not enough to own multiple water assets. We have to position ourselves in a way that gives us durable, sustainable and renewable water supplies to replace those from non-renewable groundwater sources,” said District Manager Jim Nikkel.
The District enlisted the help of Colorado-based engineering, consulting and construction firm MWH and its subsidiary, Hawksley Consulting for a study focusing on solutions that maximized the value and use of the District’s water assets. In addition, the firm determined a plan that reduces reliance on groundwater from wells and builds infrastructure to support a renewable water supply from snow and rainfall.
The District’s water plan was designed for strategic utilization of Lower South Platte water rights, Plum Creek and Hock Hocking water rights, as well as storage in Chatfield Reservoir. Nikkel said the plan achieves a meaningful goal.
“The plan we received from Hawksley Consulting will allow us to maximize our existing investments, replace up to 97 percent of our groundwater supplies, and cost us about half as much as we had originally estimated,” Nikkel said. He added, “In the first phase of the plan, we’ll have a renewable water supply of 900 acre-feet (AF) per year, or 50 percent renewable. This puts our community in a great position for our future water needs.”
Board President Keith Dodd, added, “Not just the current board, but previous boards have been diligent in working toward reducing our reliance on groundwater. Those sources aren’t always going to be enough for our community. We have a responsibility to protect what’s ours.”
Within the next three to five years, the initial phase of the District’s plan involves storage of renewable water in Chatfield Reservoir, through the Chatfield Reallocation Project. Nikkel says from that point, it will be a continual effort to bring assets on line.
“Our customers trust us to put the investment we’ve made to work. We’re doing that, by implementing the findings from Hawksley Consulting, developing the infrastructure, and continuing to assess our community’s long-range water needs,” Nikkel said.
About MWH Global
MWH Global is dedicated to Building a Better World. As specialists in water and natural resources, MWH employees use innovative ideas and technology to help solve complex infrastructure and environmental challenges. This work is built on a nearly 200-year history during which MWH has delivered services from initial planning and design through construction, start-up and operations. Today, MWH employs approximately 7,000 experts including engineers, consultants and construction professionals in 35 countries on six continents. Each of these experts is committed to serving global communities through sustainable development and project delivery. MWH is a private, employee-owned company headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado. For more information, visit www.mwhglobal.com or connect via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Hawksley Consulting
Hawksley Consulting builds on a rich legacy of innovation and impactful solutions to provide answers for our clients’ greatest challenges. Our management consultants throughout the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East bring together global expertise in strategy, finance, risk management, asset management, organizational development, information technology, stakeholder engagement, and environmental and social sustainability. We implement practical solutions for public and private clients in the water, wastewater, energy, transportation, industrial and government sectors. Hawksley Consulting is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MWH Global, the leader in water and natural resources dedicated to Building a Better World. For more information, visit hawksley.com or connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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Important Updates Alter Sewer Main Condition Assessment and Recommends New Standards for Accepting Post-Rehabilitation Projects
Sacramento, Calif. – January 11, 2016 – a leading provider of smart water leak detection
technologies and cloud computing applications, announced that its patented technology has been prominently featured in a new edition of the industry’s leading wastewater collection manual – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS, VOLUME 1, SEVENTH EDITION.
First published in 1976 with nearly 90,000 copies in print, the OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS manual is used by operators, managers, and consulting engineers, worldwide.
The Seventh Edition was published in December 2015, while the Sixth Edition was published in 2003.
“Our manual was originally designed to allow for self-paced instruction where operators worked at their own speed,” said Ken Kerri, Ph.D., P.E., former Director of the Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento (1965-1997) and Chief Project Consultant until his passing in 2014.
“Once operators started using the manual for home study, we realized that it could serve as a textbook in the classroom,” said Dr. Kerri, who co-authored the section on Electro Scanning Inspection.
Today, the Office of Water Programs is a nonprofit organization operated by University Enterprises, Inc., California State University, providing distance learning programs for the operation and maintenance of drinking water and wastewater facilities.
“We are delighted to see our technology become an integral part of Chapter 4: Inspecting and Testing Collection Systems,” states Chuck Hansen, Chairman, Electro Scan.
Electro Scan’s technology is not only explained in Section 4.4 of the Seventh Edition, but also depicted in numerous illustrations, statistical analyses, and practical applications, in accordance with ASTM F2550-13.
In numerous instances, Electro Scan’s low voltage technology is able to identify and quantify leakage amounts in gallons per minute (GPM), often where defects are not identified by certified closed-circuit television (CCTV) operators or by using other inspection techniques.
Electro Scanning Inspection also provides wet-weather condition assessment information, not available using CCTV inspection, and can be performed year around to help locate sources of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and find defects in newly repaired or relined pipes.
Important updates contained in the Seventh Edition suggest altering the acceptance criteria for rehabilitated pipes using Electro Scanning Inspection to assess the effectiveness of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), service re-connections, and point repairs, explaining the importance of quantifying pre- and post-rehabilitation inspection results.
Given Electro Scan’s ability to automatically find sources of leaks that are frequently missed by CCTV inspection, the manual suggests using Electro Scanning Inspection first to objectively locate and quantify pipe defects, then using CCTV inspection to document the most severe defects.
In addition to Electro Scanning Inspection (Section 4.4), Chapter 4: Inspecting and Testing Collection Systems also includes an updated section on CCTV Inspection (Section 4.3), Smoke Testing (Section 4.5), and Dye Testing (Section 4.6).
Continues Hansen, former Founder and CEO of Hansen Information Technologies, “It was an honor to contribute to Electro Scanning Inspection at the invitation of Dr. Kerri and share this game-changing technology with operators, managers, consulting engineers, and students.”
Image 1- Mark Grabowski,Vice President and General Manager, Electro Scan Inc. and Dr. Kerri, co-author of Electro Scanning Inspection and former Chief Project Consultant, Office of Water Programs until his passing in 2014.
Image 2- Sixth Edition, Volume 1,
published in 2003.
About Electro Scan
Founded in 2011, Electro Scan develops smart water leak detection instrumentation and cloud computing applications that automatically locate, measure, and report pipe condition assessments for water, sewer, and gas pipelines. The Company is headquartered in Sacramento, California.
Contact
Carissa Boudwin, Tel: +1 916 779 0660, Email: carissa@electroscan.com
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GSSI announces the release of updates to the SIR® 4000 ground penetrating radar (GPR)
control unit. The controller is designed to bridge the legacy of GSSI’s traditional analog antennas with next-generation of digital offerings, giving it the flexibility by supporting a wide range of users in numerous applications. The updates bring the StructureScan 2D collection module to the controller, simplifying its use for the concrete construction industry.
The StructureScan 2D collection module offers users greater flexibility for using the controller in concrete construction industry applications. The module includes high frequency antenna-specific set-ups to ensure survey efficiency, and enables the controller to automatically recognize smart antenna set-ups.
Additionally, the update offers users the option of on-the-fly automatic gain to better enhance the data display, while still saving the file in the original raw format for post processing. The updated collection module also includes a horizontal zoom function, allowing users to increase the size of the data set up to 8x to resolve smaller targets, and a “Save Image” shortcut for quick reports.
Fully integrated, the SIR 4000 provides a 10.4 inch high definition LED display, a simple user interface, plug-and-play GPS integration, and Wi-Fi enabled data transfer functionality.The SIR 4000 is designed with a number of exclusive features, including a casted aluminum chassis that offers superior temperature stability and an impact resistant design that combined, delivers a full IP 65 rated- able to withstand tough jobsite conditions.
For pricing and availability, please contact your local sales representative.
About GSSI:
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. is the world leader in the development, manufacture, and sale of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, primarily for the concrete inspection, utility mapping and locating, road and bridge deck evaluation, geophysics, and archaeology markets. Our equipment is used all over the world to explore the subsurface of the earth and to inspect infrastructure systems non-destructively. GSSI created the first commercial GPR system nearly 45 years ago and continues to provide the widest range and highest quality GPR equipment available today.
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BOSTON – EPA is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Environmental Merit Awards, which will recognize environmental achievements during the past year. Award categories are available for individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other organizations. Awards are also given under a lifetime achievement category.
These regional awards have been given out annually since EPA was created in 1970. Past recipients have included scientists, community activists, business representatives, public officials and other individuals committed to preserving the environment. An independent EPA panel will select the winners based on the following criteria: long-term effects on the environment; ability to address an environmental problem or need; collaboration with others; ability of the program or accomplishments to be widely shared; clarity and effectiveness of the presentation; and promotion of innovative ideas or techniques. Awards are traditionally given in four categories: individual; business, industry, trade, and professional organization; local, state or federal government; and environmental, community or non-profit organization.
This year EPA will also be awarding the Children’s Environmental Health Award for an Individual or group that has made significant progress, contribution, leadership toward protecting children from environmental health risks in schools, homes, and childcare environments in New England. Criteria for the Children’s Environmental Health Awards are:
– Innovative efforts to increase awareness of children’s unique vulnerabilities to pollutants and other environmental hazards through research, education, outreach, or capacity-building activities; and/or
– Development of activities or programs that have produced tangible reductions in risk to children from environmental health hazards where they live, learn, and play.
A final award category is available. For a third year EPA will be awarding the Ira Leighton “In Service to States” Environmental Merit Award. This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made significant strides in facilitating state and federal partnerships through innovative sustainable solutions addressing critical environmental challenges in New England. The successful candidate will have actively demonstrated conviction and leadership in protecting the environment and in promoting sustainable practices, and will be determined by a collaborations among the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), the Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA), in coordination with the New England state Environmental Commissioners.
The deadline for nominations is February 12, 2016. Awards winners will be invited to a ceremony in May in Boston. Nominations are only accepted online.
More information on Award categories, evaluation criteria and how to submit nominations: http://www.epa.gov/environmental-merit-awards-new-england
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Planting 80,000 trees is equivalent to reforesting over 250 football fields.
Bala Cynwyd, PA, December 10, 2015 – Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) will support the planting of 80,000 trees after reaching the goal of a yearlong collaboration that engaged agents, customers, and employees. The goal of the PHLY 80K Trees initiative, which launched in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation on Earth Day 2015, was to help wildfire and natural disaster recovery efforts and restore habitats across the country. There are over one million acres in desperate need of replanting due to natural disasters according to the U.S. Forest Service. PHLY’s efforts to plant 80,000 trees will help provide greater security to communities, including PHLY’s policyholders.
“PHLY is on a mission to save forests devastated by natural disasters,” shared Bob O’Leary, president and chief executive officer of Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “Trees provide habitat for wildlife and clean water for communities, while helping to protect businesses from flooding by increasing soil stability and reducing storm water runoff in urban areas.”
Being a property/casualty carrier and providing flood insurance, PHLY recognizes the potential effect these risks might have on the marketplace. To protect communities from future devastation, PHLY has taken action through PHLY 80K Trees to address the imperative need to build healthy forests and ecosystems.
The PHLY 80K Trees goal was reached with the help of PHLY’s independent agents, brokers, and policyholders. PHLY invited producers and policyholders to enroll into receiving paperless statements. The company will use the cost savings to fund the planting of 40,000 trees in Bastrop State Park and surrounding communities. An additional 20,000 trees will be planted in both Superior National Forest in Minnesota and Modoc National Forest in California. PHLY employees also raised money to support the initiative and will help plant a portion of the 40,000 trees in Bastrop State Park near Austin, TX in January 2016.
As part of its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2015, PHLY also purchased carbon-offsets, which reduced its carbon footprint by 2,200 metric tons. This is equivalent to removing 463 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.
For more information about the initiative please visit www.PHLY.com/Trees.
About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated ’A++’ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and ’A+’ for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward’s Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. Policies are underwritten by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company. The organization has 50 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.
About Arbor Day Foundation
Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
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AURORA, IL-TT Technologies recently launched its new comprehensive trenchless website. The fully responsive design allows users to view and interact with the website from mobile devices including tablets and smartphones. Trenchless contractors and engineers are able to get information on trenchless tools, methods and parts and accessories on their mobile device directly from the jobsite.
The site contains photographs, illustrations and animations of trenchless methods and applications including pipe bursting, pipe ramming, horizontal boring, lateral replacement and directional drilling.
The site is designed to be an extensive trenchless pipe replacement resource for contractors, engineers and municipalities. In addition to method descriptions and equipment specifications, the site contains numerous case studies describing actual trenchless projects.
The site can be accessed at: www.tttechnologies.com
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Aegion Corporation Announces Several Actions to Enhance Future Growth
St. Louis, MO – January 4, 2016 – Aegion Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: AEGN) today announced several actions to deliver sustainable growth and address the market realities in the North American energy markets.
Charles R. Gordon, Aegion’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “In today’s challenging business environment, we are continually evaluating our exposure to the end markets we serve. To that end, we announced an investment in our capabilities to rehabilitate pressure pipelines for water and wastewater applications by acquiring Underground Solutions, Inc., an established provider of a patented fusible PVC technology, and to improve Fyfe’s global reach by acquiring the remaining international rights from Fyfe Group, LLC. In addition, we are divesting our equity stake in Corrosion Protection’s Canadian pipe coating joint venture, downsizing Energy Services’ operations in Central California’s upstream market and implementing a plan to reduce annual operating expenses across Aegion.”
Aegion’s Infrastructure Solutions platform adds to its capabilities
Aegion has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Underground Solutions, Inc. for $85 million in cash and expects to close the transaction during the first quarter of 2016. The Company will separately pay for the discounted value of tax benefits (estimated today to be approximately $5 million) associated with Underground Solutions’ net operating loss carry forwards at closing. Aegion will fund a substantial portion of the purchase price with existing cash and the remainder from borrowings against the Company’s line of credit. Aegion expects the transaction to be accretive to 2016 GAAP earnings per share with revenues of approximately $50 million and operating margins in excess of 10 percent. Several key members of Underground Solutions’ senior management, who average more than 20 years of industry experience, will join Aegion to form an expanded team dedicated to trenchless rehabilitation of existing pressure pipelines.
Underground Solutions’ patented fusible polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) products focus on the rehabilitation of pressure pipelines, primarily in North America. Underground Solutions uniquely complements Infrastructure Solutions’ existing pressure pipe rehabilitation technologies InsituMain®, InsituGuard® and Tyfo®/Fibrwrap® and increases Aegion’s presence in the pressure pipe market to nearly $90 million in annual revenues.
“We are pleased to have Underground Solutions join Aegion,” Mr. Gordon commented. “Our market research suggests assembling a portfolio of technologies is the right strategy to establish a leading position in the North American pressure pipe rehabilitation market. We believe the combination of Underground Solutions’ patented PVC technologies with our Insituform® and Tyfo®/Fibrwrap® technologies will allow us to strengthen our position in this attractive market by offering our customers a broader portfolio of solutions.”
Aegion’s 2016 outlook
“As we look to 2016, Infrastructure Solutions remains focused on maintaining its leadership position by taking advantage of continuing favorable market conditions in North America,” stated Mr. Gordon. “In addition, the acquisition of Underground Solutions is an important step to advance our stated strategic objective to expand our presence in the growing pressure pipe rehabilitation market in North America.
“In contrast, we expect 2016 will be a more difficult year for the North American energy markets, particularly related to upstream capital spending as customers continue to decrease investments in response to persistent low oil prices. Based on the decision to reduce our exposure in the upstream markets, we expect Energy Services’ revenues to decline by approximately $70 million from 2015 with no adverse impact to its operating margins percentage as a result of the restructuring. Our Corrosion Protection platform is likely to experience reduced upstream market activity that will negatively impact profitability, especially for the Bayou Louisiana coating facility during the first half of 2016. The planned cost savings from the announced restructuring initiatives and favorable North American midstream and downstream markets are expected to offset the market challenges affecting Energy Services and Corrosion Protection.
“The favorable market conditions for the majority of Aegion’s business and the strategic actions outlined today give us the opportunity for 2016 non-GAAP earnings per share to be in line with what we expect to achieve in 2015. This outlook excludes a significant contribution from the Shell Appomattox contract we believe is likely in the fourth quarter of 2016. However, the exact schedule for the start of pipe coating activities has yet to be set. Longer-term, we believe our diversified portfolio of technologies and services will deliver sustainable growth as we have repositioned our upstream oil exposure to reflect current market realities. The broader strategic initiatives we previously outlined should enhance growth by accessing new markets to rehabilitate water pressure pipelines, enable more effective pipeline asset integrity management in the growing midstream market and offer higher-margin services through strong customer relationships in the West Coast downstream refining market.”
About Aegion
Aegion Corporation is a global leader in infrastructure protection and maintenance, providing proprietary technologies and services: (i) to protect against the corrosion of industrial pipelines; (ii) to rehabilitate and strengthen water, wastewater, energy and mining piping systems and buildings, bridges, tunnels and waterfront structures; and (iii) to utilize integrated professional services in engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and turnaround services for a broad range of energy related industries. Aegion’s business activities include manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, construction, installation, coating and insulation, cathodic protection, research and development and licensing. More information about Aegion can be found on our internet site at www.aegion.com.
About Underground Solutions, Inc.
Underground Solutions, Inc. is a leader in water and wastewater infrastructure and process technologies by providinginfrastructure technologies for water, sewer and conduit applications. Underground Solutions, Inc. Fusible PVC® products include, Fusible C-900®, Fusible C-905® and FPVC®, which contain a proprietary PVC formulation that, when combined with its patented fusion process, results in a monolithic, fully-restrained, gasket-free, leak-free piping system. Fusible C-900® and Fusible C-905® both comply with the AWWA standards AWWA C900 and C905, respectively and are certified to NSF 61. More information about Underground Solutions, Inc. can be found at www.undergroundsolutions.com.
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(12/23/15) EPA is seeking public comment on a proposed agreement to allow the Massachusetts Army National Guard to train with a “Percussion Activated Neutralizer” at the Camp Edwards portion of Joint Base Cape Cod.
The comment period, which runs through Jan. 21, 2016, provides an opportunity for public input on this modification to EPA’s 1997 Safe Drinking Water Act Administrative Order. This authorization process is part of EPA’s regulatory role at the Massachusetts Military Reservation to protect the sole source Cape Cod Aquifer.
In a letter dated August 18, 2015, the Massachusetts Army National Guard requested EPA approval to use Percussion Activated Neutralizers (PAN) for training purposes at Camp Edwards. The letter, which included information on the chemical makeup of the device and a description of its intended use, is available on EPA’s website. EPA does not expect that the chemical makeup and use of the items, in the manner proposed, will present a threat to the aquifer, and is now seeking public input on this proposal.
Since 1997, EPA has issued administrative orders at the base, three which fall under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Among other provisions one of the administrative orders includes the suspension of particular military training activities at the Training Range and Impact area of Join Base Cape Cod, due to the nature of the potential contaminants within some of the training devices. However, included was a provision for modification if among other requirements there was, “documentation demonstrating that the use of a propellant… suspended pursuant to this Order does not present a threat of harm to the public or the environment that would warrant its continued suspension under this Order.”
The authorization to use this device is also conditional upon the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s compliance with all conditions established by the Environmental Management Commission.
More information: EPA’s response to the Massachusetts Army National Guard, including EPA’s proposed agreement to modify the Administrative Order to authorize use of the PAN in training, is at www.epa.gov/superfund/otis