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…
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
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.
Bowman to Lead with ‘Drive, Innovation and Collaborative Spirit’
WASHINGTON, D.C.(Nov. 24, 2015) – The Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation across America, today announced that Andrew Bowman will assume the role of president starting Feb. 10, 2016.
“The Alliance’s board of directors is thrilled that Mr. Bowman has agreed to take on this critical role,” said Laura Johnson, Alliance board chair. “He embodies the drive, innovation and collaborative spirit that will lead the Land Trust Alliance and the land trust community to dramatically increase the impact of conservation in America.”
Bowman currently serves as the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s (DDCF) program director for the environment. During his 10 years at DDCF, he developed and obtained approval for more than $100 million in grants. Born and raised in California, Bowman earned a master’s degree in city and regional planning at the University of California at Berkeley, a Master of Laws in environmental and natural resources at the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College and a Juris Doctor degree at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
“The Alliance is an incredible organization that, over the last decade, has put in place critical programs and created key entities to serve the land trust community and ensure that land conservation is conducted with rigor, professionalism and integrity,” Bowman said. “It taps into the expertise and creativity of the staff, board members and supporters of its more than 1,100 member land trusts to advance land conservation in the U.S.”
Bowman said he’s particularly optimistic about the many opportunities to build a stronger conservation field in America. At DDCF, he conceived and launched major initiatives that diversified the conservation workforce by engaging young people from underrepresented, urban communities; reconciled the needs of wildlife with increased renewable energy development on public and private lands; and built a sustainable agriculture system in the greater New York City area that benefits people and wildlife.
“Private land conservation represents one of the few areas of strong bipartisan support for environmental protection,” Bowman said. “People of different backgrounds and political persuasions regularly join together to protect the places they all love. I’m truly excited to be part of such a positive, proactive movement.”
Among those to praise Bowman’s selection as the Alliance’s new president was his former instructor and longtime land conservation advocate, Bill Hutton.
“The Alliance’s choice of Andrew Bowman brings to the land trust community an experienced conservationist whose first steps on the path to the Alliance presidency may have been taken twenty-plus years ago in my land trusts seminar at Hastings,” said Bill Hutton, emeritus professor at Hastings College of the Law. “His passion for land conservation was evident even then, and he served as one of a small cadre of student editors who helped to launch The Back Forty—the Newsletter of Land Conservation Law. We should be most grateful for the wisdom of the Alliance’s search committee.”
“Andrew Bowman is a fantastic choice for the Land Trust Alliance,” said Mark Burget, North America managing director for The Nature Conservancy. “I have known and greatly admired Andrew for many, many years. He has devoted much of his life to the future of our lands and waters, a great service to nature and people across the country and indeed far beyond. And he has done so with his wonderful blend of intense intellect and graceful kindness. As our conservation community looks to an even brighter future, Andrew Bowman is the perfect person to take the reins at the Alliance.”
“Mr. Bowman has acted as a catalyst for groundbreaking conservation initiatives,” said Michael Dowling, chair of the search committee for the Alliance’s board of directors. “In his role at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, he provided critical grants to major Alliance initiatives such as accreditation, Terrafirma, and our national land trust excellence program. Andrew has deep knowledge of private land conservation and models the best ‘servant leader’ tradition of the Alliance.”
About the Land Trust Alliance
Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 1,100 member land trusts supported by more than 100,000 volunteers and 5 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at www.landtrustalliance.org.
NASTT turns 25 in 2015! What was happening 25 years ago?
On December 2, 1990, the first parliamentary election in newly reunified Germany was held.
Also on December 2, 1990, it was the first time 12 people were in space at the same time!
On December 4, 1990, due to Persian Gulf crisis, gas hit $1.60 per gallon price in NYC.
Check in every Friday in 2015 when NASTT posts more facts about 25 years ago…
Saltville, Virginia – Reline America has appointed Jamie Doane as Reline America’s Assistant 
Equipment Manager. Jamie has just celebrated his eight year anniversary with Reline. He began his career with Reline in 2007 as an Electrical and Ultra Violet Technician. Jamie’s long term career at Reline has made him a valuable asset.
Jamie is a local resident of Saltville and attended the local Northwood High School. He continued his education at Virginia Highlands Community College and holds a Virginia State Master Electrician License.
Jamie said, “The best part of my job here is the people I work with. I really enjoy the control end of the electrical and computer processes. I like the challenge of software trouble shooting.”
Brawoliner 3D is a premium transition liner designed for ambient and hot water cure. It is a woven, seamless liner suitable for installations with multiple 45 degree and sweeping 90 degree bends, and/or transitions. It can upsize from 3 to 4 inches, from 4 to 6 inches and from 6 up to 9 inches. Super Flex liner is an economic solution for 45 degree and sweeping 90 degree bends, and is suitable for use in both ambient and hot water curing applications. Scrim liner is designed especially for accuracy in straight shots where there are no transitions. This scrim-reinforced liner prevents longitudinal stretch and ensures an accurate inversion length.
HydraLiner’s new ambient epoxy system is specially designed to deliver quick set times—about 1.5 to 2 hours— and working times of 25-30 minutes without the need for heat. It is available in 5 gallon, 55-gallon, and 275-gallon containers. Epoxy to hardener mix ratios and cure times can be easily calculated using the HydraLiner Calculator mobile app. The free app may be downloaded from the Apple® App Store, Google Play® or the Windows® Store.
HammerHead Equipment has also released their 2016 Lateral Solutions Catalog, which lists all the above products and many more in 48-page print or digital versions. Print versions can be obtained by calling 800-331-6653, and PDF copies are available on both the HammerHead Equipment and HydraLiner websites.
“The catalog emphasizes how complete our lateral solutions offering is now,” said Ryan Boldan, lateral solutions manager for the company. “We’re dedicated to giving our customers a single source for everything they might need, and we’re trying to make the procurement process as quick and easy as possible. Our catalog lists CIPP equipment and consumables, PortaVision® inspection cameras, PortaBurst® pipe bursting and replacement systems, and water line slitters, along with financing options for all of it.”
Those financing options include the new HammerHead MasterCard from Bank of the West, a dedicated commercial line of credit that Boldan says offers customers an easy and convenient way to pay for equipment and consumables.
The HydraLiner liners and epoxies are available from HammerHead Trenchless Equipment or from authorized dealers, worldwide. Authorized dealers can be found on the web at www.hammerheadtrenchless.com or www.hydraliner.com or by calling 800.331.6653. (International: + [1] 920.648.4848).
(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $80,000 to the nonprofit environmental organization Manomet for its program to help grocery stores and dairy farms in New Jersey and New York conserve energy and reduce the amount of hazardous materials they handle. Many businesses that handle hazardous materials are unprepared to withstand severe storms, which can release toxic materials into the environment.
“Pollution prevention is some of the most important work being done to protect the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “This project will help business owners reduce their use of chemicals and conserve energy. By taking steps to reduce waste at the source, businesses can improve the environment and their bottom line at the same time.”
Under the program, Manomet will provide on-site technical assistance to as many as 40 ShopRite grocery stores, which are operated by the Wakefern Food Corporation, and up to five dairy farms. Training will focus on strategies to conserve energy and reduce the generation and the release of hazardous materials. Grocery store and dairy farm managers will receive training specifically tailored for their business. This grant is part of the approximately $5 million in grants the EPA awards each year to prevent pollution across the nation.
Manomet is a nonprofit environmental conservation organization based in Massachusetts whose mission is to conserve natural resources for the benefit of wildlife and human populations. The organization focuses on science-based solutions to environmental problems through research and collaboration.
For more information on the EPA’s pollution prevention program, visit http://www2.epa.gov/p2.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and Facebook at http://facebook.com/eparegion2.
Release Date: 11/24/2015
Contact Information: John Martin, (212) 637-3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov
One of the Nation’s Largest Water & Wastewater Utilities Approves
LMK’s Insignia™ End Seals & Lined Main Tap™ Saddle for Use in Sewer System Rehabilitation
Ottawa, Ill. (November 2nd, 2015) — The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), one of the largest water and wastewater utilities in the United States, has approved two infrastructure repair solutions from LMK Technologies for use in the Commission’s sewer systems. LMK’s Insignia™ End Seals and LMT™ (Lined Main Tap) Saddle were evaluated by the WSSC’s Materials Evaluation Committee (MEC) and approved for applications in Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, a region representing 1.8 million people.
“The WSSC has a very stringent and thorough review process,” says Rick Gage, Vice President of Sales at LMK Technologies. “We are proud of their findings, which further exemplify our dedication to quality, innovation and best practices in the Trenchless Technology industry.”
Since 1993, LMK Technologies has been a leader in the development of trenchless CIPP and sewer rehabilitation technologies. The LMT (Lined Main Tap) Saddle is designed to connect lateral pipes to mainline liners and mainline pipes that have not yet been rehabilitated. It is compatible with a variety of lining materials including polyethylene pipe commonly used in fold & form liners and pipe bursting, cured-in-place liners, and PVC folded liners.
The Insignia End Seal Sleeve was developed by LMK to ensure seamless and uniform water-tight seals at the end of rehabilitated pipe lining at the manhole penetrations. When used in conjunction with mainline CIPP lining, the Insignia gasket forms a watertight seal in the annular space between the liner and the host pipe. An annular space is always created between the host pipe and the liner because CIPP resins do not bond to the host pipe. Without the compression gasket, water will track behind the liner and re-enter the collection system.
For more LMK information please visit www.lmktechnologies.com, call 1-815-433-1275 or email info@lmktechnologies.com.
About The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
Established in 1918, The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is a government agency that provides safe drinking water and wastewater treatment to the majority of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland. It has a combined operating and capital budget of $1.8 billion. WSSC has never had a drinking water violation.
About LMK Technologies
LMK Technologies, a world leader specializing in trenchless methods to renew lateral sewer infrastructure has more than 100 worldwide issued patents for its advancements in trenchless technology. Headquartered in Ottawa, IL since 1993, LMK serves the municipal and residential markets through a network of licensed contractors.
DULUTH (Nov. 20, 2015) –U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Susan Hedman today announced the completion of a major habitat restoration project and additional funding for another habitat project in the St. Louis River Area of Concern on Lake Superior. Hedman was joined by U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan and Mayor Don Ness for a tour of the completed project in Chambers Grove Park in Duluth. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funded restoration work in the park and will contribute an additional $2 million to support the other habitat project at 21st Avenue West in Duluth Harbor.
“Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding has played a major role in the significant progress that has been made in the St. Louis River Area of Concern during the past five years — and it will play an even greater role in the future.” Hedman said. “Federal, state and local partners are working together to restore habitat and to clean up contamination that accumulated in the river and harbor during decades of industrial activity that occurred before modern environmental laws were enacted.”
The federal government has spent over $34 million to clean up and restore the St. Louis River Area of Concern. This includes over $26 million from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and approximately $5.7 million from the Federal Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses for critical dredging projects. Minnesota Legacy Fund resources totaling $10 million have also been used for work in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.
“The Great Lakes are a part of Minnesota’s heritage and history, and we must continue working together to preserve them for future generations,” said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “This funding will help protect our vital water resources from pollution and invasive species as well as restore the Great Lakes wetlands.”
“The progress that’s been made through the Chambers Grove and St. Louis River projects is a remarkable testament to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the hard work of the EPA and the commitment of people throughout our region,” said Rep. Nolan. “Now the work continues to complete restoration projects by 2020 – and to secure full federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative going forward so we can continue to clean up old pollution, restore habitats, wetlands and shorelines and battle invasive species throughout the entire system.”
“The future health of Duluth is dependent on our stewardship of Lake Superior and improving the integrity of the St. Louis River,” said Mayor Ness. “The river continues to be the backbone of Duluth’s economic health which is made stronger through partnerships with the EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and our state partners: the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Land Trust. The ingenuity of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has stabilized the St. Louis River estuary in Chambers Grove Park that was severely impacted by the 2012 flood and moves us in a positive direction as the City plans park improvements of up to $1 million next year to enrich the outdoor experience for all visitors to this critical gateway park.”
The United States and Canada identified 43 Areas of Concern pursuant to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. These sites are primarily rivers and harbors on the Great Lakes where habitat is degraded and contaminants have accumulated in sediment as a result of decades of industrial activity.
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. Since then, three U.S. Areas of Concern have been cleaned up and taken off the bi-national list: Presque Isle Bay (on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania), Deer Lake (on Lake Superior in Michigan) and White Lake (on Lake Michigan in Michigan).
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding has also been used to complete all necessary restoration actions at three additional Areas of Concern: Waukegan Harbor (on Lake Michigan in Illinois), Sheboygan River (on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin) and Ashtabula River (on Lake Erie in Ohio). Environmental monitoring is ongoing at these sites to assess their eligibility for delisting.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding is being used to accelerate cleanup work in the St. Louis River Area of Concern and the other remaining Areas of Concern on the U.S. side of the border. The St. Louis River Area Concern includes the lower 40 miles of the St. Louis River in Minnesota and Wisconsin and extends into the harbor area in Lake Superior. All of the work required to clean up and restore the St. Louis River Area of Concern is expected to be completed by 2020.
More information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is available at: www.glri.us.
Contact Information: Peter Cassell, 312-886-6234, 312-859-9614(cell), cassell.peter@epa.gov