We clog down the right-of-way through the slop caused by a flood that besieged this construction site yesterday.  It looks like a tsunami zone.  Bob Gajeske finds his fusion machine sitting in the same spot he had left it.  Mud is packed around the wheels and frame so he kicks some off of it and starts fusing pipe.  He has miles of polyethylene to fuse together for the City of Garland, TX, and he isn’t going to let a little flood slow the operation down, “We can fuse large diameter pipe anywhere,” he says over his shoulder.

The $41.6 million interceptor project is five years in the making and includes 15 miles of HDPE including four miles of 48-inch pipe.  “This project really gives us the opportunity to show our experience and expertise,” says, Gajeske

Garland is similar to many other cities in the country.  Their piping systems need to be upsized to handle increased population growth.

“The process is the same all over the country,” he says.  “Once a city uses the pipe on a pilot project, it quickly becomes a part of the bidding process on future projects.”

The project involves installation of a raw wastewater force main and sludge transfer force main linking the 24-million-gallons-per-day (mgd) Rowlett Wastewater Treatment Plant to the recently expanded 30-mgd Duck Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“Polyethylene is reaching a tipping point for municipal
markets,” said Gajeske.  “Now that the industry has become
more accepting of it, its benefits are starting to shine and
cities are even discovering new ways to solve problems with
it.  But the largest advantage of the pipe is its sustainability,
and the role it can play in water conservation.  It’s the most
environmentally sound pipe currently being used with water
and that benefit is enough to warrant any
city looking into the pipe the way Garland
has,” he said.  “They’re on the cutting
edge of civil engineering and their city
will benefit from it for a very long time."

Fully Trained and Qualified

It can mean the difference between an early completion bonus and a job delay.

Fully Trained and Qualified–  It’s a simple concept that can carry so much weight on the jobsite.  In fact, most of us know all too well that using a crew that is not properly trained can have a disastrous effect on the bottom line.

For over 30 years, McElroy has offered basic and advanced training designed to enhance efficiency, productivity, and safety.  Whether you are new to fusion equipment, or just want to learn the latest techniques, McElroy Fusion training is the best available. 

New in 2008 – New Classes, More Training Opportunities, Qualification Testing
This year we have totally revamped, updated, and enhanced our classes.  These new classes will enable you and your team to maximize productivity in the field.  Also, all of our fusion operations classes include Qualification Testing which can provide added credibility, expertise, and competitive edge for you and your team.

A Class for All Needs and All Skill Levels
McElroy University classes are designed so that all students, regardless of skill level or past experience, will benefit from the training.  There are no prerequisites and all students are invited to enroll in any or all of the following classes.

• Small Diameter Classes (for pipe sizes from ½” CTS  to 4” OD)
• Small Diameter Fusion Operations School (includes qualification testing)
• Small Diameter Troubleshooting & Rebuild School

• Mid-Range Diameter Classes (for pipe sizes from 2” to 18” OD)
• Mid-Range Diameter Fusion Operations School (includes qualification testing)
• Mid-Range Diameter Troubleshooting & Rebuild School

• Large Diameter Classes (for pipe sizes from 8” to 65” OD)
• Large Diameter Fusion Operations School (includes qualification testing)
• Large Diameter Electronics Repair School
• Large Diameter Hydraulics Repair School

• TracStar® Classes (for the entire McElroy TracStar line of fusion equipment)
• TracStar Electronics Repair School
• TracStar Hydraulics Repair School

For more information, the latest schedule, or to enroll, visit our website at www.mcelroy.com/fusion/training.

Classes fill up quickly so don’t delay in registering.  It’s an investment that is certain to payoff on the jobsite. 

We look forward to seeing you in class!

HDPE PRESENCE: THE US MAYORS 76TH ANNUAL MEETING

PPI will be represented at the United States Conference of Mayors 76th Winter Meeting scheduled for January 23-25, 2008 at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC by a team including Frank de Alba (Chevron Phillips Chemical Company), Donna Stoughton (Charter Plastics), Mary Houston (WL Plastics), Frank Lopez (HD Supply), and PPI staff members Dana Gecker and Tony Radoszewski. The group will continue rolling out PPI’s new “Be a Hero” umbrella marketing/branding campaign as introduced at PPI’s Semi-annual meeting in Southlake, Texas. Booth graphics and collateral including a brochure with all PPI divisions represented an ad and case studies that emphasize economic and environmental benefits of use of corrugated and smooth-wall piping systems will be handed out.  Watch the News in Review for additional details and updates as the event draws nearer.

The Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT)

Prepare to be amazed and informed at the best educational and informational opportunity of 2008 for the underground utility construction and rehabilitation industry.
The Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) has so many different, important business and educational opportunities planned that attendees will be hard-pressed to take it all in! From the numerous pre-show programs, to the industry benchmark educational sessions, to the largest underground-only exhibition of the year, to the post-show programs, UCT offers something for everyone.

In 2008, UCT will be the only major event that bridges the gap between and trenchless and conventional methods, demonstrating how the integration of these technologies is the new reality.

For more details, log onto www.uctonline.com.

CUIRE Trenchless Technology Engineering & Inspection School

Six trenchless technology schools, organized by the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research (CUIRE) at the University of Texas-Arlington, will be held in conjunction with UCT. The schools are focused on the more technical and engineering applications of trenchless construction methods.

Jan.27‑28, 2008
Trenchless Technology New Construction Methods(conventional microtunneling & pilot tube microtunneling, pipe jacking, utility tunneling)
This course presents an overview of installation technologies, planning, design, and construction concepts, contracts, specifications and inspection issues, application assessment, geotechnical and site investigations, new equipment & methods, and case studies.

Trenchless Technology Pipeline Renewal Methods (Asset Management, CIPP, Close‑Fit, Sliplining, Manhole Renewal)
This course presents an overview of pipeline renewal technologies, old pipeline inspection methods, new government regulations, planning, design, and construction concepts, contracts, specifications and renewal inspection issues, application assessment, old pipe and site investigations, new equipment & methods, and case studies.

Trenchless Road Crossings Guidelines & Specifications For Government Agencies, DOT’s
This course presents contract and specification requirements, permit guidelines, issues and standards related to specific pipe materials, and construction inspection guidelines. A comparison of select state DOT’s guidelines will be provided.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1
Horizontal Auger Boring School & Pipe Ramming School
This course presents planning, contract and specifications, steel casing, steering and accuracy, geotechnical investigation requirements, safety issues, grouting and lubrication, carrier pipe installation, and new technologies.

HDD School
This course presents planning, contract and specifications, bore planning and layout, pipe load calculations, safety issues, steering and accuracy, gravity pipe applications, site and geotechnical investigation requirements, drilling fluids, tracking and locating, and new technologies. 

Pipebursting School
This course presents planning, contract and specifications, old and new pipe considerations, different pipe materials and pipe standards, safety & productivity issues, application assessment, gravity, lateral and pressure applications, and new technologies.

For Registration: Fees and discount information is available at www.uctonline.com or www.cuire.org; or call 301-694-5243.

Farmers fight water restrictions on Platte
LINCOLN, Neb. -- Water officials and farmers from across a large swath of eastern Nebraska have asked the state not to block more irrigation development along the lower reaches of the Platte River basin.
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Michigan Supreme Court narrows landmark environmental protection law
LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Supreme Court has put limits on a long-standing state law that allows Michigan citizens to sue over drilling, dredging and...
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Indians protest use of wastewater to make snow on sacred peak
PASADENA, Calif. -- Chanting and beating drums, American Indians marched to a federal appeals court to oppose the use of treated...
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New York company proposes moving water to Rio Grande
SANTA FE, N.M. -- A New York company wants to move water from Catron County into the Rio Grande, a plan that has upset residents in...
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EPA fines Gardnerville, Nev. developer over $76,000 for Clean Water Act violations
RENO, Nev. -- A Nevada developer previously fined $76,800 for violating the Clean Water Act with polluted storm water at a housing subdivision...
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Calif. Senate leader tells business lobby to back off water bond
SACRAMENTO -- Warning the business lobby and farmers to back off, Senate Democrats said it should be up to the governor and Legislature to...
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N.C. leaders seek long-term solutions to growing water problem
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Unless North Carolina seeks new water conservation methods, the ongoing population boom will make it difficult for state... 
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