In other news below, see:
-- AJT Engineers offers eco-friendly solution for small system wastewater treatment
-- Stormwater treatment specialist AquaShield opens Malaysian office
-- Harsco, DYK found liable for 2001 tank roof collapse in Carson, Calif.
-- Baker wins award from Society of American Military Engineers
-- Pennsylvania governor announces $496,201 in flood protection grants
-- HydroFlo CEO featured in the Wall Street Reporter
-- International Power Group signs global marketing agreement with FranTech
-- Gartner Lee expands use of Quantrix Modeler for environmental planning
-- Profiting From Water Conference set for November
-- Koch Membrane Systems announces KMS Assist Star Support Programs
Emerson named Process Control & Industrial Automation Company of the Year
AUSTIN, TX, Aug. 17, 2005 -- Emerson Process Management has been named the 2005 Process Control & Industrial Automation Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. For the second consecutive year, Emerson is being recognized for visionary leadership in the world market and for providing exceptional technologies and services that enable customers to improve overall efficiency...
Click here for more.
AJT Engineers offers eco-friendly solution for small system wastewater treatment
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL, Aug. 17, 2005 -- AJT & Associates Inc., a scientific and engineering company, is hosting an event to showcase Dragonfly Systems, a new product that provides an eco-friendly solution to wastewater treatment. Scheduled for Aug. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the event will provide guests with a demonstration of the system and its easy integration into many mobile applications. Dragonfly Systems' flagship portable restroom product, the Meadowhawk, will be previewed at the event. AJT will initially market Dragonfly Systems, to recreational vehicle, marine and portable bathroom facility manufacturers.
The Meadowhawk is a portable, luxury bathroom equipped with Dragonfly Systems' flushing capabilities, which eliminates the need for septic or holding tanks and waste disposal. The modern design features tile floors, ceramic toilets and sinks, mirrors, and air conditioning. The units provide customizable options such as handicap accessibility, skylights, music/TV connections, and solar paneling.
Eliminating chlorine and other chemicals from the water treatment process, Dragonfly Systems uses the disinfecting capabilities of ozone to treat wastewater with no byproducts. The system allows fully operational advanced sewage treatment systems to be integrated into mobile restroom facilities with no handling of black water or waste disposal.
AJT's patented technology utilizes an advanced aerobic system and a Programmable Logic Computer (PLC) to automate the water treatment and recycling process, eliminating the need to handle black water. With flushing and treatment capabilities, the Dragonfly acts like a miniature water reclamation plant to effectively treat and sterilize wastewater.
Modu-Built, a Tampa-based company specializing in manufacturing fiberglass modules for security and other applications, has joined efforts with AJT to integrate the Dragonfly System into one of their model units.
"AJT is teaming up with Modu-Built to launch a customized unit featuring our proprietary system, which we will incorporate into a fully operational bathroom facility," says Alfredo Teran, CEO AJT & Associates, Inc. "These units represent a small sample of the many applications in which the Dragonfly System can be integrated."
Modu-Built provides customers with the best value within the range of prefabricated, completely self-contained modular buildings. Modu-Built is the only modular buildings system, which is truly mobile and flexible. The units can be adapted for a number of applications including security buildings, disaster relief, EMS stations, and concession stands. For more information visit their Web site at www.modu-built.com.
AJT & Associates Inc. (www.ajt.com) is a scientific and engineering company that has been in operation for over seventeen years. With extensive experience in environmental control systems; the design and manufacture of advanced water and wastewater management and treatment. AJT serves federal, state and local government, aerospace prime contractors, and commercial clients.
Stormwater treatment specialist AquaShield opens Malaysian office
CHATTANOOGA, TN, Aug. 18, 2005 -- AquaShield Inc. announced today the opening of a new sales office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The new office complements existing AquaShield offices in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Korea, and will offer stormwater treatment solutions to customers throughout Pacific Asia, Australia, and the Middle-East.
"We are pleased to expand our operations and services into this geographical sphere", stated AquaShield president Kelly Williamson. "Stormwater treatment solutions are a vital component of both environmental and personal health in all nations, and we are looking forward to the increased international presence that this office will give us."
AquaShield Inc. (www.aquashieldinc.com) is a Chattanooga-based company specializing in the development and application of treatment solutions for stormwater and industrial runoff. The company's Aqua-Filter™, Aqua-Swirl™ and Aqua-Guard™ treatment systems are internationally recognized as among the most effective in the industry.
Harsco, DYK found liable for 2001 tank roof collapse in Carson, Calif.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Late yesterday afternoon, a Los Angeles Superior Court/Compton Division jury, after three days of deliberation, found Harsco Corporation 75% liable and DYK Inc. 15% liable for an Oct. 4, 2001 construction accident which occurred at the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant/Tank No. 19 at 24102 South Figueroa in Carson, Calif.
Dave Gowers Engineering LLC was found 3% liable and Quality Shoring and Scaffold Inc. was found 7% liable.
Plaintiffs Gonzalo Castillo and Ruben Gutierrez were among more than 11 people working on the roof form of Tank No. 19 being constructed for the Sanitation District of Los Angeles County when the roof collapsed. They plunged six stories into the bottom of Tank No. 19, which was filled with rebar, metal and wet concrete, and were severely injured. The damages portion of the case is set for Sept. 12. Castillo and Gutierrez are represented by Geoffrey S. Wells with the Santa Monica, Calif., law firm of Greene Broillet & Wheeler LLP in Gonzalo Castillo/Ruben Gutierrez vs. Quality Shoring and Scaffold Inc.
The trial began June 20, and was heard before the Hon. Rose Hom, with the case going to the jury on Aug. 12. The plaintiffs filed suit on June 13, 2002, alleging negligence, strict products liability and products liability negligence, among other claims. They successfully argued that Harsco and DYK Inc. failed in their duty of care and were negligent in the making, assembly, installation and maintenance of the falsework/shoring needed to erect the roof for Tank No. 19.
Harsco provided the shoring material that was used on Tank No. 19. Cal-OSHA's accident investigation report revealed that many of the shoring components were damaged and defective, including defective and cracked welds on many of the shoring frames. The jury found that Harsco's supplying of damaged and inadequate material was clear proof of its liability.
The jury also found that DYK was liable because it erected the shoring and scaffolding for Tank No. 19 in a negligent manner. The company had purchased co-defendant Quality Shoring and Scaffold Inc. (QSS) on July 30, 2001, from its owner, Alvin "Mick" Ruis. Ruis was then hired as a supervisor and was responsible for signing off on the final inspection of the shoring.
"This was a horrific accident that has altered the lives of decent, hardworking men and their families forever," said Geoffrey S. Wells. "We appreciate the jury's finding that Harsco Corp. and DYK Inc. were negligent and are being held responsible for the serious injuries that our clients sustained. This case should send a strong message to the shoring and scaffolding industry that worker safety comes first, and that it has a clear duty to inspect its inventory and repair any defective equipment before it is delivered and used on a job site."
Harsco Corp. (www.harsco.com) is based in Camp Hill, Pa. It is represented by Todd L. Peterson with the San Francisco, Calif., law firm of Dryden, Margoles, Schimaneck & Wertz. Via merger, Harsco acquired defendants SGB Construction Services Inc., SSGB Inc. and Patent Construction Systems. Harsco was the provider of shoring material to the Carson construction site.
DYK Inc. (www.dyk.com) is based in El Cajon, Calif. It's represented by John V. Gaule with the Arcadia, Calif., law firm of Oddenino & Gaule. The company purchased defendant Quality Shoring and Scaffold Inc. and was charged with erecting shoring for digester tanks at the Carson construction site.
Baker wins award from Society of American Military Engineers
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 17, 2005 (PRNewswire-FirstCall) -- Michael Baker Jr. Inc., an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corp., has been awarded the 2004 J.W. Morris Sustaining Member Award from the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). First presented in 1981, the award is given in honor of Lt. Gen. John W. Morris, U.S. Army, for eminent contributions to the Society by a SAME Sustaining Member.
A longtime supporter of SAME, Baker first joined the Society as a Sustaining Member Firm of the Pittsburgh Post in 1977. Since then, Baker has become a Sustaining Member Firm of 33 different SAME Posts in 13 SAME regions, at home and abroad, with 165 Sustaining Member Representatives.
Baker's Joe LaVoie, senior vice president of Federal Programs, said, "This is a tremendous honor for our company and one that I know all Baker SAME members share pride in receiving."
Baker's President and CEO Donald P. Fusilli Jr., added, "We've challenged Baker staff to become more involved and take on leadership positions within SAME and I'm pleased that their dedication in helping the Society meet its objectives has been recognized. This is an honor all Baker employees can be proud of and one that I particularly feel contributes to displaying our company's commitment to our clients."
The mission of the Society of American Military Engineers (www.same.org) is to promote and facilitate engineering support for national security by developing and enhancing relationships and competencies among uniformed services, public and private sector engineers, and related professionals.
Michael Baker Corp. (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering and operations and maintenance services for its clients' most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary practice areas are aviation, environmental, facilities, geospatial information technologies, linear utilities, transportation, water/wastewater, and oil & gas. With more than 4,200 employees in over 40 offices across the United States and internationally, Baker is focused on providing services that span the complete life cycle of infrastructure and managed asset projects.
Pennsylvania governor announces $496,201 in flood protection grants
HARRISBURG, PA, Aug. 18, 2005 (PRNewswire) -- Pa. Gov. Edward G. Rendell today announced the award of grants totaling $496,201 for flood- control projects that will help to protect 18 communities in 16 Pennsylvania counties.
"With thousands of miles of rivers and streams in Pennsylvania, we are using this program to make sure our communities have the resources they need to protect our people and our businesses in flood-prone areas from what can be devastating losses," Governor Rendell said. "This is one way we are working to improve the quality of life of our people and promote economic development."
State Environmental Protection Sec. Kathleen A. McGinty today awarded three grants as part of the program to the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority in Cambria County, where she toured the Sams Run flood protection project designed and financed by DEP. The flood protection project is now owned and maintained by the authority, whose three grants total $22,225.
"Rising waters are a fact of life in many Pennsylvania communities, but damaging floods don't have to be," McGinty said.
The Sams Run project was one of many built in the aftermath of the 1977 Johnstown flood that left 80 people dead and caused $200 million in damages over a six-county region.
"DEP assistance in the maintenance of these critical flood protection projects is vital to our ongoing redevelopment," said Ron Repak, executive director of the redevelopment authority. "These projects mitigate the risk of future flooding and control damages."
All of the grants are to help local governments maintain and improve the operation of municipal flood protection projects.
Pennsylvania contains more than 83,000 miles of streams -- more than any other state except Alaska -- and the commonwealth has one of the most extensive flood protection programs in the nation. DEP oversees more than 200 flood protection projects in more than 85 communities around the state.
Once a state-funded or federally funded flood protection project is completed, the municipal sponsor becomes responsible for long-term operation and maintenance. These grants will help to pay for repairs and improvements above and beyond routine maintenance, such as major repairs, safety improvements, sediment removal and the purchase of specialized equipment.
Grants are awarded based on anticipated benefits, such as extending project life or improving function or emergency response.
For the full list of grant recipients, click here for more.
For more information on Pennsylvania's flood protection grant program, visit DEP's Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: "DEP Flood Protection."
HydroFlo CEO featured in the Wall Street Reporter
RALEIGH, NC, Aug. 18, 2005 -- HydroFlo Inc. announced the company's chief executive officer, Dennis L. Mast, is featured today in an interview in the Wall Street Reporter. The topics of discussion include HydroFlo's five portfolio companies and all patented technologies that are marketed by the corporation. The interview also centered on the objectives and expectations for corporate expansion into the next calendar year.
During the interview Mast explains the latest agreement amendment with Essentially Yours Industries, Inc. (EYII) and the $210 million letter of intent received by EYII. He also discusses his projections and outlook for substantial financial growth of HydroFlo in the next 2-3 years.
To hear the entire interview, visit www.wallstreetreporter.com. The interview can be accessed by locating the ticker symbol (HYRF) on the right hand column under the OTCBB exchange heading.
HydroFlo (http://www.hydroflo.us) is a business development company. Based in Raleigh, N.C., its core focus is to acquire and develop innovative technologies and businesses that will improve the quality of water throughout the world by means of detection, treatment, and removal of contaminants.
International Power Group signs global marketing agreement with FranTech
WANTAGE, NJ, Aug. 18, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- International Power Group Ltd. signed a non-exclusive agreement with FranTech International Licensing Inc., of Ventura, Calif., which grants FranTech the right to market IPWG's environmental protection services through FranTech's network of 600 agents in 220 countries to governments around the world.
IPWG environmental protection services are uniquely suited to meet the needs of most countries. They include waste reduction remediation, compaction and shallow burial of hazardous waste. Also, as previously reported, IPWG signed a contract with Naanovo's proprietary waste to energy technology, for 12 modules, each are capable of combusting 180 tons of municipal solid waste per day. The modules reduce the waste to levels that are below 10% of its original volume and 20% of its original weight. The plant will generate a minimum of 72 megawatts of electricity as a byproduct of the process. In addition, the natural byproduct of each Waste To Energy module is distilled water in substantial quantity (145,920 gallons per day).
Peter Toscano, President/CEO of IPWG, said, "We chose FranTech because of their tremendous geographic reach and proven track record in establishing licensing agreements. With more than 35 years of experience, FranTech knows international trade policy, law, marketing, investment banking, and technology research. Its broad expertise, coupled with access to key governmental decision makers, provides services uniquely valuable to IPWG overseas."
The company explained that FranTech's mission is to foster the development of the global economy by providing a global perspective to developers, marketers, manufacturers and innovators on newly emerging and preemptive technologies. It offers world-class solutions for the licensing and transfer of USA innovations to emerging economies.
Philip Nadeau, CEO of FranTech, said, "We see a tremendous market worldwide for environmental protection services and already have interest from several countries. We plan on developing brand name recognition and positioning of IPWG with many governmental agencies where we already have relationships in place."
The International Power Group environmental protection services consist of waste reduction, remediation, compaction and shallow burial of hazardous waste. IPWG is dedicated to promoting cooperation among energy producing industries and nations through the advancement of environmentally friendly practices. Its focus is to manage the safe collection, remediation and transportation of hazardous and radioactive waste.
FranTech consists of core partners surrounded by interlocking networks of consultants and affiliates in key trading countries and disciplines. They have over thirty-five years of experience with their proven partners. In addition, it has proven track records in assembling, negotiating and consummating trade, licensing, technological and financial agreements; they pool strengths drawn from experience in international trade policy, law, marketing, investment banking and technology research. This expertise, coupled with access to key governmental and business decision makers, provides services uniquely valuable to IPWG in the restructuring global economy. IPWG is pleased to commence a strong working relationship with FranTech.
Gartner Lee expands use of Quantrix Modeler for wastewater planning
PORTLAND, ME, Aug. 16, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Quantrix today announced that Gartner Lee, a Markham, Ontario-based environmental consulting firm, has expanded its use of the desktop quantitative modeling software application Quantrix Modeler. Gartner Lee has used Quantrix Modeler since 2003 to develop financial decision support models, but used to export the data into traditional spreadsheet technology before delivery to its customers. Now the company delivers models directly to customers in Quantrix, and can turn projects around faster, reduce errors, and make client-requested changes on the fly.
Gartner Lee uses Quantrix to develop financial decision support tools for public and private sector organizations, A recent model of a county wastewater system calculates land use growth potential out 20 years, and ties those data to water and sewer requirements. It calculates net cash flow for the 20-year period based on growth rates of the municipality, operating costs, capital costs, and recovered tariffs. Gartner Lee developed the model in Quantrix, and delivered it directly to the customer in Quantrix, bypassing the step of exporting all of the data into a traditional spreadsheet.
"A project that size normally would have taken us two months to deliver," says Andy Keir, VP of strategic management for Gartner Lee. "Now, we can deliver it in two to three weeks." In addition, Keir says a huge benefit of Quantrix is its ability to "accordion" the model: "Any time you want to add another variable into a matrix, users just hit the 'enter' button," says Keir. "Clients always ask, 'can you add this?' In traditional spreadsheet technology, that is an onerous task; Quantrix is much more adept at this type of expansion."
According to Keir, purchasing the Quantrix Modeler technology for customers is significantly less costly than developing or exporting models to spreadsheet technology because the company can turn projects around significantly faster. "Expanding our use of Quantrix has already opened up more business opportunities for us, because the project price for clients is considerably reduced," says Keir. "Quantrix allows us to be much more responsive, to have less error, better quality, faster turnaround, and better client service. Quantrix is providing us with a competitive edge."
"It's hard for companies to break away from familiar technology, even when it no longer meets their needs. But once companies start using Quantrix Modeler, they don't look back," says Chris Houle, Chief Operating Officer of Quantrix. "It's a tool that was designed for real-world decision making."
Quantrix Modeler incorporates a unique approach that separates the logic of a model from the structure, which allows users to create and use formulas outside the confines of the cell. Formulas are expressed in words rather than by cell coordinates so they are easy to understand, trace, and audit. Users can make changes, incorporate new dimensions, and view multiple scenarios dynamically without redesigning or reworking their model.
Gartner Lee (www.gartnerlee.com) is a professional services company providing environmental science, economics, planning, and engineering consulting services. Since its founding in 1973, it has established offices across Canada and successfully completed thousands of projects for domestic and international clients in more than 30 countries around the world. A Canadian employee-owned firm, Gartner Lee has earned the trust of its clients by focusing on their needs and responding with high-quality, value-added solutions.
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, Quantrix (www.quantrix.com) develops financial and quantitative modeling software for professionals pushing the limits of traditional spreadsheets. Through intuitive architecture and a powerful, multidimensional calculation engine, Quantrix software enables users to reach new levels of business insight. Its flagship product, Quantrix Modeler, enables users to explore multiple dimensions simultaneously, define formulas with words rather than coordinates, and easily explore new scenarios without rewriting or restructuring models. Quantrix has customers in more than 20 countries. Quantrix has received funding from several sources, including the Maine Technology Institute.
Profiting From Water Conference set for November
LOS ANGELES, CA, Aug. 18, 2005 -- The dates for the Seidler Companies Profiting From Water Conference are November 13-15.
Focused on business and investment opportunities in the water industry, the conference is a "must attend" event. It will be held at the spectacular Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey, Calif.
It's hosted by Neil D. Berlant, first vice president and managing director for the Water Group at the Seidler Companies, an investment banking and asset management firm based in Los Angeles. Since 1968, Berlant has been continuously involved in the investment banking industry, either as a principal, officer, or founder of several firms. He been involved in numerous investment research reports on the water industry and conducted and spoken at conferences directed towards top corporate management, the investment community, and venture capitalists -- working with Fortune 500 companies and quoted frequently in newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Investor's Business Daily.
The past couple of years have seen more mergers, acquisitions, and private investments in water than ever before, Berlant notes. The performance of water industry investment portfolios has consistently out-performed the stock market for many years. Despite these facts, the water industry remains a largely neglected and under-researched industry area. The Seidler Companies Water Group is one of the very few investment firms that is dedicated to business and investment opportunities in the water industry.
The Profiting From Water Conference addresses business and investment opportunities in the water industry. The goal of the people who attend it is to uncover business and investment opportunities and make professional contacts. The purpose of the conference is to present a better understanding of how to achieve success in the water industry and how you fit into the water revolution of the decade.
Founded in 1969, Seidler (www.seidlercos.com) is one of California's leading independent investment banking and financial services firms. The firm provides a broad range of products and services in the areas of corporate finance, institutional capital market services and individual and family investing. Seidler is 100% family and employee-owned and is a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange Inc., National Association of Securities Dealers and Securities
Investor Protection Corp.
For more information, contact 800-840-1090 or [email protected].
Koch Membrane Systems announces KMS Assist Star Support Programs
WILMINGTON, MA, Aug. 18, 2005 -- Koch Membrane Systems Inc. (KMS), a developer and manufacturer of innovative membrane elements and systems, announces the KMS Assist® Star Support Programs. These comprehensive aftercare programs include a wide range of services proven to optimize productivity and performance, and extend the life of membrane systems.
The programs are comprised of five packaged support programs that can be tailored to the particular needs of each customer. The packages range from 24/7 telephone support by KMS service specialists who are knowledgeable about each system, to on-site service plans. The on-site programs may include a complete system diagnosis, operations and maintenance staff training as well as periodic service and maintenance. Other Star Support Programs include components for remote monitoring and data acquisition, either with the latest polling technology or with complete SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology.
KMS has an extensive ISO compliant training program for certifying field service engineers in each type of system and for each application. This training program makes KMS expertise available through annual, seasonal and new-hire training seminars.
By relying on KMS trained field service specialists, operators can ensure high system performance, prolong the life of membranes, reduce downtime, and correct small problems before they escalate, protecting their reputation and investment.
Koch Membrane Systems Inc. (www.kochmembrane.com) has been a global leader in separation and filtration products for over 30 years. A designer and manufacturer of membrane cartridges and elements, as well as complete membrane systems, KMS has products that treat even the most demanding applications. To enhance membrane performance, KMS offers a line of antiscalants and cleaning chemicals, and provides numerous maintenance and technical service programs. The company has supplied membranes to more than 15,000 systems used around the world, serving the food processing, life sciences, and general manufacturing industries, as well as providing potable water and wastewater treatment technologies for communities of all sizes.
Based in Wilmington, Mass., it's a member of Koch Chemical Technology Group LLC.
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In earlier newsbriefs, see:
-- "WaterBriefs: Colorado Springs Utilities goes live with MDSI's Advantex r7.7" -- Also in this report (Aug. 17, 2005): Washington Group International joint venture wins Fla. nuke plant job; Pacific Ozone opens Ozone SuperStore; NASA funded program helps stop water contamination; Efficiency Technologies Inc. enters sales agreement with Chemstar; DL Engineering & Controls hire Calif. engineering director...
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