As workers at Cianbro Cos.’s Eastern Manufacturing Facility in Brewer, Maine, load four massive petroleum refinery modules for barge shipment to Port Arthur, Texas, the firm’s chairman is touting a plan that could reap millions of dollars to spur construction of a new statewide green infrastructure. Peter G. Vigue, who also is Pittsfield, Maine-based Cianbro’s CEO, calls for establishing an energy trust authority to lease state-owned land and rights-of-way, particularly along Interstate 95, and more. The plan is backed by state legislative leaders, who are planning public hearings. Photo: Cianbro Maine fabrication yard produces refi nery modules for a record-breaking
As President Obama’s multibillion-dollar stimulus package becomes law, one thing is clear: thousands of construction workers will be helping to transform the American economy and landscape. Still, employment worries continue to be a source of concern. + Image Graphic: Rommel Alama / ENR Source: PAS inc. *2003 – 2008 actual annual increases, 2009 forcasted increases (excluding 0% increases) Photo: Ne Liuna Media/PR Stimulus helps but could still leave many workers jobless. "The nearly one million construction workers who have lost their jobs across the country have a renewed chance of success with passage of the stimulus legislation," says Stephen E.
Chinese-made drywall is causing off-gassing and corrosion problems in Florida, prompting at least two lawsuits. Powerplant fly ash used in manufacturing the product may be a possible culprit. Photo: AP/Wideworld One major builder has fi led suit over problems apparently caused by Chinese-made drywall. Related Links: Lennar Lawsuit Class Action Complaint The Florida Dept. of Health has received 68 odor complaints from homeowners. Lennar Corp., Miami, on Jan. 30 filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County, against several manufacturers, eight suppliers and 12 installers. The suit alleges the manufacturers made deficient and defective
Foul-smelling and discoloring Chinese-made drywall, apparently imported after Hurricane Katrina, has been the subject of more than 50 complaints in Florida, say state officials. “We don’t know whether this is strictly a material issue or if climate also is involved,” says Vincent M. Daliessio, industrial hygiene project manager for EMSL Analytical, Inc., Westmont, N.J., a materials consultant that is examining the problem after getting calls from building inspectors and builders. “We don’t know why it is appearing just in Florida. It could be just the tip of the iceberg or the distribution model for the vendor.” Drywall woes have plagued
Northbrook, Ill.-based Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is restructuring for global and green growth. The 114-year-old product-safety testing organization says it is creating five new operating units: product safety, UL University, environmental services, life and health sciences and verification services. Critical to the growing green market is UL’s new environmental claims validation service and its sustainable-products certification service. “Both are brand new services that are part of a new company that is wholly owned by UL called UL Environment Inc., Geneva, Switzerland,” says Christopher R. Nelson, director of corporate development. “There is a rising demand for products that are environmentally sustainable, and
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced December 17 that a settlement has been reached with Powers Fasteners, Inc., Brewster, N.Y., regarding the July 10, 2006 Interstate 90 tunnel plenum collapse that killed a 38-year-old local woman, Milena Del Valle. According to the agreement Powers will stop future sales of its fast-set epoxy and recall all previous sales. The firm will also pay a $16 million settlement: $15.5 million will go to a state transportation infrastructure fund and $500,000 to the City of Boston. According to Coakley the deal closes out most civil and criminal matters resulting from the tragedy. In
The Federal Highway Administration has reached agreement with former Central Artery/Tunnel project management consultant Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff over a fatal Interstate 90 tunnel plenum collapse that culminated in January with a $407.1-million settlement with the U.S. Attorney and the Massachusetts Attorney General. As part of the deal, the two firms will not be debarred from federal work but must implement further quality-assurance measures on future large federally funded projects. Photo: NTSB Falling Interstate 90 tunnel plenum panels killed local woman, sparking investigations. Related Links: FHWA Agreement Bechtel Infrastructure Corp, Frederick, Md., paid out $357.1 million in the settlement and Parsons Brinckerhoff
The 78-year-old Detroit Refinery, owned by Findlay, Ohio-based Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC, currently processes 102,00 barrels per day of crude oil “into products such as gasoline, kerosene, asphalt and diesel fuel,” says Marathon spokesperson Christiane Fox.
In order to build a new clinical facility for cancer patients on a tight Boston site, engineers and contractors had to devise a 70-ft-to 110-ft-deep barrier wall to serve double duty by cutting off groundwater and isolating ground vibration. They did that by installing a rock-socketed 3-ft-thick slurry wall incorporating 268 permanent tieback anchors, many located under a busy city street, and by cantilevering a lay-down area. Photo: William J. Angelo/ENR Slurry wall and tiebacks protect tight site. The $350-million Yawkey Center for Cancer Care is the latest addition to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The 15-story structure is being
Architect of the Capitol U.S. Capitol Visitors Center “It’s not enough to be great,” says Susan S. Klawans, Gilbane Building Co.’s director of client satisfaction. “You need to be able to satisfy clients and build long-term relationships. Repeat work driven by long-term relationships is the cornerstone of our business, and we’ve been doing it 134 years.” It works. About 70% of Gilbane’s clients are repeat business and 30% is new market growth, says Klawans. “We’re relying on satisfied clients and architects to be our champions with the new clients,” she says. In addition to Klawans’ oversight, Gilbane has a number