What’s eating away at your vehicle
De-icing chemicals: A growing threat Motor vehicles face a constant battle against the elements, with one of the most insidious threats being corrosion. In colder climates where snow and ice are prevalent, it’s not uncommon to see traditional road salt … More from our cover sponsor →
You shall not pass: Dissuading motorists from hitting the road
Winter can be a beast, and its snowfall has already made 2014–15 memorable: particularly with snowstorm Knife. The storm dropped approximately 7 feet of snow in the Buffalo area, resulting in commuters being stranded — some for as long as … Continue reading →
From migrant worker to fire lieutenant
When Jorge Lara was a young boy, his parents were migrant workers in Florida. After dropping out of school, Lara figured that picking tomatoes was the only life he would ever lead. At 16, he became a first-time father. Today, … Continue reading →
Soil tillage and stormwater runoff
Among the geomorphic and hydrologic considerations of stormwater planning, soil types and conditions are often neglected. But stormwater control measures that are implemented on insufficiently permeable soil can lead to flooding, insufficient plant growth and even failure of the stormwater … Continue reading →
Madelia brings land back to life
A few years ago, the small south central city of Madelia came up with the brilliant idea to trademark itself as the “Pheasant Capital of Minnesota.” And why not? There are some 8,600 public access hunting acres within 20 miles … Continue reading →
Turning manhole covers into art
Some cities hold occasional “Art in the Street” competitions during long summer days, where boulevards are closed off and chalk artists of all ages come out to play. Functional and longer-lasting heavy metal art doesn’t usually share the same space … Continue reading →
I’ve got a crush on you
Should your community consider a glass crusher? It’s the little black dress of recyclable materials: It never goes out of style, it always looks great, it doesn’t decompose and it can be used again and again. However, despite its versatility, … Continue reading →
Balancing act: landfills vs. waste-to-energy plants
There’s a lot of gold in them thar hills. “Gold,” in this case, refers to municipal solid waste that can be recycled, reused, composted or converted into energy. It also includes the waste’s by-product of methane, some of which can … Continue reading →
Tackling stormwater pollution is a team effort
By TIM GOOD | Good Design, Deep River, Conn. In the last 15 years, even small municipalities have had to take big steps to combat the threat of pollution from stormwater runoff. The push came with the U.S. Environmental Protection … Continue reading →
Race, riots and rising expectations
In this issue of the Municipal magazine, our special coverage for readers focuses on the management of solid waste and of water treatment. Included in that coverage are topics that may be particularly interesting to wastewater treatment professionals, including an … Continue reading →
Is your garage ready for gaseous fuels?
More municipalities are exploring alternative fuels. As they do so, infrastructure becomes an important component. Are shops and technicians ready to handle the inclusion of alternative fuels, particularly gaseous fuels, into the fleet? According to Bill Davis, director of the … Continue reading →
Pedestrian bridge hitches an Indiana city to Louisville’s wagon
Jeffersonville, Ind., a city of approximately 45,000, is experiencing a downtown resurgence. That new life has come in part due to a recently completed, $22 million project known as the Big Four Bridge — a former railroad truss bridge that … Continue reading →
Monitoring and detecting snowplow driver fatigue
What weighs 29 tons, moves at 40 miles per hour and carries a 12-foot blade in front of it? It’s not a figment of a science fiction, but rather a commonplace sight in most northern states. The answer, of course, … Continue reading →
New view for an Iowa town
Madrid, Iowa, is located just to the west of a direct line connecting Ames and Des Moines. The population is about 2,360, according to the 2009 U.S. Census estimate: large enough to support many local conveniences, such as gas stations, … Continue reading →
2014: The year of coming back
Some of the most difficult issues faced by small- and mid-sized cities and towns seem to revolve around pension reform, tax caps and decreased federal funding for infrastructure. Even given these situations, however, municipalities accomplished a great deal in 2014. … Continue reading →
Resource recovery parks
The bad news is, Americans generate trash. Lots of it. Now, the good news: An increasing number of municipalities are finding ways to turn that refuse into fuel, reusable material and revenue. The problem Amid the convenience of disposability and … Continue reading →
Social impact bonds
Governments are well-intentioned when it comes to social programs, but oftentimes they focus on the amount rather than the quality of services provided. Funding for prevention is especially susceptible to cuts, making it difficult to consistently fund the programs, let … Continue reading →
New Product Trends
2015 budgets have been approved, and more than likely they include allocations for at least a few pieces of new equipment. Before submitting a specific item for purchase approval, though, take a look at what manufacturers say will be the … Continue reading →
