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High Tech Revolution Near for Earthwork Improper compaction in roadway work causes poor road conditions. Poor road conditions result in $50 billion per year in vehicle maintenance costs. That figure provides a huge incentive for improving the quality of earthwork. With thirty years of research and development, and with Minnesota now allowing its contractors to use it, the time may be now for intelligent compaction ("IC," which grew out of GPS-enabled automated machine guidance technology). According to a feature article in California Construction, contractors are using a simple method of IC that involves an on-board compaction measuring device for roller operators and a more complex method that automatically adjusts drum characteristics in response to real-time compaction data. A joint effort of several state DOTs (not including ODOT) is promoting research to advance the technology. Learn about that effort on this web page. |
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Green Product Review: The Gray Water Toilet Behold, the lowly toilet. Its use accounts for 30% of an individual's daily water consumption. At an industry-standard 3.5 gallons per flush, and typically operated by a leaky rubber flapper, the American toilet is ready for an update. With dual-flush and high-efficiency options hitting the market, that update is coming. One of the more intriguing options is one that reduces the water consumption to zero. How so? By installing a fish-tank-sized gray water recycler under your bathroom sink, you can divert sink wastewater to your toilet. At maximum savings, it provides a ten-year pay-back time (excluding installation labor) for a two-person household. Visit the web site of Wastewater Technologies to learn more. You can also read a review of several green toilet designs on page 34 of the June issue of Green Builder magazine. |
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Ohio House Passes Anti-Discrimination Bill Though it still faces a difficult challenge in the Ohio Senate, a bill designed to protect employees from discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression recently gained approval in the Ohio House. Follow this link to review our summary of the measure. |
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Client Focus: Michael Cloonan and Flaherty Sales Representing a who's who of contractor and industrial suppliers, Flaherty Sales of Medina has served clients in Ohio and surrounding states for twenty-five years. I was pleased to help company president Michael Cloonan solve a legal problem, and in the process learn about a company that keeps many of our other construction clients well supplied and informed of new product developments. If you are interested in learning more, visit their home page or contact Michael. |
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Disclaimer
This document is intended to provide general information about legal developments, not legal advice. Receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. |
There is something for everyone in this issue of my e-newsletter. All employers will be interested to learn of a pending anti-discrimination bill. Everyone interested in reducing water consumption will benefit from this month's green product review. Earthwork contractors will find two articles relating to high-tech improvements to their equipment. And, I focus on a client's construction supply company and new changes to the AAA's arbitration rules.