Georgia Contractor May-June 2012

THE VOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF GEORGIA

The Georgia

CONTRACTOR Volume 8, Issue 3

May | June 2012

HOW GREEN IS THE ASPHALT! FHWA-Sponsored Survey Shows a Surge in Asphalt’s Green Side.

Recycling and Warm Mix Play Their Parts.

See story on page 6

T-SPLOST

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The Georgia Contractor

Letter from the Editor MAY | JUNE 2012 Dear Readers~

W

e have concentrated on Transportation in this issue in the hope that TSPLOST will pass in July and that voters will come to know its importance to our economy, our future, our jobs, and our opportunities. It really is that important. From Washington we are getting an update that the Final Long-Term Transportation Bill is within reach, we hope. Clearly, things cannot continue as they have been; action needs to be taken and creative minds have to come into play to allow Georgia to reach its potential as a true transportation hub of the east coast of the United States. The harbor deepening is essential, and so is the creation of the infrastructure that will lead to the successful logistics of the transportation delivery system throughout the region.

With that in mind, we took another look at the highway construction materials, asphalt, and concrete, with fine presentations on ‘How Green is Asphalt’ and ‘Ready Mix Concrete.’

These are two in-depth presentations of great interest.

As you all know, in March CEFGA and SkillsUSA concluded a very successful Careers Expo with the largest attendance ever. Scott Shelar, the Executive Director of CEFGA, took time out to report on this event, which was truly remarkable in that the construction industry continues to be weak and the support from industry, while terrific, could not financially participate as it used to. It is coincidental and timely that our governor’s Go Build Georgia initiative came into play and participated in this event as well; timely, as both programs are aiming to solve the same problems in our labor market—to help young people interested in the construction trades obtain the skills and training that they will need to be successful in this profession. It is essential that every effort be made to let high school students know about the excellent opportunities that exist in the construction trades. Those great opportunities are still available today. Our skilled labor force is getting older, and many members plan to retire soon; successors are hard to find.

The Go Build Georgia Program will be starting a promotional program soon, not only in the print media but also on television. We invited the ‘Go Build Georgia’ team to send us their article, which is being presented on page 10 under ‘Georgia Skilled Labor Situation.’ This article is very interesting and highly informative.

We hope that you will find this issue of interest. Our presentation contains articles and news that you will not find anywhere else in the print media. Drop by and visit us at www.thegeorgiacontractor.com. You will like it.

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R. Petersen-Frey Editor-in-Chief v May | June 2012

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On The Cover

The Georgia Contractor www.thegeorgiacontractor.com

Managing Editor R. Petersen-Frey (770) 521-8877 Art Director Pamela Petersen-Frey (770) 521-8877

The Georgia Contractor is published bi-monthly on a calendar year basis. It is a magaHOW GREEN IS THE ASPHALT! Asphalt’s green technologies aren’t just friendly to the environment, they’re friendly to the wallets of state DOTs and other public agencies. As infrastructure needs grow and funding sources shrink, recycling and warm mix—which can save serious dollars—occupy an increasingly important part in the plans of the agencies charged with maintaining our roads and highways.

See the story on page 6

zine designed around the construction industry associations and their members. It is supported by associations and their members. Executive, editorial, circulation, and advertising offices: 1154 Lower Birmingham Road, Canton, Georgia 30115 • Phone: (770) 521-8877 • Fax: (770) 521-0406 e-mail: rfrey@a4inc.com. Send address changes to your association and/or to A4 Inc.

Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of any of the associations or publisher nor do they accept responsibility for errors of content

“Gort! Klaatu Borada nikto.”

or omission and, as a matter of policy, neither do they endorse products or advertisements appearing herein. Parts of this magazine may be reproduced with the written consent of the publisher.

A4 INC. (770) 521 8877 USE A COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST WITH YOUR TRANSLATION PROJECT, because a little mistake in another language can have unpleasant results.

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The Georgia Contractor

The Georgia

Contractor

May | June 2012

CONTENTS

6 How Green Is the Asphalt!

10 Shining Light on the Skilled Trades: Georgia’s Skilled Labor Situation

13 Georgia Construction Industry’s Largest Event “Biggest and Best Ever!”

13

15 A Brief Overview of Georgia’s New Industrial Stormwater General Permit

17 Hiring: Do it the Steve Job’s Way.

19 Lessons Learned | Accessibility Assessment

20 20

Ready Mix Concrete Adjusts to Economic Conditions: Keying on Public Works

22 Atlanta ~ A Megalopolis?

23 Final Long-term Transportation Bill Within Reach

24 Georgia Wood Design Awards

24 May | June 2012

26 Georgia Contractor News 5

How Green Is the Asphalt!

FHWA-Sponsored Survey Shows a Surge in Asphalt’s Green Side. Recycling and Warm Mix Play Their Parts.

By Margaret Cervarich | Vice President | Communications and Public Affairs | National Asphalt Pavement Association esearch sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) shows significant growth in the use of green technologies—reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), and warm-mix asphalt technology (WMA) in 2009 and 2010.

Asphalt’s green technologies aren’t just friendly to the environment, they’re friendly to the wallets of state DOTs and other public agencies. As infrastructure needs grow and funding sources shrink, recycling and warm mix—which can save serious dollars—occupy an increasingly important part in the plans of the agencies charged with maintaining our roads and highways.

Atop the findings of the survey: • Over 99 percent of all RAP is now being reused or recycled in highway applications.

R

• 96 percent of asphalt producers reported using RAP. For the years 2009 and 2010: • Use of warm mix soared from 16.7 million tons in 2009 to 47.2 million tons in 2010—an astounding 180 percent increase in one year.

• Use of RAP increased by ten percent.

reducing the need to acquire and process virgin binder and aggregates, the industry could avoid one million or more tons of CO2 emissions with just a slight increase in the rate of RAP use.

A previous authoritative publication on the subject of RAP usage was a June 1993 Report to Congress from FHWA and the Environmental Protection Agency, which reported an 80 percent reuse/recycle rate for RAP. The 80 percent rate documented in 1993 was higher than for any other construction material.

In terms of reuse/recycling rates, the 2009-2010 numbers bested the 1993 numbers significantly. In 1993, when highway construction activity was significantly higher than during the current economic downturn, a total of 91 million tons of RAP was reclaimed, and 73 million tons was recycled or reused in highway applications; again, this was an 80 percent rate. The 1993 report did not attempt to estimate how much RAP was reused in hot mix versus other highway construction such as shoulders and base.

In 2009, 67 million tons of RAP was reclaimed, and 56 million tons went directly back into asphalt plants to make hot-mix or warm-mix material, a rate of 86 percent. In 2010, when 80 million tons of RAP was reclaimed, 62 million tons went into hot or warm mix, a 77 percent rate.

Of the small amount of material not going back into hot or warm mix, all but .005 percent was recycled into shoulders, base, or other highway uses.

• Use of RAS boomed by 57 percent.

Growth of reuse/recycling In 2005, a NAPA survey of contractors and DOTs found that about 12.5 percent of the asphalt pavement material used at the time was made up of RAP. Today, that figure has increased to 17.6 percent. As a side note, by 6

‘Highest and best use’ The highest and best use of RAP – giving the biggest environmental bang for the ton of reclaimed material—is reusing it in hot mix or warm mix. This is because the asphalt cement in the RAP is reactivated as binder. This cannot be done with any other

pavement material. Thus RAP replaces, one for one, both virgin binder (five percent of the material by weight) and virgin aggregates (the other 95 percent).

Not only does RAP help conserve precious natural resources and lower emissions, it provides economic benefits. When prices of both asphalt binder and aggregates are in flux, RAP can help stabilize prices for contractors and their customers.

Helping to boost the numbers for putting RAP through an asphalt plant for hot mix or warm mix: Base and intermediate pavement courses in some states have been produced with 100 percent RAP. In addition, RAP is being used in higher and higher levels in surface courses.

New research under way at the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University, and planned by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, will help develop hot-mix/warm-mix asphalt designs that will greatly increase RAP contents in mixes without sacrificing performance.

RAS on the rise Reclaimed shingles from manufacturing waste as well as reroofing projects contain binder that can be used to reduce the amount of virgin binder used in asphalt mixtures. RAS typically has 20 to 30 percent binder.

RAS use increased 57 percent from 2009 to 2010. The study found that 724,000 tons was used in 2009, rising to 1.14 million tons in 2010. Assuming a conservative asphalt content of 20 percent binder in the shingles, this represents a saving of 234,000 tons (1.5 million barrels) of virgin asphalt binder. (In the 1993 report, reuse/recycling of roofing shingles was not known.) Recent advances in technology for reclaiming, testing, and utilizing shingles are credited with boosting the reuse of this valuable resource.

The Georgia Contractor

A paving crew uses warm-mix asphalt containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to pave a suburban street.

May | June 2012

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It is estimated that there are about 11 million tons of waste shingles available in the US each year. Therefore the amount of RAS being used in asphalt pavement production represents about ten percent of the total available asphalt shingles (manufacturer waste and tear-offs).

Warm-mix use soars The first public demonstration of warmmix asphalt in the U.S. was a 2004 project at World of Asphalt in Nashville. Today, warm mix has been tried in all but three of the 50 states, and at least 29 states have specifications for WMA. Initially, warm mix was heralded as a way to enhance conditions for workers at the paving site. As contractors and agencies explored the use of WMA technologies, however, they discovered construction benefits including the potential to extend the paving season in cold climates, enhance compactability, increase haul distances, reduce energy use and emissions at the plant, and even use higher percentages of RAP.

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In 2009, the survey estimates the total tonnage of WMA at 16.7 million tons. This grew to 47.2 million tons in 2010, for a 180 percent increase. Worth noting is that less than 100,000 tons was produced in the U.S. in 2004. Plant foaming is used for the majority of WMA production; however, the use of chemical and organic additives also increased between 2009 and 2010.

The public-private partnership represented by the FHWA’s Warm-Mix Asphalt Technical Working Group deserves much of the credit for the rapid deployment of warm mix. Manufacturers of both foaming equipment and additives also have contributed mightily by creating more and more technologies for producing warm mix. In 2004, only three WMA technologies were available in the U.S., while today at least 25 technologies are represented on the Web site at www.WarmMixAsphalt.com.

Also worth noting is that the U.S. rate of utilization of warm mix is far ahead of any other country.

Making the Most of WMA, RAP, and RAS The full survey is available from the NAPA Web site at www.asphaltpavement.org/index. php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&It emid=33 NAPA offers a number of publications that are helpful to contractors and agencies on warm mix and recycling. These include: • Warm-Mix Asphalt: Best Practices, 2nd Edition (order number QIP-125) • $45 list, $35 government agencies/educational institutions • Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles in Asphalt Pavements (order number IS-136) • $20 list, $15 government agencies/educational institutions • Designing HMA Mixtures With High RAP Content: A Practical Guide (order number QIP-124) • $20 list, $15 government agencies/educational institutions • Recycling Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavements (order number IS-125) • $16 list, $12 government agencies/educational institutions • All are available from the NAPA online store at http://store.hotmix.org.

The Georgia Contractor

In conclusion, the survey clearly shows that the asphalt pavement industry continues to lead the nation in environmental stewardship and in economic stewardship. Increases in the use of RAP, RAS and WMA score successes for both the environment and the economy. Precious natural resources are conserved. Workers have a more comfortable work environment. Pavements can be of higher quality at less cost, and can last longer. Ultimately, the American public is the biggest beneficiary of asphalt’s push for green technologies. v Table 1: Summary of RAP, RAS, WMA Survey Reported Values 2009

Estimated Total Values 2010

2009

2010

Tons of HMA/WMA Produced Total, Million

124.0

119.8

358.4*

358.0*

DOT, Million

56.9

55.6

169.2*

171.6*

Other Agency, Million

28.1

27.8

83.5*

85.8*

Commercial & Residential, Million

35.6

32.6

105.8*

100.7*

RAP Companies/branches Using RAP

186

186

Tons Accepted, Million

23.2

24.0

67.2

72.9

Tons Used in HMA/WMA, Million

20.0

21.6

56.0

61.6

Tons Used in Aggregate, Million

1.4

1.6

6.2

7.3

Tons Used in Cold Mix, Million

0.4

0.4

1.5

1.6

Tons Used in Other, Million

0.1

0.1

0.7

0.8

Tons Landfilled, Million

0.1

<0.1

0.1

<0.1

Avg. % for DOT Mixes

12.5%

13.2%

Same

Same

Avg. % for Other Agency Mixes

14.0%

15.2%

Same

Same

Avg. % for Commercial & Residential

17.5%

18.0%

Same

Same

National Average All Mixes

15.6%

17.2%

Same

Same

44

61

Tons Accepted, Thousand

332.1

558.7

957.4

1,1851.0

Tons Used in HMA/WMA, Thousand

245.8

392.7

723.9

1,136.1

5.0

2.5

6.1

3.2

-

-

-

-

39.0

34.5

123.2

124.8

RAS Companies/branches Reporting Using RAS

Tons Used in Aggregate, Thousand Tons Used in Cold Mix, Thousand Tons Used in Other, Thousand

-

0.5

-

6.7

Avg. % for DOT Mixes

0.33%

1.44%

Same

Same

Avg. % for Other Agency Mixes

0.37%

0.47%

Same

Same

Avg. % for Commercial & Residential Mixes

0.63%

0.81%

Same

Same

Tons Landfilled, Thousand

WMA Companies/branches Reporting Using WMA

85

121

Avg. % for DOT Tons

6.3%

15.0%

Same

Same

Avg. % for Other Agency Tons

4.4%

21.7%

Same

Same

Avg. % for Commercial & Residential Tons

4.5%

11.6%

Same

Same

6.4

18.2

16.7

47.6

% Using Chemical Additive

15%

20%

Same

Same

% Using Additive Foaming

2%

1%

Same

Same

83%

79%

Same

Same

0

1%

Same

Same

Total Tons, Million

% Using Plant Foaming % Using Organic Additives

*ese are very approximate values.

Summary: Table 1 summarizes reported and estimated total values from the survey. e estimated total values were determined by factoring the values for the reported tons to the total state tons. e percent of DOT, other agency, and commercial/residential mixes using WMA increased from 6.3 to 15.0 percent, 4.4 to 11 percent, and 4.5 to ten percent, respectively.

May | June 2012

9

SHINING LIGHT ON THE

SKILLED TRADES

By The Go Build Georgia Team

10

The Georgia Contractor

Breaking the stereotypes 77.8 percent of parents think their child entering into the skilled craft labor trades will have a negative impact on their child’s safety and health. 44 percent of parents think it will have a negative

or even own their own company.

A perfect example of the cool factor that comes with a career in the skilled trades is Go Build Georgia spokesman, Mike Rowe. In addition to being a household face and name through his work as the executive producer and host of “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe,” he is also a huge champion of the importance of skilled labor to America’s future.

There is good money to be made with a career in the craft trades. Did you know that the average hourly median wage for a welder is $22.45? Or that a boilermaker’s hourly wage comes in around $26.97? This information needs to be disseminated to our students and parents. These are great jobs that if continue to go unfilled will cause an economic crisis for our state.

Lastly, many people have been told that the only path to a successful career in our country is a four year college degree. While a suitable path for many students, it is not for everyone. Other options such as technical schools and training programs can lead students into high-demand, highwage jobs.

impact on their child’s financial goals. These are just a few of the statistics that the Go Build Georgia team is determined to change. Skilled labor is in high demand but short supply, and it is time to break the antiquated way of thinking about these hands-on jobs. It is time to make the skilled trades cool again.

Another common misconception is that these are jobs that do not translate into longterm careers. There is a great opportunity for entrepreneurship within the skilled trades. A student can start as a journeyman and through learning and hard work will eventually supervise a fleet

What are the options in post-secondary education?

The Go Build Georgia team recently took a trip, along with local high school students, to tour the facilities at McKenney’s Mechanical Contractors and Engineers. When asked about their plans for post-secondary education, a few were college bound, but many were still undecided.

This is the perfect opportunity to educate these students on the availability of skilled trade careers in our state.

Georgia has a strong technical college system and university system that have been driving this

ith over 82,000 positions opening within the skilled trades over the next five years, it is important to communicate these opportunities to Georgia’s citizens. Students and parents especially need to be aware that these jobs are not only available, but are well paying, respected career paths. Many people seem to be unaware of the wage and lifestyle benefits that come along with pursuing a career in these fields.

Go Build Georgia focuses on five areas within the skilled trades: manufacturing, industrial construction, energy, telecommunications, and transportation. All of these areas play a crucial role in keeping Georgia’s economy healthy and thriving.

With Georgia’s unemployment still resting above the national average, it is time for a call to action.

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GeORGiA’s skilled lAbOR siTuATiON

May | June 2012

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idea for many years. Go Build Georgia is here to bring attention to the skills gap our state faces and the opportunities these careers present to our students and those currently unemployed.

By visiting the Go Build Georgia website (www.gobuildgeorgia.com) anyone can Custom Build Your Career by creating a profile on the site. The site will direct someone towards a career based on their interests and other factors. Site users may then upload resumes and keep a log of the information they find useful on the site.

After receiving thank you letters from each student, our team realized what an important accomplishment this is for these students.

“SkillsUSA has allowed me to evolve from simply a modest to a distinguished cabinetmaker, and now I have the confidence to compete on the national level.”

–Caleb Floyd, Warner Robins High School “By attending this conference, I have the chance to go up against the best of the best in field of sheet metal…” Clint Wells, Hephzibah High School

Students of Skills USA In March, SkillsUSA Georgia, in collaboration with the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia, hosted a Career Expo in Atlanta. Students traveled from across the state to compete in many facets of the skilled trades.

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Development provided travel scholarships to nine participants in the National SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City.

“Being able to compete against the best high school students from across the nation has prepared me to be a champion in the world of work.” ~Brett Jenkins, omson High School

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Programs like SkillsUSA are exactly what Go Build Georgia aims to highlight.

These opportunities teach students not only invaluable work skills, but also to take pride in their projects.

The Future of Georgia’s Skilled Workforce Having a strong workforce in our state is important for several different reasons.

When companies look to make the move to Georgia, it is our goal to present them with a pool of highly skilled, professional workers. More manufacturing and construction companies that choose to locate their facilities throughout the state means more jobs for Georgians.

With this program and the support from all communities, we are heading in the right direction as a state. We are positioning our economy to be competitive not only nationally, but internationally.

Go Build Georgia has gained much support from key stakeholders as the team continues to spread the message of the benefits of a career in the skilled trades. As we bring educators and business leaders together, we hope to create a new, positive image for these skilled trade careers. v

The Georgia Contractor

Georgia Construction Industry’s Largest Event “Biggest and Best Ever!”

Congratulations 2012 Georgia Carpentry Champions! Pictured above are the 2012 SkillsUSA Georgia State Champions for the Carpentry Competition, sponsored by CEFGA and Go Build Georgia. (l to r) Silver medalist Sam Andrus of Allatoona High School, gold medalist Tyler Hendrix of Griffin High School and bronze medalist Clint Clackum of Cedartown High School. The event was held March 16, 2012, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). The gold medalist, Tyler Hendrix, will represent Georgia at the SkillsUSA National Championships in June.

Joshua Willis stood with pride in thing out of themselves at a young age. For me, it eliminated the job search after Allison-Smith Company’s booth school. I already had a job waiting on me.” at the 2012 CEFGA CareerExpo.

The 2012 CEFGA CareerExpo and It was one year ago that he was on the other side of the booth, meeting employers, looking for an opportunity he dreamed of since he was five years old.

“My goal at this event last year was to go as hard as I could and get a job and that’s what I accomplished,” said Willis, who competed in the SkillsUSA Electrical Wiring Competition last year, and caught the eye of a volunteer judge from AllisonSmith Company. “This event is great because it gives young people an opportunity to display their skills and go make someMay | June 2012

SkillsUSA State Championships, held March 15-16 at the Georgia International Convention Center, attracted more schools, more companies, and more students than ever before. Nearly 5,000 students from 225 schools visited with reps from 335 companies. The record-breaking 6,685 total attendees represented a five-percent increase over 2011.

“It was our biggest and best event ever,” said Scott Shelar, executive director of CEFGA, the event’s primary organizer. “We had more schools, more students, and more industry professionals than ever before.

“We are always so impressed with the quality of the attendees,” Shelar said. “Our industry professionals were especially moved by the quality of the students, the quality of the SkillsUSA competitors, and the general politeness and professionalism of the students.”

In addition to being a golden opportunity for students to learn about career pathways in architecture, construction, and energy, the CareerExpo and SkillsUSA event is evolving into a unique opportunity for employers to meet their new workforce.

Allison-Smith Company picked up Joshua Willis last year. This year, multiple electrical contractors were eyeing the top SkillsUSA competitors in the Electrical 13

Wiring and Industrial Motor Control contests.

“It was nice to see in action the answer to the question we all ask, where are we going to get people to replace us when all the Baby Boomers retire?” said Bob Kalas of Day & Zimmermann, a $2 billion construction and maintenance company.

“There are some really sharp young people out here who are approaching the trades and it is up to us, both contractors and owners, to help them get there. Thanks for the invite and we WILL be back next year to help this program going forward.”

“There’s been a big push for everybody to go to college,” said Tim Grimes of Dollar Concrete. “But our country was built by people putting things together with their hands.

This CareerExpo is a great place for us to 14

share all of the careers available in concrete.”

CEFGA’s eighth annual CareerExpo represented Georgia’s largest youth workforce development event. More than 300 companies, trade associations, and postsecondary education and training programs created interactive exhibits to demonstrate the scope of the industry and introduce students to specific career paths.

The purpose of the event is to encourage students to explore and consider careers in architecture, construction, and energy.

The CareerExpo covers an area the size of six football fields, divided into 12 different ‘Worlds.’

For example, in the The World of Masonry, students observe a Master Brick Mason laying brick and block, then are given an opportunity to work with ‘mud’ and

lay brick to a line.

And in the The World of Heavy Equipment and Utility Contracting, students operated equipment simulators and actual large pieces of construction equipment (under close adult supervision.)

Through hands-on activities, students learned about specific careers, understanding the skills, education, and training necessary for employment. In addition, this year’s event put a special emphasis on STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and how these disciplines are used in the building industry.

For more information about the CareerExpo and SkillsUSA State Championships, please contact CEFGA at (678) 889-4445 or info@cefga.org, or visit our Web site at www.cefga.org v The Georgia Contractor

A Brief Overview of Georgia’s New Industrial Stormwater General Permit

By Daniel E. Agramonte, PE | O’Brien & Gere

O

n April 16, 2012, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (Georgia EPD) issued the 2012 Industrial Stormwater General Permit, GAR050000 (2012 IGP). The 2012 IGP sets forth the requirements that most regulated facilities must implement to comply with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972. The CWA introduced the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to reduce/eliminate the release of toxic substances into water. NPDES regulates storm water discharges from a broad range of industrial facilities. In Georgia, administration of industrial storm water discharges as required by NPDES is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Background On July 31, 2011, the 2006 General Storm Water Permit (2006 IGP) expired. Coverage for regulated facilities was extended under this permit until the 2012 IGP takes effect on June 1, 2012. The new general permit is significantly different from the 2006 IGP. What follows is a brief summary of the major changes.

The 2012 IGP is Georgia’s approach to satisfying the requirements in the federal 2008 Multi-Sector General Permit (2008 MSGP). To ensure compliance with federal requirements, Georgia EPD issued the 2012 IGP, which requires ten categories of industries to obtain coverage. Regulated facilities either ‘attach’ themselves to the state’s general storm water permit by completing a Notice of Intent (NOI) or submit a ‘No Exposure Exclusion’ for exemption from permit requirements. Submittal of an NOI obligates the regulated facility to abide by the terms of the general permit.

May | June 2012

Systemic Changes Organization: The organization of the 2012 IGP has been changed to more closely align it with the federal permit (2008 MSGP). In doing this, the new permit organizes regulated facilities into 27 sectors plus one sector for non-classified facilities (Sector AB).

Classification of a facility is based on its Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code. For example, a beer brewery would be classified as SIC 2082, which would cause it to be regulated as a Sector U facility.

Permit Requirements: A regulated facility is subject to general requirements, set forth in Parts 1 through 7, and sector-specific requirements, set forth in Part 8 of the 2012 IGP. These sector-specific requirements may include best management practices and/or analytical sampling (i.e., benchmark monitoring). For example, per Part 5, all facilities covered by the permit are required to implement an industrial storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). Any facility involved in the manufacturing of food and kindred products (including beverages) has a sector-specific requirement to inspect loading and unloading areas for all significant materials, storage areas, including associated containment areas; waste management units; vents and stacks emanating from industrial activities; spoiled product and broken product container holding areas; animal handling and holding areas; staging areas; and air pollution control equipment.

Additional Requirements: The 2012 IGP also has changes affecting the following: • A new requirement to verify that there is no non-storm water discharge entering the storm sewer system has also been implemented. Appropriate verification methods include dye, smoke or equivalent testing, TV surveillance, or analysis of as-built drawings/schematics.

• Target values have been established for

benchmarks (these were not provided in the 2006 IGP).

• A mechanism is now provided for a facility to establish its own benchmark.

This was not provided in the 2006 IGP. • Numeric effluent limitations now affect seven types of discharges (the 2006 IGP only had six).

• Analytical sampling results performed during the term of the 2006 IGP must be summarized and retained by the facility.

• Records pertaining to the 2012 IGP must now be kept for at least three years following coverage termination.

• The requirement to perform routine facility inspections (including quarterly inspections and annual sampling) no longer applies to inactive/unstaffed facilities.

• Facilities exceeding benchmark values must now address the exceedance with changes to existing BMPs or make a determination that a further benchmark reduction is neither feasible nor economically practicable.

• Facilities exceeding numerical effluent limits must now implement corrective action and follow-up monitoring (minimum frequency is quarterly).

• Analytical results not prepared on-site must now be performed by an accredited analytical laboratory.

• Additional provisions when a pollutant of concern (POC) causes an impairment to a stream that is located within one mile of the regulated facility. These provisions clarify benchmark sampling requirements and provide four options for the regulated facility: 15

• The regulated facility may certify that the pollutant of concern is not exposed and/or not present at the facility.

industrial activities, as well as application and storage areas for pest control chemicals used at the facility

• If the POC in the facility’s discharge is expected to be less than the water quality standard or there is sufficient waste load allocation for the POC based on the total maximum daily loading for the POC.

• The following must be inspected at least quarterly if potentially exposed to storm water: loading and unloading areas for all significant materials; storage areas, including associated containment areas; waste management units; vents and stacks emanating from industrial activities; spoiled product and broken product container holding areas; animal handling and holding areas; staging areas; and air pollution control equipment

• The facility was previously required to conduct impaired stream segment sampling per Part III.C. of the 2006 Industrial Storm Water General Permit.

• The POC is present in the discharge to the impaired stream segment.

Other requirements specific to impaired streams have also been implemented in the 2012 IGP, including clarification regarding distance to impaired streams, appropriate sampling parameters for fecal coliforms, and handling of benchmark/pollutant of concern exceedances.

Within Sector U, additional requirements may also apply to specific areas within the sector, known as ‘subsectors.’

Facilities performing animal processing are subject to specific operational (e.g., procedural) and structural BMPs. Benchmark monitoring applies to the following categories (subsectors) within Sector U: • Subsector U1: SICs 2041 – 2048, grain mill products

• Subsector U2: SICs 2074 – 2079, fats and oils • Subsector U3: SICs 2011 – 2015, meat products Facilities in Subsector U3 with discharges from material storage piles are also subject to additional benchmark monitoring requirements.The nature and complexity of the requirements dictate that facilities be aware of their primary SIC code in order to fully understand applicable requirements.

In Closing The changes to the 2012 IGP are indeed far reaching in their efforts to comply with multitude requirements, including: The federal permit (2008 MSGP), EPD Rules and Regulations for Water Quality Control, and EPD’s anti-degradation policy.

Regulated facilities are advised to read and understand the new permit. If needed, technical consultation should be considered in order to ensure compliance and reduce potential environmental liability. v

Specific Sectors ~ an Example Regulated facilities will be classified into one of the 27 sectors in the 2012 IGP. Specific requirements may apply in the various sectors, including best management practices (BMPs), inspections, and sampling.

These changes are numerous, and it is suggested that facility-specific sectors be consulted in the 2012 IGP. For example, the 2006 IGP required annual analytical sampling for facilities in 21 sectors. The 2012 IGP has added six sectors, bringing the total to 27 specific industrial sectors. Consistent with the federal 2008 MSGP, many of these requirements are at the sub-sector level. For example, all ‘Food and Kindred Products’ (Sector U) facilities are subject to the following supplemental requirements: • The drainage area site map must indicate the location of vents and stacks from cooking, drying, and similar operations; dry product vacuum transfer lines; animal holding and handling area; spoiled product; and broken product container storage areas if they’re exposed to precipitation or runoff. The SWPPP for the facility must document food and kindred product processing-related 16

The Georgia Contractor

Hiring: Do It the Steve Jobs Way

By Patrick Valtin

J

im was the perfect candidate with many years of solid experience as a professional sales rep and had an obvious talent of persuasion and communication skills. But the hiring manager had some strong reservations during the interview. Jim’s strong focus on results ‘right now’ and a certain aggressiveness that could probably overwhelm or upset clients were some of the weaknesses he was concerned about.

In regards to Jim’s focus on the purposes of the company, its role in the community, the vital importance of innovation, and unselfish dedication to excellence, he did the perfect job. He sold himself like never before and got hired.

Four months later, Jim was fired for lack of vision, lack of dedication, and worst of all, for his lack of honesty in his intentions.

The manager knew he had to hire ‘the Steve Jobs way,’ but had no real clue as to how to do it. He hired what he saw and what he heard ‘at the moment.’ He was trapped into Jim’s salesmanship talent. And he was fooled by Jim’s hidden intentions: to get the job, ‘no matter what needs to be said…’

Vision-minded. Everyone joining the company must have a clear picture of its management vision—and fully agree to fight for it, to defend it, and to live with it every day.

Applicants who do not seem to get it are systematically rejected. When you hire people who don’t seem to agree with, or care about your company vision, you are potentially employing future enemies.

Patrick Valtin You too can apply these attributes when you look at attracting top players and ensure you avoid trouble makers.

To help you in the hiring process, here are the main ‘Apple selection attributes.’

Innovation-minded. Steve Jobs always emphasized the vital importance of hiring people who are innovative—willing to create something from nothing. Applicants are first chosen for their ability and willingness to constantly create, rather than for their technical competence.

Future-minded. Employees at Apple are driven by their leader’s vision of the future and they contribute everyday to creating the future, more than just beating the competition. Each of them owns the future of the

Steve Jobs’ Hiring Philosophy Steve Jobs was an amazing and unconventional leader in many respects. His reputation as the best entrepreneur of our time can be summarized in a few words: he and his top execs never compromised with the talents and qualifications required of their employees. He personally interviewed over 5,000 applicants during his career. He and his executives considered very different qualities in people than most business owners do. When you thoroughly analyze Apple’s philosophy of hiring, you find out that there has always been fundamental, uncompromising attributes needed to get a job at Apple Inc. May | June 2012

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market because they know they can contribute to creating it. The eagerness to create, not follow the future is a vital attribute observed in top players, no matter the industry.

So, in order to avoid falling in the momentary personality trap—as the hiring manager in the above example did, you should also focus on the following two basic soft skills:

Passion-minded. Steve Jobs’ first principle is: ‘Do what you love.’ People are hired because they love the product, the company, and its vision. Applicants who do not demonstrate a genuine passion and ‘love’ for the company’s purposes and business philosophy will never make it.

Honesty. Did you know that one third of all business failures in the USA are due to employee theft? Also, 95 percent of all US companies are victims of theft, and yet only ten percent ever discover it. So this is definitely a crucial criterion to evaluate. Everybody recognizes the importance of honesty so it would make sense to evaluate it PRIOR to evaluating any other soft skill, wouldn’t it?

There are strong indicators which allow you to precisely evaluate honesty.

Here are just a few: gaps in the resume, contradictory data between the resume and your standard job application, negative reaction or embarrassment from the applicant to your challenging questions, and lack of accuracy in applicants’ explanations of previous achievements.

Contribution-minded. A statement given by an Apple recruiter is clear enough: “We didn’t want someone who desired to retire with a gold watch. We wanted entrepreneurs, demonstrated winners, high-energy contributors who defined their previous role in terms of what they contributed and not what their titles were.”

Engagement-minded. Over two thirds of Americans are not engaged in their workplace. Apple management is strict on employees’ level of commitment. Committed individuals who are inspired by a grand purpose make the whole difference in the most competitive conditions.

Excellence-minded. Steve Jobs was known for his passion of perfection. The company always tries things out until they are perfectly done. The same attitude is expected of every collaborator. Applicants who do not share that passion for excellence do not have a chance.

Willingness. According to the US Department of Labor, more than 87 percent of employee failures are due to unwillingness to do the job. You can’t simply force someone to do something if they do not want to.

Such persons will do what you want in order to keep their job or to avoid penalties. But they will not really put their heart into it.

Most applicants will tell you that they are willing, of course. The key to finding out if they are honest is to ask them to prove it.

Challenge them to demonstrate that they have been willing to work hard, learn something new, question their old habits, work under tough conditions, etc… The way you do this is simply by asking them to give you specific examples when they had to display such willingness.

So, hire the Steve Job’s way, by all means. But don’t forget these two basic attributes in the same process. Inform applicants that your company values and management philosophy imply honesty and willingness/positive attitude as primary selection criteria, no matter the position— lack of either is enough to be considered unqualified! v About the Author Patrick Valtin is the author of No Fail Hiring and a 24-year veteran coach and trainer in the fields of management and human resources. He is the President of M2-TEC USA Inc. Patrick has personally trained 85,000 business owners and executives from over 30 countries in the last 23 years on the subjects of business strategies, leadership and people management, hiring, sales, and marketing. For more information, please visit www.nofailhiring.com, www.m2-tec.com or call (877) 831-2299.

Other Critical Attributes to Evaluate You will notice that these seven points enforced in the Apple’s personnel selection are all personality-related attributes, also called soft skills. They do not always guarantee performance. But the chance of selecting productive people is at least 200 percent higher when focusing on these vital soft skills. It is very well known that recruiters who focus on soft skills in their personnel selection process are, on average, 50 percent more effective in selecting top players.

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The Georgia Contractor

Accessibility Assessment Observations & Lessons from the School of Experience By ECS Corporate Services LLC. he purpose of the accessibility assessment is to determine if a property has conditions out of compliance with existing regulations.

The Americans with Disability Act, Public Law 101-336 (1/26/1992) requires in all places of public accommodation or commercial facilities that: 1) new construction must be designed and constructed so as to be readily accessible to and usable by person with disabilities,

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still recognizes the Fair Housing Act for accessibility issues on their properties. At this time, HUD has considered the new ADA requirements as a ‘Safe Harbor’ for new construction.

Here are some typical questions and answers concerning ADA requirements:

2)

Yes. Barrier removal need be accomplished only when it is ‘readily achievable’ to do so.

3)

alterations to existing construction must be designed and constructed so as to be readily accessible to and usable by person with disabilities, and in existing construction, all “readily achievable” barriers must be removed

by January 26, 1992 to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The ADA was revised on September 15, 2010, and the revised requirements took effect on March 15, 2011. The compliance date for the 2010 Standards for new construction and alterations is determined by: the date the last application for a building permit or permit extension is certified to be complete by a state, county, or local government; the date the last application for a building permit or permit extension is received by a state, county, or local government, where the government does not certify the completion of applications; or the start of physical construction or alteration, if no permit is required.

If that date is on or after March 15, 2012, then new construction and alterations must comply with the 2010 Standards. If that date is on or after September 15, 2010, and before March 15, 2012, then new construction and alterations must comply with either the 1991 or the 2010 Standards.

May | June 2012

Are there any limitations on the ADA’s barrier removal requirements for existing facilities?

What does the term ‘readily achievable’ mean?

It means “easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.”

What are examples of the types of modifications that would be readily achievable in most cases?

Examples include the simple ramping of a few steps, the installation of grab bars where only routine reinforcement of the wall is required, the lowering of telephones, and similar modest adjustments.

What are the ADA requirements for altering facilities?

All alterations affecting the usability of a facility must be made in an accessible manner to the maximum extent feasible.

For example, when alterations are made to a primary function area, such as the lobby of a bank or the dining area of a cafeteria, an accessible path of travel to the altered area must also be provided. The bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving that

area must also be made accessible. These additional accessibility alterations are only required to the extent that the added accessibility costs do not exceed 20 percent of the cost of the original alteration. Elevators are generally not required in facilities under three stories or with fewer than 3,000 square feet per floor, except as specifically required by the standard.

ECS can provide varying levels of accessibility assessment from visual assessment and a Level II checklist assessment as part of a Property Condition Assessment to a full assessment of a property utilizing checklist of the United States Access Board.

An Accessibility Assessment can provide the client with useful information regarding how to improve their properties. This information can be helpful in creating expense budgets to maintain or upgrade a property.

We hope that these ‘Lessons Learned’ will be helpful to you in your next project.

Respectfully, ECS Corporate Services, LLC© 2011 ECS Corporate Services, LLC All Rights Reserved v

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READY MIX CONCRETE ADJUSTS TO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS; KEYING ON PUBLIC WORKS By Roy H. Keck, FACI

The project is part of a $46 million bridge and interstate widening of the interchange to reduce traffic congestion and to accommodate future growth of Clayton County, all while maintaining existing traffic flow during construction.

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The Georgia Contractor

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The project consists of a total of 31,000 square yards of pavement at a depth of 12 inches. A typical placement requires 900 cubic yards of ready mix concrete at a rate of 100 cubic yards per hour May | June 2012

ust five years ago, total annual US construction was at $1180 billion, with privately funded work comprising 75 percent of this total. Since then, construction has declined 30 percent to the current total of $827 billion, with the private sector dropping to 65 percent of the total.

The annual value of publicly funded construction has remained level over that period, ranging from $286 billion in 2007 to $288 billion in the 2011, based on US Census Bureau data.

Funding for highway construction is typically provided by Congress to the states through a six year appropriations bill, with the most recent called SAFETEA-LU which covered fiscal years 2004-2009. The boost in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided $48 billion nationally and $903 million dollars in Georgia construction or maintenance projects to our state highway system. GDOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009 fiscal year received a significant boost to over $2 billion total appropriations because of the stimulus money, in spite of the decline in funding from the Georgia General Assembly The downturn in availability of privately funded construction in Georgia has pushed local ready mix concrete suppliers to reach deeper into public works and transportation markets to keep their plants and trucks in business. The interchange reconstruction project at I-75 and State Route 54 in Morrow, Georgia, represented a significant use of Portland cement concrete in both bridge structures and pavements.

McCarthy Improvement Company was chosen by CW Matthews to complete the paving of 31,000 square yards of concrete for the $46 million project.

Because of the complexity of the project, the paving would be spread over a 24 month period. This factor and the lack of a suitable nearby batch plant site caused McCarthy project management to consider using a local ready mix supplier to provide their concrete needs. This was 21

an opportunity for local supplier Walker Concrete to demonstrate the viability of a ready mix company in supplying a mainline Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) operation.

A mainline paving operation typically supplies concrete to a high production paving machine from a central-mixed concrete batch plant, with its product delivered by dump trucks. A very high rate of delivery is achieved this way, for typically thick sections (ten inches or more) of pavement with widths of 20 to 25 feet. During the course of a day, it is possible to pave a mile or more of PCCP in such an operation.

Ready mix concrete production differs in that concrete is usually batched using what is called ‘dry batch plant,’ where the mixing is done after all materials are

charged into a transit mixer. The complete batching and mixing operation may take longer than central mixing, and the hourly production rate is limited by the plant’s weighing and feeding capabilities. For this reason, supplying a concrete paver operation is often not done using a ready mix batch plant.

The concrete plant chosen for this project actually has two automated plants on-site with the primary plant having a production rate of 150 cubic yards per hour. For this project, Walker shifted some of its other business to nearby plants, and through effective planning of the day’s orders, was able to meet the high production needs for each of the scheduled pavement pours.

Georgia DOT continually upgrades

major intersections in the state in order to make exit ramps more durable, often replacing failing pavement with Portland cement concrete. The factors GDOT considers in determining the appropriate project pavement section is based on availability of materials. This has a direct bearing on the economics of the project. Ready mix concrete is as viable an option as other materials since every GDOT district has local ready mix companies within just a few miles of every interstate intersection. According to the GDOT Pavement Design Manual, rigid (PCC) pavements typically last for 30 years or more with little or no maintenance, and as a result, GDOT uses Life Cycle Cost Analysis based designs. v

Atlanta ~ A Megalopolis?

By Jim Hamilton, PE | President ACECG | Chairman of GEA

I

had a very fortunate childhood in Decatur, Georgia. I knew the City’s mayor— my Dad (Jack Hamilton), and he knew a lot of movers and shakers in the metro area including Mayor Hartsfield and, my favorite, Richard Rich (Rich’s Department store). So, when my fifth grade teacher (Mrs. Williams) assigned us to prepare a social studies project about the future of Atlanta, the Mayor (Dad) suggested that I do an expose about Atlanta potentially being a megalopolis (mind you, this is before the sign at the Darlington apartments said our population was even near 1,000,000). My Dad was just home from strategic planning meetings with five other mayors, county leaders from five counties and of course, the Governor and Lt. Governor. The term megalopolis came up as a potential future descriptor of the former Marthasville.

A megalopolis is a large urban

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complex and usually involves several cities, towns, counties, and communities that link together (usually along transit corridors that move people and commerce). Megalopolis is a Greek word for ‘Great City.’ Megalopoli, founded in 371BC was a town in the western prefecture of Arcadia and had a characteristic of ‘unbridled growth in all directions.’ I recall that I concluded that yes, the ATL could be a megalopolis- no oceans or other geographic constraints to stop us- why not?

I recall drawing a map (with no I285 on it, as it was not built then), showing the region and our neighboring states, and how this megalopolis would grow and grow (smartly, mind you) and perhaps connect to the outlying cities—Macon, Columbus, Greenville, Augusta, Chattanooga, and when connected—we have our megalopolis with Atlanta in the middle. My study concluded that climate, resources, and commerce, combined

with transportation would be the drivers of our growth. My Dad’s strategic group of the ’60s cited two potential problems however. Without enough water or great transportation solutions the growth and our economy will suffer—not only in Atlanta, but throughout Georgia.

And so, here we are 50 years later and these two issues are at the forefront—water and transportation. If we miss the 2012 opportunities to address these issues, we set the stage for a very difficult future for Atlanta and Georgia going forward. I could write an entire piece on water as I have spent more time there. This is the year for transportation commitment as the TSPLOST vote inches closer and closer (July 31, 2012). This transportation related vote is likely the most important event for engineers and for all Georgians—I think more important for Georgia than who occupies the White House for the next four years. v

The Georgia Contractor

Final Long-term Transportation Bill Within Reach

By Matt Reiffer | Director of Transportation Programs | ACEC

T

he path to a new long-term transportation bill in Congress has been a winding and often frustrating endeavor. Yet, despite the partisan rancor, and a series of nine short-term extensions of current highway and transit programs over the last twoand-a-half years, enactment of a final bill is very possible this year. This would represent a major victory for the engineering industry, and comprise arguably the most significant jobs and economic growth initiative to emerge from Congress this year.

Passage of a final compromise bill to send to the White House was a key lobbying objective for Council members during our recent Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington. A new transportation bill will create near-term jobs and economic activity by kick-starting projects stalled by the current unpredictability in federal funding. Long-term improvement projects will facilitate economic growth by enhancing mobility, easing congestion and improving safety. State departments of transportation and local agencies need the certainty of a multi-year program with stable funding in order to advance these vital projects.

On March 14, the U.S. Senate passed an ACEC-backed two-year surface transportation reauthorization bill (S. 1813) that maintains current funding levels plus inflation through September 2013 for federal highway and transit programs. The bill, called “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” or MAP-21, was approved on a broad bipartisan vote of 74-22.

MAP-21 authorizes $85.3 billion for highways and $20.9 billion for transit programs over two years. The bill consolidates many existing highway programs, gives states more flexibility in allocating funds, reforms project delivery requirements and begins implementation of performance measures for state transportation departments. In addition to formula funding to May | June 2012

states and local agencies, it provides $1 billion per year in financing support to leverage additional private investment through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. In order to support the highway and transit program funding levels, MAP-21 supplements the Highway Trust Fund with $13.9 billion by redirecting certain fees and transferring funds from various other accounts.

The Senate bill is by no means ideal.

ACEC and our industry allies would prefer a longer-term bill that stabilizes the Highway Trust Fund in a sustainable way. However, Senate committee leaders crafted a bipartisan approach, and it is much better than continued short-term extensions of current programs.

In the House, Republican Leaders were forced to abandon plans for a comprehensive five-year, $260 billion authorization plan after the bill failed to garner sufficient support. On April 18, the House adopted an alternative measure to advance the legislative process and begin conference committee negotiations with the Senate. The

The House bill (H.R. 4348) includes an additional 90-day extension of current transportation funding and programs, as well as ACEC-backed provisions to approve the Keystone XL pipeline and improve the environmental review process for projects.

A House-Senate Conference Committee has been appointed to negotiate a final bill. ACEC will continue to support the highest possible funding levels, while also promoting aggressive project delivery reforms that will save time and lower project costs. We will also seek to retain language from the five-year bill that would task state departments of transportation with contracting out for engineering services to the maximum extent practicable.

The current extension of federal highway and transit programs expires on June 30. We need a final bill to be negotiated and signed into law before that deadline.

With the help of ACEC members communicating with their lawmakers about the importance of this bill to our industry and the nation’s economy, we can get it done. v

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Georgia Wood Design Awards Traditional Use of Wood This category recognizes the innovative use of wood in buildings that traditionally feature wood in their design and construction, such as wineries, churches, clubhouses, lodges, and out-structures. Buildings that push the limits of wood design, as well as those that showcase one or more of woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualities such as strength, beauty, versatility, and cost-effectiveness were favored. tvsdesign and Walter P. Moore and Associates of Atlanta won in the Traditional Use of Wood category for the Sykes Chapel Center for Faith and Values in Tampa, Florida, because of the creative use of various wood elements in a traditional structure, including structural glue laminated arches that both provide the main structural framework and the beautiful interior design feature. The building is located in the geographic center of campus. This 13,000square-foot building, 65 feet tall, is a nondenominational place of worship for the University of Tampa. The shape of the building represents two praying hands. The entrance to the center opens to a pre-function vestibule from which visitors can view the main hall of the chapel. The main hall of the center seats approximately 260 people.

Douglas-Fir Larch Glue laminated wood trusses/columns were used as the structural support system for the chapel main hall. Wood was also used in the main hall in many other places including the walls, ceiling, stage, and storefront window.

Wood was used for floors and wall/ceiling veneers in the Contemporary Meditation Room, one of two mediation rooms in the chapel, which also has a 13'-0" diameter labyrinth inlay in the floor.

Wood was chosen as the primary interior finish for the chapel mainly for its warmth and beauty. The exterior of the building is clad in brick, stone, and metal, which complements the other campus 24

buildings while the wood in the interior breathes life outward from the building at night through large windows on the north and east facades. Inside the chapel, the cherry wood walls and ceiling work in harmony with the light colored floor.

Wood was also chosen for its acoustical properties. Tongue and groove 2 1/2" Southern Pine wood decking covers the ceiling of the vaulted main hall. The decking is arranged in a wave-like pattern to bounce and diffuse the sound around the grand space during musical performances.

Wood also finished the pipe organ case.

Wood behind the Walls This category honors the creators of nonresidential buildings that are structurally more than 90 percent wood-frame, that demonstrate innovation in terms of architectural design and function, and showcase woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength, versatility, cost-effective-

ness and/or other qualities.

Hughes/Beattie/O'Neal/Law Architects/Planners, Johnson Laschober & Associates, P.C., and Allen-Batchelor Construction Inc. of Augusta won in the Wood behind the Walls category for The Sanctuary in Evans because of how wood was used to accomplish the traditional cathedral design while efficiency was maximized using wood structural elements such as prefabricated wood trusses and interior wood elements such as wainscoting.

The original church structure was a small metal building. The growing church was in need of a larger worship space and new facade to hide the cold uninviting metal structure. The new church building is 22,263 square feet. Used primarily for church services, the building was finished in 2010. The church seats 950 and includes offices, a coffee shop, and a bookstore with a fireplace.

Wood construction provided a significant cost savings over a metal framing system. The use of prefabricated wood trusses combined with the on-site wall construction provided design flexibility and shortened construction time. Local skilled carpenters and a simple installation process helped keep labor and overhead costs to a minimum. The traditional cathedral design could only be accomplished with the use of interior wood elements including wood brackets, exposed beams, wainscoting, and paneling.

The cathedral design required a simple but flexible framing system. Plywood sheathing provided support for the exterior finish while also providing shear bracing in the walls and roof. Species include Southern Yellow Pine and spruce wall studs, and interior wainscoting and trim are cedar, alder and birch. v Sykes Chapel for Faith and Values ~ Tampa, Florida The Georgia Contractor

Sykes Chapel for Faith and Values, Sanctuary ~ Tampa, Florida May | June 2012

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Georgia

NewsContractor

IEC Members, Pace Electrical Contractors and Eaton, Bring CAR-CHARGING STATIONS to Savannah Pace Electrical Contractors Inc. in partnership with the city of Savannah unveiled two brand-new electric car-charging stations in the Whitaker Street parking garage yesterday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The chargers are Eaton’s PowR-Station Level Two, which will easily fill an all-electric vehicle battery in as little as four hours. This model is the perfect choice for the garage, which allows customers to ‘plug-in’ while shopping or dining in Savannah’s City Market.

“This is a little bit of an experiment for us,” said Sean Brandon, director of Parking Mobility Services. “We have gotten calls about it. We are responding to demand. These charging stations will help us gauge what should go in, what type of equipment, how the spaces should be laid out. Should demand increase over the next few years, we will be able to respond to it.”

Pace Electric Project Manager Shannon Yarborough added, “Pace is proud to be a leader in bringing this green energy technology to Savannah. We worked very hard to coordinate this project with the city and to fully educate ourselves on the car-charging technology. As the electrical and energy industries evolve, we find it important to keep up with the trends— which clearly involves more renewable energy technologies.”

Both Pace Electrical and Eaton have been long-standing members of the IEC in the Savannah area. IEC is proud of their part in bringing green energy technology to Savannah, and IEC anticipates other locations will soon follow suit!

For additional information, contact 26

Niel Dawson, Executive Director at (770) 242-9277.

IEC is a trade association for merit shop electrical contractors. IEC offers a wide array of training programs for

apprentices and experienced electricians, personnel referral including loan/borrow programs, and provides a broad range of informational resources for electrical contractors in Atlanta and Georgia. v

Mary Ellen Sprague, District Four Alderman; Robbie Jones, Pace Electrical Contractors Inc.; Mayor Edna B. Jackson; Shannon Yarborough, Pace Electrical Contractors Inc.; Van R. Johnson, II, District One Alderman stand in front of one of the two electric car charging stations in Savannah’s Whitaker Street Garage.

The Georgia Contractor

IEC Georgia’s Newest Board Member, Chris Correll, Brings Insightful Experience from Legrand North America e Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Georgia Board is proud to announce Chris Correll of Legrand North America as its newest member. Mr. Correll has been a successful electrical contractor representative with IEC’s partner Legrand for 11 years, and comes to IEC Georgia with over 27 years of experience in the electrical field.

Legrand is a sizable organization with 30,000 employees, 170,000 products and offices in 180 countries. It is the leading provider of products and systems for electrical installations and information networks.

Mr. Correll has made his home with Legrand and now will lend his expertise to IEC. With a passion for this industry and a positive outlook, he will add innovation to the opportunities IEC creates for its members. Mr. Correll believes in IEC and its benefits. When asked to share his thoughts on IEC and its impact on the industry, Mr. Correll stated, “With the training IEC offers through either local or online, our members will be well positioned for a strong work force when the economy comes back.” A positive outlook during what some could call challenging times is what helps IEC serve its members well, and is another reason the board knows Mr. Correll to be an excellent addition.

Mr. Correll possesses a business degree from Auburn University and is also CSI/CDT(Construction Specification Institute/ Construction Document Technologist) certified. IEC Georgia is excited to have Chris Correll as its newest board member, and all the positive work this partnership will accomplish.

Building & Facilities Maintenance New to Chattahoochee Technical College Few careers offer the variety and flexibility of building and facilities maintenance.

With a need for knowledge in areas such as plumbing, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical work, and carpentry, the field has room for growth and specialization with the right education and training. at is why Chattahoochee Technical College May | June 2012

has decided to introduce its own Building and Facilities Maintenance Technology program at its Marietta Campus.

“Now is a great time to consider a career in facilities management,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Instructor Michael Turkington. “Because of an aging infrastructure, new technology and green building initiatives, new roles are being created to meet growing demands.”

Chattahoochee Technical College’s new diploma level program will be the first of its kind in the Metro Atlanta area. While not all jobs require more than a high school diploma or GED, the education and training provided by the new program will be invaluable for those wanting to move up in their current jobs or acquire a new position with more money and stability.

“Turnover within this field can be pretty high,” Turkington said. “Employers should have an interest in this program too, as this provides a quality, low cost education for their employees and future employees. Research has shown that properly educated and prepared individuals are happier employees and less likely to quit or change careers.”

With financial aid options such as the HOPE Grant and the federal Pell Grant, there are many ways to help pay for the courses. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement and other incentives. e 52 credit-hour program will officially launch this August with its first group of students. e Building and Facilities Maintenance Technology program is a carefully designed sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in the maintenance and repair of residential and light commercial structures and attendant fixtures and appliances. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. e program emphasizes a combination of theory and practical application necessary for successful entry level employment in a non-manufacturing maintenance environment. “e program will provide a thorough background for those wanting to enter or promote within the field,” said Turkington.

“With basic to intermediate instruction in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building management systems, and light carpentry, graduates of the program will be qualified to perform all the necessary maintenance duties at some of the Atlanta area’s top employers.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly wages of general maintenance and repair workers were $16.21 per hour. e employment of general maintenance and repair workers is expected to grow 11 percent over the next few years.

For more information on the Building and Facilities Maintenance Technology Program, call (770) 528-4978 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu. v

Lennox Launches Three-phase Nitrogen-charged Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Units Three-phase nitrogen-charge split system air conditioners and heat pumps are now available from Lennox. Offered as replacement units for three- to five-ton equipment that currently uses R-22 refrigerant, these nitrogen-charged products are designed to accommodate ambient temperatures up to 125ºF. The units feature a nitrogen-charged, high-efficiency scroll compressor that is grommet-mounted for quiet operation and protected internally against high-temperature motor overload conditions. Enhanced aluminum fins and copper tubing coils offer high efficiency and capacity; a raised design prevents debris from collecting in the bottom of the coil, preventing loss of airflow.

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Both the air conditioner and heat pump units are built with a heavy-duty galvanized steel cabinet coated with a baked polyester paint finish for maximum durability. The design also includes a full metal louvered panel coil guard and rounded safety corners. Controls located in the corner post and external gauge ports offer easy installation and service. Finally, a raised base pan with ports installed with the air conditioner offers excellent water and debris drainage.

Additional features of the new nitrogen-charged split system air conditioners and heat pumps include a discharge muffler for quiet operation, and a bi-directional filter drier for long-lasting durability and system protection. Easily accessible service valves allow quick installation and easy cleaning and service, while a low-pressure switch protects against loss of charge. Tradeavailable components are offered on both air conditioner and heat pump units.

Finally, the heat pump unit is also equipped with a reliable, solid-state, timeinitiated, temperature-terminated defrost system with a field-selectable defrost cycle in 30-, 60- or 90-minute increments. The system is also equipped with Quiet-shift™ capable defrost control, short-cycle compression protection and built-in diagnostics to help contractors save time on the job.v

EMCOR Services Aircond Named by AFLAC as Partner of the Year EMCOR Company Honored for Delivery Excellence of Mechanical, Energy, Automation, and Facilities Services EMCOR Services Aircond was named Partner of the Year by Aflac for its delivery of mechanical, energy, automation, and facilities services at Aflac’s international headquarters in Columbus, Georgia. Having saved Aflac $4,000,000 in energy costs over the last four years, EMCOR Services Aircond was one of four companies named an Aflac Partner of the Year in a competition with over 200 companies that provide Aflac with services.

EMCOR Services Aircond has been working since 2004 at Aflac’s one million square foot corporate campus in Columbus.

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A portion of the energy savings were derived by replacing the existing direct digital control system with a new facility management system. This facilitated the installation of energy saving programs that have been instrumental in a more effective operation of the facility, such as a campus wide demand strategy that controls space temperature set points based on real time energy consumption, proper scheduling based on occupancy and hours of use, air handling unit deck reset, and hot water and chilled water reset, and coordination of the mechanical systems to provide sufficient heating and cooling at the lowest operating cost.

“It’s an honor to have been named an Aflac Partner of the year, and we are looking forward to continuing our efforts to upgrade facilities to enable Aflac to realize even greater energy efficiencies in the future," stated Kelly Cutchins, President of EMCOR Services Aircond. v

Hilti TE 700-AVR Breaker The new Hilti TE 700-AVR Demolition Hammer is built for comfort and has been specially designed for extensive renovation work. Featuring 15 percent more power, a reduced contact pressure, as well as an optional TE DRS-B Dust Removal System, the TE 700-AVR helps get jobs done faster like removing masonry, breaking out penetrations in concrete, and enlarging opening in walls, as well as removing tiles and plaster.

Weighing in at only 17.4 lbs. with 8.5 ft-lb of impact energy, it races through any job. This tool achieves impressive breaking performance, while the Active Vibration

Reduction (AVR) system keeps vibration to a minimum for increased comfort and productivity. An active cooling system reduces wear and tear, the three-chamber sealing helps keep dust out of the tool, and the innovative brushless SR motor eliminates the need to replace carbon brushes. The result is longer intervals between service and twice the expected tool life.

It also features a lockable switch for easy sustained operation during long periods of use, a reduced hammering button that resets when unplugged, and a side handle with full radial and axial adjustments provides a secure grip in virtually any position. When used with Hilti TE-YP Polygon Self-Sharpening Chisels peak performance can be achieved because there’s no need for re-sharpening. v

Hogan Construction Group Selected by Fulton County As part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Capital Improvement Program’s $275 million Library Bond Referendum, the Hogan Construction Team has been selected to provide Construction Management at-Risk services for the Wolf Creek Branch Library located in south Fulton.

The Construction Management Team is a strategic association of Hogan Construction Group, and consultant The ColThe Georgia Contractor

DeKalb County | Reid H. Tucker Library | Front View laborative Firm joining forces to provide key solutions to this new 25,000 square foot library.

Hogan’s portfolio boasts more than fifteen library projects which includes six CM@Risk LEED libraries all completed for local counties and municipalities. “We are excited about the success of our Library Division” says Paul Hogan, President, “and our achievement in attaining LEED Accreditation for those libraries when planned.”

Along with our consultant, The Collaborative Firm LLC, a system of local involvement and community reinvestment programs will be created to help create a building experience enjoyable and successful for the entire community.

One very special program to involve the community is the creation of the ‘Wall of Fame.’ The Hogan Team will coordinate with local schools to obtain contributions of art, stories, and poems from local children.

The true success of this project approach is community involvement.

Working together, Hogan Construction Group and The Collaborative Firm will be responsible for preconstruction services and construction services. v May | June 2012

Decade of Employee Ownership for McCarthy Holdings Inc. Garners Results McCarthy Holdings Inc., one of America’s oldest and largest privately-held construction companies, celebrated its 10th anniver-

sary of 100 percent employee ownership today. McCarthy was originally founded as a family-owned business in 1864. On April 12, 2002, Michael M. McCarthy sold his majority ownership interest in the company to its employees. As the great grandson of company founder and Irish immigrant Timothy McCarthy, he was the final family member to have an ownership interest in the firm. Today, McCarthy is structured as an S corporation employee stock ownership plan (S ESOP).

“Our new adventure began in an extremely difficult time for our nation, right after the events of September 11, 2001,” explained McCarthy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bolen.

“Despite the nation’s economic highs and lows over the past decade, employee ownership has literally transformed our company.

We have experienced significant success on a wide variety of fronts, enabling us to deliver even higher quality projects on-time and on-budget. Moreover, with the addition of the ESOP, our employee owners now have an additional retirement benefit —an outstanding advantage from which all Americans could gain.” v

Hollywood & Highland Retail Mall and Kodak Theatre—completed November 8, 2001 $312 million, 845,000 sf mixed use facility which includes six-level parking garage, retail space, cinemas and a 3,600 seat premiere theater used to host the Academy Awards.

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IEC Georgia Partner Member Pace Lighting Selected as Showroom of the Year Finalist for the Third Consecutive Year IEC Georgia is excited for partner member Pace Lighting of Savannah, Georgia, who for the third consecutive year has been selected by an esteemed panel of lighting, retail, and merchandising experts as a finalist for the third annual 2012 National Showroom of the Year Awards. In 2010, Pace Lighting won this award and was nominated again in 2011. The 2012 National Showroom of the Year Awards is presented

by Residential Lighting magazine & the Dallas Market Center. Winners will be announced at the Dallas Market Center in a ceremony on June 21, 2012. Look for a profile of Pace Lighting in the May 2012 issue of Residential Lighting. IEC is elated when members are recognized as being at the top of the game. IEC members are quality professionals with quality service.

For additional information, contact Niel Dawson, Executive Director at (770) 242-9277. v

Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act E-Verify Requirements Begin Phase In on January 1, 2012

By Philip J. Siegel On Friday, May 13, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed into law the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act (“IIREA”). While this new legislation went into effect on July 1, 2011, its requirement that construction companies participate in E-verify applied only to those companies performing public work. Beginning January 1, 2012, however, the E-verify requirement will be phased in over time such that all companies that employ more than ten employees will soon be required to participate in E-verify. e IIREA requires all Georgia employers that employ more than ten employees to attest to their participation in E-verify in order to obtain a business license. is requirement phases in over time. Effective January 1, 2012, the IIREA requires all employers with 500 or more employees to attest to their registration and participation in E-verify as a condition to obtaining a local business license. Beginning July 1, 2012, the E-verify requirement applies to employers with 100 to 499 employees, and on July 1, 2013, the requirement extends to all employers employing more than ten employees. e IIREA instructs the Attorney General to provide a standardized form affidavit to assist employers with obtaining their business licenses. e form affidavit is available on Georgia’s Department of Law’s official Web site at http:///www.law.ga.gov. If your company employs less than 500 employees and is therefore not yet subject to the E-verify requirement, you can provide an exemption affidavit which can also be accessed on the Department of Law’s Web site.

If you have any questions about Georgia's new Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act, the Form I-9 or E-verify, you can contact Philip Siegel by emailing him at pjs@hpsf-law.com or calling him at (404) 469-9197.

Philip J. Siegel is a member shareholder of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Flatt, P.C., a construction law firm located in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Georgia Contractor

May | June 2012

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