Friday, November 16, 2012

The Filthy Facts about Sewer Main Contractors



Nearly everyone recognizes sewer main contractors have a filthy dirty job. Besides performing work in a stinky and toxic environment, the physical labor is demanding. To work in this field requires extensive training in procedures, as well as local and federal regulations set forth by agencies such as the EPA and OSHA.

The work carried out by sewer main contractors can affect entire communities. Public works projects are very complex and require services from engineers, general contractors, project owners, and city planning officials.

Along with installing sewer systems, contractors carry out a variety of other tasks. A few of the more common duties include sewer video inspections; pipeline and backwater valve cleanout; and septic tank conversion.

Contractors utilize data collected from subsurface utility engineering SUE firms and design engineers to understand the layout of the terrain. SUE offers a valuable service that not only reduces construction costs, but also lessens workplace accidents.

Originally developed in the 1970s for the Department of Transportation, SUE is now commonly used on construction projects that involve installing equipment underground. SUE contractors use a variety of tools to produce three dimensional images. Being able to locate pipes, utilities, and anything else buried below the surface lets contractors know areas to avoid.

Planning public sewer systems is an extremely elaborate process. Systems are needed to get rid of raw sewage and take it to a facility where it's broken down into biodegradable waste. After systems are installed they need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure pipes are free of defects or leaks. Damaged pipes can bring about severe consequences including discharge of toxic compounds.

One of the least complicated, yet critical element is sewer manholes. This system component gives workers access to underground equipment for repairs and maintenance. Manholes also supply a vent to release gasses that accumulate in subsurface pipes.  

There are multiple elements that make up public sewer systems. A main component is trunk pipes which are connected to individual residences using branch pipes and laterals. Inceptors are used to further expand the pipeline system throughout communities.  

City sewer systems use gravity to push sewage through pipelines. If systems are positioned in low-lying areas then lift stations are installed to elevate pipes. Lift stations are most often found along the coastline.

As soon as sewage arrives at the treatment facility is begins an intensive three-stage filtration procedure. Sewer water is first place in holding tanks used to separate solids from lighter substances.

Next, it undergoes micro-filtration treatments to remove micro-organisms and biological matter. Finally, treated water undergoes a disinfection process before it is released into waterways or used for irrigation or agricultural purposes.

In order for the filtration and water treatment process to begin requires installing sewer systems capable of transporting sewage to facilities without incident. Each component must work in harmony to ensure safe passage from toilet to treatment plant.

Due to the complex nature of this work it is best to retain services from qualified sewer main contractors. Seek out contractors who possess experience in the specific type of job involved, along with firms that excel in construction safety.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Reasons to Hire Concrete Storm Drain Contractors



Project owners hire concrete storm drain contractors to carry out tasks associated with residential, public works, or commercial construction. Storm drains are an integral part of community infrastructure and are needed to eliminate storm water from ground surfaces.

A large percentage of jobs performed by concrete storm drain contractors are categorized as public works. Municipal drainage systems play an important role in keeping communities safe from flooding. These massive systems are hidden underground or behind embankments positioned along interstate systems.

The primary function of municipal systems is to take care of storm water runoff that builds up during rain or snow storms. Creating construction blueprints and putting in pipeline for public works projects is a complex task that requires cooperation amongst engineers, contractors, and government offices.

Nearly everyone has seen the large curb openings positioned along roads, highways, and sidewalks. These inlets are strategically placed to provide entrance into the system and quickly eliminate storm water runoff.

Storm water is then carried through a series of components including catch basins and underground pipes until it can be released through an outlet pipe. Most often, water is released into public waterways, but might also be held in retention ponds or underground storage tanks.  

Pipeline contractors undergo a tremendous amount of training before they can be certified. Since storm drain structures are so vital to protecting communities they must be installed according to EPA regulations, as well as state and local laws.

Furthermore, public systems need to be regularly serviced to get rid of any debris that builds up in street gutters and catch basins. All components need to be in good working order at all times to avert disaster.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome is finding ways to reduce the amount of environmental contaminants that enter the system. Installing filtration systems that capture small particles or separate pollutants can actually slow down flow rates. Since systems are needed to get rid of water as quickly as possible it isn't always feasible to include filtration devices.

Currently, engineers make use of a variety of filtration devices to reduce the level of debris that can pass through. A few of the most common devices are fossil filters, fabric filters, and geomembrane liners.

Another type of filtration device used with municipal drainage systems is oil and water separators. These devices are required to lessen the level of petroleum-based products and remove oil before water is released into public waters.

When engineers create blueprints they must account for a variety of factors that can impact the efficiency of the system. One of the most important factors is determining flow rates to figure out which size of pipes is required.

Each municipality determines maximum flow rates for their town. Any time flow rates exceed the maximum level, engineers have to provide alternative storage options such as installing underground water storage tanks or retention ponds.

Few people would argue that designing and installing municipal storm water drainage systems is a complex job. Due to the intricacies of these systems it is crucial to retain services from experienced and reputable storm drain contractors, such as Kana Pipeline.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Importance of Concrete Storm Drain Structure



Most people could care less about a concrete storm drain structure, but this equipment serves an important duty in public safety. Storm drains protect communities by removing rain water from roads, walkways, and paved surfaces.

Not every region has access to storm drain structures. Unprotected areas often have to cope with flooding with each rainfall. In many cases, land cannot be developed or used for growing crops due to lack of adequate drainage.

A basic explanation of how storm water drains function is they draw water into the structure by utilizing the law of gravity. Surrounding terrain is marginally angled so that water is directed into street gutters.

Creating construction plans and installing drainage systems is an elaborate task involving many people, companies, and government officials. Once plans are drafted they must be approved by city commissions to ensure they comply with state and federal regulations.

Most engineers enlist help from subsurface utility engineering firms. SUE is a special type of land surveying equipment that collects data from under the surface. The equipment provides valuable information that provides engineers and contractors with detailed maps of the construction site.

Another thing engineers have to take into consideration is future loads placed on the system. Drainage structures are in place for many years and ought to have enough room to expand as the area is developed.

The downside of construction development is that it generally involves putting down a lot of asphalt. Since storm water can't permeate pavement it has to travel downhill until it reaches a drainage system.

As storm water runoff rolls across asphalt it pulls along substances in its path. This can be anything from loose soil to environmental pollutants. Storm drain structures don't include filtration systems, so whatever gets in is released into public waters.  

It's well known that hazardous toxins are harmful to the environment. Water pollution is detrimental to all species that depend on the water source, including human beings. Individuals can make a positive impact on local waterways by paying closer attention to items they use around their home. Good examples are lawn care chemicals and automobile fluids.    

Public storm water drainage structures make use of many parts and pieces. These include swales, channels, storm drains, catch basins, chambers, and water pipes. This assembly is an engineering marvel that can process about one inch of water per hour.

Along with protecting communities against flooding, drainage systems also help get rid of standing water on interstate systems. Reducing water levels on interstates is essential for maintaining traffic flow and lessening incidence of accidents.

Concrete storm drain structures need to be installed by skilled contractors, such as Kana Pipeline, who have been trained in the specific application. Tragedy can strike if equipment is improperly installed or components are faulty.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Protecting Storm Drain Catch Basins is Essential for Public Health



Storm drain catch basins are a vital component of overall systems used to eliminate storm water. Many people unknowingly contribute to water pollution when they use chemicals to treat their lawn or allow fluids from their vehicle to drip onto ground surfaces.

Most people don't pay much attention to the storm drain catch basins situated against sidewalks and roadways. However, these components provide access for storm water to be swept into subsurface pipelines that carry away water to a release point. This is usually a public waterway, but could also involve retention or detention ponds.

The biggest challenge of keeping waste products out of storm drain chambers is the fact they are open receptacles. Although basins are covered by steel grates, debris and environmental toxins are still able to enter the system.

Any type of toxic substances that are used on rooftops, roads, and lawns are picked up by rain water and carried into the system. Compounds that are often found in storm water are antifreeze, gasoline, motor oil, pesticides and fertilizers, and automobile cleansers.

Although municipal systems include oil and water separators, they don't make use of filters to catch small particles or toxins. Since the role of storm drains is to efficiently rid ground surfaces of accumulated water, adding a filtration system would reduce the efficiency.

One of the simplest ways to protect storm drains is to become aware of items that damage the environment. Motor oil has a severe impact on waterways, as do lawn care products and even animal waste. While changing your oil at home can save money, old oil must be disposed of at designated hazardous waste facilities.

It's important to note that waste facilities impose a nominal disposal fee. Unfortunately, this sometimes causes people to illegally dump toxins to avoid the fee. It should be noted that illegal dumping is an environmental crime that comes with hefty fines. It's much wiser and better for the environment to engage in legal disposal.   

Toxic contaminants often cause irreparable damage to everything in waterways. When water becomes so polluted that it kills off aquatic life the effects also impact humans. Everyone has the ability to lessen their carbon footprint by taking appropriate action for disposal and by selecting environmentally-friendly products.

Individuals should become informed about how to get rid of waste products in their community. Most cities offer locations where items can be disposed of properly. Some towns even provide services to pick-up toxic chemicals at residences and businesses.

Storm water drainage systems offer communities protection against street flooding. Each municipality is responsible for maintenance services to ensure systems operate at peak performance. Storm systems are cleaned monthly, while concrete catch basins and drains undergo cleaning at least two times each year

Storm drain catch basin need to be frequently monitored to ensure debris does not clog the entrance. Anything that obstructs the opening can reduce the effectiveness of the system and cause flooding to occur.

Due to the serious implications that can arise with improper installation or lack of regular maintenance, it is recommended to employ reputable storm drain contractors, such as Kana Pipeline, to ensure systems can perform at full capacity.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

What's Involved with Storm Water Drain Construction?



There's been a lot of talk about storm water drain construction after Hurricane Issac pummeled the Gulf Coast last week. The unfortunate truth is when massive amounts of rainfall occur for hours on end it's impossible for drainage systems to keep up with the demand.

Unless there's a weather catastrophe, storm water drain construction doesn't get a lot of attention. However, the people who work in the industry provide us with a service that greatly reduces potential of flooding in our communities.  

Municipal storm drainage systems are comprised of multiple components that collectively gather and carry away storm water. Although based on simple principles of gravity, the way systems work is quite an engineering marvel.

Residential and city streets, along with interstate systems are designed to allow rain and melting snow to travel downhill. Water is pulled into street gutters and travels through catch basins and a network of underground pipes until it can be discharged into a body of water.

Even though these systems protect the public from flooding, the water they carry away ends up polluting larger bodies of water. Storm water runoff is loaded with toxins. Chemical substances that have been applied to roofs, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets wind up in nearby lakes and oceans.

With that in mind, the EPA monitors systems that discharge substances into American waters. Additionally, storm drain contractors are required by law to utilize construction materials and installation procedures which are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

A significant level of organization and hard labor goes into constructing municipal storm drainage systems. The process is multi-faceted and involves many people. Project owners work with design engineers to acquire construction blueprints. These plans are the life force of the project and need to account for every scenario long before laborers break ground.

These days, engineers have the luxury of being able to access subsurface utility engineering SUE methods. SUE technology provides detailed 3D maps of the construction site and shows exactly what lies beneath the surface.

Along with identifying any dangers lurking underground, SUE data is extremely helpful for determining water flow rates. This information lets engineers know pipe dimensions and provides an understanding of flow routes directed toward open bodies of water.  

Storm water drainage systems require multiple components in order to take water from one place and deposit it in another. Everything has to work in harmony or the system can fail and result in environmental catastrophe.

Since storm water drain construction is a highly complicated task it is strongly recommended to use reputable wet utility construction contractors such as Kana Pipeline. Look for seasoned contractors who comply with EPA regulations and are experienced in the kind project involved.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Things to Know About Storm Drain Chambers



Storm drain chambers are a very important part of underground storm water drainage systems. These types of systems have been used since ancient times to protect communities from flooding. Their design enables them to collect rain water from ground surfaces and push it toward street gutters. 

Concrete storm chambers play an integral role in municipal drainage systems because they facilitate the conveyance of water into underground pipes. These systems must be in good working order at all times. Otherwise, catastrophe can strike when communities experience heavy rainfall or melting snow.

Drainage systems are quite complex and made up of many elements. Some of the more critical are curb inlets, catch basins, water pipes, and outlet pipes. Combined, these components provide a sophisticated system that allows for quick removal of storm water runoff.

To ensure that everything works efficiently, civil engineers collect substantial data about the construction site. They generally acquire 3D maps to find out what is placed underneath the surface, as well as calculate various water flow rates. This enables them to understand the best size of pipes and locations for placement of pipes.

Data is also needed to determine where storm water will be deposited. Most often, water is redirected to a nearby pond, lake, or river. Water can also be put into retention or detention ponds where it can be stored for long periods of time.

While drainage systems are vital for maintaining public safety, they are a major contributor to the problem of water pollution. Each time rain or snow storms take place the water is like a vacuum cleaner and sucks up everything along its path.

If lawns are chemically treated then those chemicals are washed into the system. If there is motor oil or antifreeze on driveways, it ends up down the storm drain chamber. Environmental toxics and debris is taken into drainage systems and placed directly into U.S. waters.

The good news is people can make a difference by being mindful of products they use. Instead of toxic fertilizers and pesticides, natural alternatives can be used. Residential homes contribute around 30 percent of toxins that end up in storm water. The rest comes from commercial and industrial sources.

Storm water drain construction is yet another contributor. For this reason, contractors are required to engage in behaviors that minimize the level of debris generated during the excavation process. They must also cover up trash dumpsters and supplies that are not in use.

To reduce the level of environmental contaminants placed in storm drain chambers involves a combined effort amongst everyone within communities. As people become more proactive about the use of toxic agents there will be a decrease in water pollution.

Drainage systems that are used for entire municipalities are installed and serviced by experienced contractors who are licensed to perform the job. Due to the potential for environmental disaster to occur if systems are not installed properly, it is vital to work with storm drain construction contractors such as Kana Pipeline to ensure proper protocol is followed. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Fundamental Principles of Sewer Construction


Sewer construction involves work related to municipal and residential sewer pipe networks. Since these pipeline systems are used to transport raw sewage the installation process must comply with guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

People involved in the sewer construction industry perform work on a variety of projects. These include public works, industrial, institutional, residential, and commercial. Each type of system makes use of different kinds of pipes and installation processes.

The word, 'sewerage' refers to a complete sewer system. Sewerage is further identified as storm, sanitary, or combined. Given that raw sewage contains harmful microorganisms and toxic contaminants, sewer pipes are kept apart from domestic water pipelines that provide drinking water.

Within the U.S. the most common form of sewerage is sanitary sewers. These sewer pipes carry away household and industrial waste to treatment facilities.

Combined sewers utilize one pipeline to transport sewage and storm water. Combined systems help to transport storm water through underground pipes to a point of release. In some cases, water is taken to treatment plants, while other times it is discharged into waterways.

A different kind of sewerage is private septic tanks. These underground systems are often installed in rural areas where there is considerable distance between residential properties.

Whenever remote areas become developed septic tanks are usually replaced by public sewer lines. Septic tanks can be converted into municipal systems by hiring sewer contractors to disable the tank and connect new pipes between the house and city sewer system.

A great deal of planning is required to design and install sewer systems. Among the most essential considerations is calculating anticipated flow rates of sewage waste in the neighborhood where pipeline will be installed. Knowing wastewater volume let engineers figure out which size pipes are needed for maximum efficiency.

Before sewer contractors can install pipes the land is surveyed using subsurface utility engineering methods. SUE involves several methods that provide 3D maps of the installation location. It is vital for identifying existing pipes and utility systems. 

After SUE methods are conducted, contractors can begin excavating the land and preparing trenches. Trenching is the most common method for installing sewer pipes. However, when pipes cannot be placed into trenches due to lack of land mass, pipes can be placed inside tunnel walls or protected by concrete embankments.

It is advisable to work with skilled sewer construction contractors, such as Kana Pipeline, regardless of the size of the job. It doesn't matter if you're converting a private septic tank to public sewer lines or developing a new residential community. Defective materials or improper installation could result in catastrophic failure. Always be sure contractors hold adequate licenses, permits, and insurance coverage, along with an exceptional construction safety record.