International Lining Technology

Meet Sean Gill. He's an addition to our family.

2010-10-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Blogger: How did you get involved in the liner business?

Sean: I started with National Seal Company as a Quality Control technician in 1994.

Blogger: What do you like best about your job?

Sean: The daily challenge to bid projects.

Blogger: What personality trait do you believe is important to have in this business?

Sean: You have got to have a sense of humor.

Blogger: What is the best thing about working at ILT?

Sean: The people that I get the pleasure to work with.

Blogger: What is something that you enjoy doing?

Sean: I enjoy time with my family, coaching kids sports and fishing when I get the chance.

Blogger: What is your favorite vacation destination?

Sean: Anywhere I am while on vacation is my favorite.

Blogger: If you could go on anywhere, where would you go?

Sean: The State of Alaska is one of my favorite places.

Blogger: Where are you originally from?

Sean: Bishop, CA

Blogger: Tell us about your family.

Sean: I am married to my beautiful wife Rebecca and we have two wonderful children; Madison is 11 and Ian is 9.

Blogger: Who is the funniest person you know?

Sean: My son Ian always makes me laugh. He has a great sense of humor.

Blogger: What favorite food puts you in a great mood?

Sean: A good BBQ.

Blogger: What was your favorite sitcom growing up?

Sean: Cheers

Blogger: 3 things you cannot live without?

Sean: My wife, my daughter, and my son

Blogger: What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Sean: Gourmet Chef

Blogger: Which are your favorite smells?

Sean: Wood burning stove, lavender, fresh ground coffee beans.

Blogger: What is on your mouse pad?

Sean: Nothing, it is blank.

2010-07-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

We're Back...

These were the words the International Lining Technology (ILT) crew proudly declared as they pulled into the Carlotta Copper Mine in Miami, AZ. As they looked over the expansive 3 million square feet, it felt like very familiar territory for the job superintendent as this was the second phase to the Copper Mine that ILT had been involved in. They had already completed the first phase of 6.1 million square feet of 80 mil textured HDPE over GCL,so this phase seems, well, half as difficult...right?

As before, the crew has to take on the daunting task of installing a Valley Fill Leach Pad. But, as difficult as this task is, our crew was up for it. They are well-trained in techniques and practices that go well beyond a normal installation.

Our team is working closely with the Kiewit team to ensure that the owner's parameters on this design are met. The major obstacle is to overcome the owner's environmental challenges. Even with these challenges, our team seems confident that they will have this project finished by the end of the summer.

Once our team has finished, we will have more exciting news and stories to pass your way. Stay tuned...

What does ILT have in common with the Egyptians?

2009-06-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

One might assume that geosynthetics and the use of them are fairly new to the world but to my discovery geosynthetics of different types have been used for thousands of years. For example, woven fabrics were used in the days of the Pharaoh's to stabilize roadways and Egyptians incorporated straw mats in the foundations of the pyramids. They were actually using early forms of geotextiles made of natural fibers, fabrics, and vegetation mixed with soil to create better reinforcement.

Reinforcement in reference to geosynthetics means it is, "the synergistic improvement of a total system's strength." The Egyptians and Romans realized early that mortar modular units and soil reinforcement elements were necessary to realize their architectural dreams.

Motarless modular units and soil reinforcement elements used by Ancient civilizations were used to create not only the Egyptian pyramids but also tall structures called Ziggurats, such as the Leaning Tower of Babel which was built using modular facing units and soil reinforcing elements of woven reeds. It has also been discovered that portions of the Great Wall of China used soil reinforcement elements made of tamarsisk branches.

It's amazing how ancient civilizations, being so new to constructing strong and substantial architecture had such an extensive understanding that they needed reinforcing materials to build and sustain their structures.

Researchers have discovered that the survival of many ancient structures proves that civilizations before us understood how reinforced soils functioned; time has proven the long-term strength of such structures.

We at ILT work with a more, shall we say, modern version of what the ancient civilizations used. "Geotextiles form one of the two largest groups of geosynthetic materials. Their rise in growth during the past 30 years has been nothing short of awesome." Modern textiles still have the same concepts as the traditional textiles but now also consist of synthetic fibers rather than natural ones like cotton, wool, or silk. "Bio degradation and subsequent short lifetime is not a problem." Modern versions of geotextile fibers are made into flexible, porous fabrics by using standard weaving machinery and some are matted together in a random non-woven manner or are even knitted together.

"There are at least 100 specific application areas for geotextiles that have been developed; however, the fabric always performs at least one of four discrete functions; separation, reinforcement, filtration and/or drainage."

ILT has recently used geotextiles for projects such as the Carlotta Copper Mine and will be using them for the Drop 2 Reservoir project. At the Carlotta Copper Mine, cushion geotextiles were used to protect the geosynthetic liner from over burden materials. At Drop 2, we will be using separator geotextiles to separate and protect the geosynthetic liner from the soil-cement.

So now you know that ILT really does have something in common with the Egyptians...besides all being incredibly intelligent and good-looking. Firstly, we are passionate about contributing to the creation of structures that can withstand the challenges that our environment produces. And lastly, we all use geotextiles to reinforce, separate, and protect our cherished architectural masterpieces.

Geosynthetics 101 - The Basics

2009-06-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered any of the following, "What does geosynthetic mean?" "Where does it come from?" Or, "What are geosynthetic products used for?"

I know that when I began working with International Lining Technology that I had plenty of questions regarding their products and services. The more you learn about geosynthetic products, materials, and purposes the more interesting it gets. I welcome you to, "Geosynthetics 101."

The basics.
The word, "Geosynthetic" derives from:
GEO = earth, soil
SYNTHETIC = made by human

"Geosynthetics is a planar, polymeric (synthetic or natural) material used in contact with soil/rock and/or any other geotechnical material for filtration, drainage, separation, reinforcement, protection, sealing, and packing." Information is from Jefrihutagalung's Blog...For Science n fun

Functions of geosynthetic products.
Filtration - To allow passage of fluids while preventing the passage of soil particles.
Protection - To prevent damage of a layer.
Reinforcement - To improve the shear resistance of soil.
Separation - To maintain the integrity of a soil layer.
Erosion Control - To prevent soil erosion by water or wind forces.
Barrier - To prevent the migration of liquids or gases.
Containing - To cover soil or sand and prevents scouring.

Geosynthetic products are like the sheriff of regulating and protecting applications including roads, airfields, railroads, embankments, retaining structures, reservoirs, canals, dams, erosion control, sediment control, landfill liners, landfill covers, mining , aquaculture, and agriculture. They are currently used in many civil, geotechnical, transportation, geoenvironmental, hydraulic, and private developments. Now that's one busy sheriff!

Types of Geosynthetic products.

So now you have some of the basics regarding what Geosynthetic products are, what they're used for, and the various types they consist of. There is so much more to cover.

Stay tuned for in-depth information on specific products and usage. I hope that you acquired some new knowledge regarding what we're passionate about and if you have any questions regarding anything feel free to contact us. A ringing phone makes us happy because it means new friends!

Drill Sergeant Blogger yells, "Drop 2 - and save us 70,000 acre-feet of water a year!"

2009-05-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

What a month! We have spent a very long time preparing for such a project and now it's finally here and in full swing. The new project I'm speaking of is called the Drop 2 Reservoir Project in Winterhaven, California and oh what a journey this will be for International Lining Technology!

The supplies have arrived, the crew is working, and we have already put down 1,641,343 square feet of liner since May 5, 2009. Whew!

A little background information of the Drop 2 Reservoir Project:
(All information is from www.usbr.gov)

The drop 2 Reservoir project is, "A system efficiency project that will help conserve Colorado River water that should otherwise not be put to beneficial use in the United States. Conserving this water will reduce the amount of water that must be released from storage at Lake Mead. It will consist of an all-gravity, off-stream storage reservoir system located north of the All-American Canal and Interstate 8 near Drop 2 Structure No. 2, about 30 miles east of El Centro, Ca, and 25 miles west of Yuma, AZ."

What's the project's purpose? "The project will support conservation by capturing non-storable flows resulting from operational mismatches that occur in the Lower Colorado River Basin, and subsequently make those flows available for users in the U.S. (non-storable flows that cannot be captured and stored for later use."

How will it work? "Non-storable water from the Colorado River will be diverted into the All-American Canal at Imperial Diversion Dam, then into the Drop 2 Storage Reservoir. The water will then be released back into the All-American Canal for delivery to and use by the Imperial irrigation District according to an approved operations plan."

ILT is very excited to be a part of a project where conservation is key. The reservoir will save about 70,000 acre-feet of water a year. The water that is saved will help keep water levels in Lake Mead high which is important since the levels are used to determine whether there is a shortage declared on the Colorado River.

N.p. "Drop 2 Storage Project." Usbr.gov. usbr, Feb 2009. Web. 26 May 2009.

We introduce to you...Kimberly Putnam

2009-04-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Kimberly Putnam has been in the accounting/management field for over 12 years. She is responsible for all the day to day accounting activities, payroll, taxes, fixed assets, inventory, license certifications, and project management. Kimberly has worked at International Lining Technology for 6 years.

Because Kimberly plays such an integral part of ILT's daily activities and success we have decided to make her our very first blog interview!

Now let's get to it, shall we?

Blogger: How did you get involved in the liner business?
Kimberly: I found Michael Salley when he was looking for a full-time Bookkeeper and he hired me.

B: What do you like best about your job?
K: The variety of things that I do on a daily basis. I also like being able to travel for the company.

B: What personality trait do you believe is important to have in this business?
K: The ability to change direction at a moment's notice, multi-tasking, and patience.

B: What is the best thing about working at ILT?
K: Working for a GREAT boss (Michael Salley) who appreciates me and is not afraid to admit it!

B: Now let's get personal - What is something that you enjoy doing?
K: Traveling.

B: What is your favorite book and why?
K: The Cay - My favorite teacher read it to the class in the 3rd grade. I've loved it ever since.

B: If you could go on a trip where would you go?
K: Someplace sunny, warm, and sandy - Like a deserted, Caribbean island.

B: Where are you originally from?
K: I was born in Southern California but grew up in Sacramento, Redding, Susanville, and Reno.

B: Tell us about your family.
K: I'm the oldest of 4 kids and I have 2 kids of my own. Ashley is 18 and Cory is 20. I also have a 7 month old granddaughter named Jenova.

B: What is the most unique fact about yourself?
K: That I don't look as old as I am! *Laughter*

See, told you there are wildly interesting people here at ILT. Stay tuned for more interviews with the rest of the crew!

Extra! Extra! Read All About ILT!

2009-04-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

The majority of our industry is familiar with the Geosynthetics Magazine published by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) which provides a forum for consistent and accurate information to increase the acceptance and promote the correct use of Geosynthetics. It is the primary news source for our industry.

In the February/March 2009 issue, ILT was highlighted as the installer in an article about Geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) shrinkage and possible solutions.

For those of us who don't know what it is, GCL is typically used in place of clay for permeability physical characteristics. "The geotextiles offer a long lasting resistance to physical or chemical break-down in harsh environments. The bentonite's high swelling capacity and low permeability provide an effective hydraulic seal." Cetco.com, Cetco, 9 Apr 2009.

The purpose of the article was to show the field techniques and observations used on a 150 acre lining project done by ILT. The article presents information that the installation may provide a possible solution in regards to GCL shrinkage due to the technique ILT used for heat-tacking every GCL seam.

The site of installation was the Carlota Copper Mine. The mine is under development near Miami, Arizona. It is owned and operated by Quadra Mining of Vancouver, British Columbia. The mine uses heap leach technology to extract metals from mined rock ore by leaching the poles of mined ore with various solutions that dissolve the desired mineral. The bottoms of these leach piles are designed with geomembrane liners and liquid collection systems.

Our gratitude goes out to the writers of the article Richard Thiel and Chris Thiel for bringing this issue to forefront with a possible solution. For the complete article you can download this issue from http://www.ifai.com/Geo/0209GS_TOC.cfm.

Oh the places we go.

2009-04-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

We recently traveled to Salt Lake City, UT for the Geosynthetics 2009 conference. This show is the largest geosynthetics industry event in North America. In addition to the trade show floor with multiple exhibitors, there were 35 technical and educational programs scheduled throughout the duration. The issues addressed were those that included affecting water resources, mining, construction, and regulatory communities in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

The theme of the conference was Hydraulic and Environmental Enginneering and the areas of focus were shoreline and water protection, conveyance and storage, mining, agriculture, aquaculture, temporary roads, and drainage.

The attendees included geotechnical engineers, environmental engineers, civil engineers, project designers, specifiers, government regulators, landscape architects, contractors, fabricators, installers, manufacturers, distributors, researchers, professors, and facility owners.

This was our first major trade show and after this experience, will definitely not be our last. Stay tuned to see what other adventrues we will embark upon.

Applause...Clap, Clap, Clap...

2009-03-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to the International Lining Technology blog. We have decided to write this blog to bring you the latest and greatest news on everything about what we're doing, where we're going, where we've been, our products and service updates and even interviews with our stellar staff (and yes, there are wildly interesting people running around here).

We are very excited to share all of the exciting things going on with us and hope that you will visit us often. We would love to hear any feedback you have regarding our blog and please don't be shy to make requests. To learn more about ILT and what we're about feel free to peruse our web site. If you have any questions give us a call at 775-284-2929 or send an email our way to intlining@gmail.com.