Angela Carella
STAMFORD — Around downtown, earth is on the move Mounds of it are migrating from one busy avenue to another. Along Washington Boulevard, dirt is heaped high in Mill River Park, which is being rebuilt. Just off Fifth Street, where a wing is being added to Strawberry Hill School, there are colossal stacks of soil And there’s a lot of dirty dealing between the construction sites. Watching dump trucks come and go from Washington Boulevard on a late morning this week, John Murphy was confused. “I walk by every day and it looks like they’re building up and tearing down dirt piles, just for fun, like kids with Tonka trucks,” said Murphy, a Westchester County resident who works downtown In the park, real-life versions of sandbox toys — loaders, excavators, backhoes and bulldozers — are hard at work. They motor around, lifting loads of dirt, creating hills they then climb to make even higher piles, leaving track marks on their way down. Backhoes jam their buckets into the mounds, then drop dirt in dump trucks or spill it into a sorter that shakes out the rocks.
“What the heck are they doing?” Murphy asked. It’s not capricious. It’s a choreographed dance in the dirt. Park soil contaminated with chemicals from former businesses is being removed, City Engineer Lou Casolo said. Before the soil is trucked to a licensed landfill in Manchester, stones are sifted out to reduce the weight and save money, he said. At the school, holes dug to place drain pipes and footings, and to construct a retaining wall, turned up dirt that tested clean and was approved for re-use, Casolo said. So the city and the Mill River Collaborative coordinated with their respective contractors to transport 3,000 cubic yards of clean soil from the school to the park, he said.
It will be used to fill a 100-by-75-foot section of the park that needs to be scraped of contaminated soil, inches deep in some places, and up to 10 feet in others, Casolo said.
That explains all the dump-truck trips down Fifth Street and across the downtown to Washington Boulevard “It’s a saga,” said Arthur Selkowitz, chairman of the collaborative, the public-private partnership charged 15 years ago with creating a world-class park in the heart of the city.
Soil from the portion of the park along Washington Boulevard once occupied by an Exxon gas station, County Tire Auto Center and American Cleaners must be removed because it tested above state limits for dry-cleaning fluids and Extractable Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons — compounds found in crude oil, Casolo said. The city obtained a state grant to cover the $57-per-ton cost of removing contaminants from that parcel, Casolo said. An adjacent parcel was occupied by single- and multi-family homes dating to the early 1900s. It was acquired by the city’s Urban Redevelopment Commission in the 1960s, and later became a public parking lot, according to information from the engineering department.
Park dirt dug up during the Mill River Collaborative’s construction of the fountain and ice skating rink was found to be above acceptable limits for lead, pesticides and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons — chemicals released from burning coal, oil, gasoline, trash, wood and other organic materials, Casolo said. That is now being trucked to the Manchester landfill, he said.
The once-rundown park is undergoing a massive renovation that began in 2009 and so far includes a river walk, carousel, playground and landscaping. The fountain is set to open next month, and the ice rink at Thanksgiving.
The piles of dirt should be gone by the end of July, Casolo said.
Strawberry Hill School is in the middle of a $77 million expansion. It opened to kindergartners and first-graders in 2016 after a renovation of the original school on the site, Sacred Heart Academy. A grade is being added each year until 2023, when the inter-district magnet school will be K-8. The wing will house classrooms, offices, a gym, cafeteria and media center. Steel framing for it will go up next month, Casolo said.
New Britain defends study of Tilcon plan, need for water
Lisa Backus
NEW BRITAIN - As city officials prepare for a public hearing June 26 on the environmental study of the Tilcon mining plan, they are defending the report and the need for the project.
Tilcon is proposing mining 74 acres of protected watershed in Plainville, owned by the city’s Water Department, for 40 years and then returning the quarry to the city as a reservoir.
The city would be paid by the company for mining rights - a figure that has not been made public - and Tilcon would donate about 300 acres of open space to Plainville, Southington and New Britain.
The city is required by law to hold a public hearing on the environmental study drafted by Lenard Engineering.
A public information session hosted by the Water Commission will take place at 6 p.m. June 26 at Slade Middle School on Steele Street, followed by the public hearing at 7 p.m.
The project has drawn scrutiny from area residents and environmental advocates statewide who fear the plan, which requires a change in use for the protected watershed, would imperil protected watersheds throughout Connecticut. The land Tilcon wants to mine includes several vernal pools and acts as a filtered tributary to Shuttle Meadow Reservoir.
The state Water Planning Council and the state Council on Environmental Quality, which were required to review the 500-page environmental study, both panned the project in their reports issued to the city in the past few weeks. Their reports can be found at .
Both agencies provided scathing criticism of the report and the project including that it could put New Britain’s drinking water supply at risk for decades as the mining takes place.
Acting city Water Director Ray Esponda and Jim Ericson, Lenard’s vice president, who crafted the report, fired back Thursday with letters to the WPC defending the proposal and how the study was handled.
“I am writing this letter in support of Jim Ericson of Lenard Engineering and his detailed response to the Water Planning Council comments regarding the environmental study of the proposed reservoir,” Esponda wrote.
Esponda was appointed in December 2016 as the city, and the state, were gripped in a months-long drought. City water stores became so low that Esponda’s department had to buy water from the Metropolitan District Commission for about $400,000.
At the time, city officials said the department could absorb the cost and had the money on hand for the purchase.
But Esponda wrote in the letter dated June 6 that his department couldn’t make their operational costs because of the purchase and he had to draw money from future projects.
When asked Thursday to clarify the discrepancy between the two versions of how the bill was paid, Esponda said that the money came from the reserve fund and that his operational costs exceeded revenues by $600,000.
The Water Department also paid Lenard about $350,000 to produce the study in the same budget year.
Esponda admitted to the CEQ a few weeks ago that the city didn’t handle conservation measures well during the drought.
The city didn’t ask residents to conserve until October 2016 - about six months in - when water stores were at about 30 percent.
“Action should have been taken much prior to that,” Esponda told the council. He also agreed that the city had an unusually high percentage of water loss - nearly 25 percent in 2016 - and he couldn’t find the source of any major leaks.
He also said that when “people responded to conservation, our revenues dropped.”
Esponda contends that the city needs the additional reservoir to make sure water is plentiful in times of drought. Ericson said in his letter to the WPC that his study only reflected minor differences in past water plans his company has done for the city and that Shuttle Meadow Reservoir would not be impacted by the mining.
“We strongly disagree with this conclusion in the WPC’s comments,” Ericson said. “Although a detailed design of the future quarry expansion to create a reservoir was not a requirement of the public act (the state law which required the environmental study), as part of the city’s public presentation, a more detailed sequence of operations and description of the quarrying process will be presented, which will demonstrate no negative impacts on water quality in Shuttle Meadow Reservoir or its watershed.”
Federal lawmakers OK study of CT’s levee systems
Joe Cooper
Federal lawmakers on Wednesday approved a measure that directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to report on the repairs needed along Connecticut River levee systems in Hartford and East Hartford, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson announced Thursday.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, which includes a provision that tasks the Army's engineer unit with conducting a feasibility report on the decades-old flood control system that could lead to federal funding.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said the local levee system is in "dire need of investment and upgrade.."
"Fixing our Connecticut River levees is critical to the safety and resiliency of our Capital City and the entire region – all the more urgent and important as climate change brings more frequent and more severe extreme weather events," Bronin said.
Since 2006, East Hartford has spent more than $21 million on repairs, modifications and upgrades at its levees, according to East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc. She said the improvements are critical to keeping the community safe.
"The Hartford and East Hartford levees along the Connecticut River are one of our region's most important assets, keeping our communities safe and protecting critical infrastructure from the threat of a flood disaster," Larson said.
Industry Expert Answers Silica Dust FAQs Ahead of OSHA Reg
The OSHA regulation outlining requirements for exposure to respirable silica dust has been in place for months. But not every organization has taken the steps necessary to meet the guidelines. This is a reminder that every company that works with concrete, stone or other masonry materials must meet the OSHA requirements.
Jim Bohn, director of Strategic Development at the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, recently answered a series of FAQ's about silica dust protection:
1. What if you're working in a small area where the dust suction attachment won't fit?
Dust exposure, regardless of the environment, must be controlled. If you're in an environment where your power tool system is too big, then Table 1 will not be applicable and Paragraph D will take effect. This will require a company to conduct independent testing, with specific documentation on exposure levels and what steps a worker must take to stay below the PEL (0.5mg/m3: 50 micrograms per cubic meter) over a time-weighted eight-hour day.
2. Can you use tools from one brand and an attachment from a different brand?
Most tool brands have attachments that fit their tool(s) due to specific design elements of the tools (e.g., rotary hammer tube size variations, collar configuration on a grinder, etc.) Most attachments are brand specific. The exceptions are dust suction drilling attachments and universal collar dust shrouds.
3. Can a dust extractor (vacuum) from one brand be used with another brand of tools and attachments?
Yes, but you do need to be sure that these three requirements are met: 1) Minimum of 25 CFM per 1 in. of grinder wheel, 2) Filter cleaning system (automatic or semi-automatic), and 3) 99 percent filtration filter (HEPA is preferred). Also, check to see if a branded tool system requires any other specification by referring to the appropriate Owner's Manual.
4. What is the proper disposal procedure for concrete dust?
Every user who creates respirable silica dust must understand their responsibility in the collection and also disposal of silica dust. It's highly recommended to use a fleece bag. These are usually multi-ply fabric bags that help manage air equilibrium and collect 0.3 microns or larger dust particles. They also contain a port-closing mechanism for containment after removing the bag from the vacuum canister's port. Finally, they are strong enough to withstand weight of dust collected and are not subject to tearing.
5. Will there be a special place for users to dispose of a full dust collection bag separate from a regular dumpster?
Take the bag (80 percent full) and place it in a standard garbage dumpster. Be careful that it's not going to be exposed to potential damage if other items are placed in the same dumpster on top of it. The bag must not break open at any time.
6. Are HEPA filers required in Table 1?
“HEPA” filters are not required. The OSHA Silica Dust Regulation – Table 1, states that a filter needs to have 99 percent filtration to meet the guideline. Many non-HEPA filters meet this standard, but may not withstand the frequency of dust extractor filter cleaning that's required due to fineness of silica dust clogging the filter (if not cleaned often). Use a HEPA filter 1) so OSHA agents know its filtration is rated 99 percent effective, 2) it offers greater durability versus a standard filter, and 3) saves money in the long term.
7. Is there a limit for length of a vacuum hose?
Bosch dust extractors can be used with either a 10-ft. hose (which comes with the unit) or with a 16-ft. hose (sold separately). Beyond 16 ft. the expected efficiency of the dust extractor decreases greatly. Users may have dust control performance issues beyond 16 ft.
8. What about jobsite dust from surrounding work areas? How can this be distinguished from cutting/grinding operations?
Dust generated in and around the jobsite must be compliant with the established control plan for that site. Any levels that exceed the dust control plan should be reported immediately. It doesn't matter who creates the dust; everyone must be safe from exposure.
Jim Bohn is director, strategic development – North America for Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. He is responsible for driving the creation and rollout of Bosch power tool products in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, he assists the company's sales organization in providing the products, services and training programs to meet the needs of construction professionals.
The city would be paid by the company for mining rights - a figure that has not been made public - and Tilcon would donate about 300 acres of open space to Plainville, Southington and New Britain.
The city is required by law to hold a public hearing on the environmental study drafted by Lenard Engineering.
A public information session hosted by the Water Commission will take place at 6 p.m. June 26 at Slade Middle School on Steele Street, followed by the public hearing at 7 p.m.
The project has drawn scrutiny from area residents and environmental advocates statewide who fear the plan, which requires a change in use for the protected watershed, would imperil protected watersheds throughout Connecticut. The land Tilcon wants to mine includes several vernal pools and acts as a filtered tributary to Shuttle Meadow Reservoir.
The state Water Planning Council and the state Council on Environmental Quality, which were required to review the 500-page environmental study, both panned the project in their reports issued to the city in the past few weeks. Their reports can be found at .
Both agencies provided scathing criticism of the report and the project including that it could put New Britain’s drinking water supply at risk for decades as the mining takes place.
Acting city Water Director Ray Esponda and Jim Ericson, Lenard’s vice president, who crafted the report, fired back Thursday with letters to the WPC defending the proposal and how the study was handled.
“I am writing this letter in support of Jim Ericson of Lenard Engineering and his detailed response to the Water Planning Council comments regarding the environmental study of the proposed reservoir,” Esponda wrote.
Esponda was appointed in December 2016 as the city, and the state, were gripped in a months-long drought. City water stores became so low that Esponda’s department had to buy water from the Metropolitan District Commission for about $400,000.
At the time, city officials said the department could absorb the cost and had the money on hand for the purchase.
But Esponda wrote in the letter dated June 6 that his department couldn’t make their operational costs because of the purchase and he had to draw money from future projects.
When asked Thursday to clarify the discrepancy between the two versions of how the bill was paid, Esponda said that the money came from the reserve fund and that his operational costs exceeded revenues by $600,000.
The Water Department also paid Lenard about $350,000 to produce the study in the same budget year.
Esponda admitted to the CEQ a few weeks ago that the city didn’t handle conservation measures well during the drought.
The city didn’t ask residents to conserve until October 2016 - about six months in - when water stores were at about 30 percent.
“Action should have been taken much prior to that,” Esponda told the council. He also agreed that the city had an unusually high percentage of water loss - nearly 25 percent in 2016 - and he couldn’t find the source of any major leaks.
He also said that when “people responded to conservation, our revenues dropped.”
Esponda contends that the city needs the additional reservoir to make sure water is plentiful in times of drought. Ericson said in his letter to the WPC that his study only reflected minor differences in past water plans his company has done for the city and that Shuttle Meadow Reservoir would not be impacted by the mining.
“We strongly disagree with this conclusion in the WPC’s comments,” Ericson said. “Although a detailed design of the future quarry expansion to create a reservoir was not a requirement of the public act (the state law which required the environmental study), as part of the city’s public presentation, a more detailed sequence of operations and description of the quarrying process will be presented, which will demonstrate no negative impacts on water quality in Shuttle Meadow Reservoir or its watershed.”
Federal lawmakers OK study of CT’s levee systems
Joe Cooper
Federal lawmakers on Wednesday approved a measure that directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to report on the repairs needed along Connecticut River levee systems in Hartford and East Hartford, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson announced Thursday.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, which includes a provision that tasks the Army's engineer unit with conducting a feasibility report on the decades-old flood control system that could lead to federal funding.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said the local levee system is in "dire need of investment and upgrade.."
"Fixing our Connecticut River levees is critical to the safety and resiliency of our Capital City and the entire region – all the more urgent and important as climate change brings more frequent and more severe extreme weather events," Bronin said.
Since 2006, East Hartford has spent more than $21 million on repairs, modifications and upgrades at its levees, according to East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc. She said the improvements are critical to keeping the community safe.
"The Hartford and East Hartford levees along the Connecticut River are one of our region's most important assets, keeping our communities safe and protecting critical infrastructure from the threat of a flood disaster," Larson said.
Industry Expert Answers Silica Dust FAQs Ahead of OSHA Reg
The OSHA regulation outlining requirements for exposure to respirable silica dust has been in place for months. But not every organization has taken the steps necessary to meet the guidelines. This is a reminder that every company that works with concrete, stone or other masonry materials must meet the OSHA requirements.
Jim Bohn, director of Strategic Development at the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, recently answered a series of FAQ's about silica dust protection:
1. What if you're working in a small area where the dust suction attachment won't fit?
Dust exposure, regardless of the environment, must be controlled. If you're in an environment where your power tool system is too big, then Table 1 will not be applicable and Paragraph D will take effect. This will require a company to conduct independent testing, with specific documentation on exposure levels and what steps a worker must take to stay below the PEL (0.5mg/m3: 50 micrograms per cubic meter) over a time-weighted eight-hour day.
2. Can you use tools from one brand and an attachment from a different brand?
Most tool brands have attachments that fit their tool(s) due to specific design elements of the tools (e.g., rotary hammer tube size variations, collar configuration on a grinder, etc.) Most attachments are brand specific. The exceptions are dust suction drilling attachments and universal collar dust shrouds.
3. Can a dust extractor (vacuum) from one brand be used with another brand of tools and attachments?
Yes, but you do need to be sure that these three requirements are met: 1) Minimum of 25 CFM per 1 in. of grinder wheel, 2) Filter cleaning system (automatic or semi-automatic), and 3) 99 percent filtration filter (HEPA is preferred). Also, check to see if a branded tool system requires any other specification by referring to the appropriate Owner's Manual.
4. What is the proper disposal procedure for concrete dust?
Every user who creates respirable silica dust must understand their responsibility in the collection and also disposal of silica dust. It's highly recommended to use a fleece bag. These are usually multi-ply fabric bags that help manage air equilibrium and collect 0.3 microns or larger dust particles. They also contain a port-closing mechanism for containment after removing the bag from the vacuum canister's port. Finally, they are strong enough to withstand weight of dust collected and are not subject to tearing.
5. Will there be a special place for users to dispose of a full dust collection bag separate from a regular dumpster?
Take the bag (80 percent full) and place it in a standard garbage dumpster. Be careful that it's not going to be exposed to potential damage if other items are placed in the same dumpster on top of it. The bag must not break open at any time.
6. Are HEPA filers required in Table 1?
“HEPA” filters are not required. The OSHA Silica Dust Regulation – Table 1, states that a filter needs to have 99 percent filtration to meet the guideline. Many non-HEPA filters meet this standard, but may not withstand the frequency of dust extractor filter cleaning that's required due to fineness of silica dust clogging the filter (if not cleaned often). Use a HEPA filter 1) so OSHA agents know its filtration is rated 99 percent effective, 2) it offers greater durability versus a standard filter, and 3) saves money in the long term.
7. Is there a limit for length of a vacuum hose?
Bosch dust extractors can be used with either a 10-ft. hose (which comes with the unit) or with a 16-ft. hose (sold separately). Beyond 16 ft. the expected efficiency of the dust extractor decreases greatly. Users may have dust control performance issues beyond 16 ft.
8. What about jobsite dust from surrounding work areas? How can this be distinguished from cutting/grinding operations?
Dust generated in and around the jobsite must be compliant with the established control plan for that site. Any levels that exceed the dust control plan should be reported immediately. It doesn't matter who creates the dust; everyone must be safe from exposure.
Jim Bohn is director, strategic development – North America for Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. He is responsible for driving the creation and rollout of Bosch power tool products in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, he assists the company's sales organization in providing the products, services and training programs to meet the needs of construction professionals.