SNOW & ICE: 2023 FEATURE: In The Ground FEATURE: Financial Wellness COLUMNS: Association News PS: Out & About in Colorado SUMMER 2023: Vol. 19, No. 4 - $4.95
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The Colorado Public Works Journal - jo@coloradopublicworksjournal.com J O U R N A L THE EDITOR REMEMBER that Colorado Public Works Journal can now be read online, on your phone, tablet or other mobile device. Please go there, take a look and let us know what you think at coloradopublicworksjournal.com SUMMER 2023┃3 Jo Taylor, Managing Editor During Trench Safety Stand Down week last month I was invited by NUCA to the City of Thornton, who hosted a lunch and learn session focused on Trench Safety. Professionals from Sunbelt Rentals, National Trench Safety, United Rentals and BT Construction addressed the audience with important lessons on sloping, shoring and shielding. How it is crucial to have a competent person on your crew who is responsible for checking the site for safety, before, during and after work begins. Read more about this topic in our feature In The Ground on page 16. We are always told to ‘Think outside the Box’ but not when it comes to Trench Safety, as our Industry Insights expert Perry Silvey explains on page 58. Of course, we have the APWA sought after Snow & Ice Conference program in the center of this issue beginning on page 21. In there you can find the schedule for each of the 3 days; 27th, 28th and 29th September, a list of all the exhibitors and information on anybody and everybody who is connected to snow removal in Colorado. Registration for this event is now open at www.westernsnowandice.com Continuing our wellness in the workplace theme this issue has a focus on financial wellness and how that too can play a part in our mental health and our overall wellness. Read our feature Building a Better Tomorrow on page 60. Transportation and Construction GIRL’s Career Week for Girls was so popular this year that they had to extend it to three weeks, rather than the usual two. As Colorado Public Works Journal is their Media Partner, I was fortunate to shadow the girls on a couple of the days and once again learnt about the many opportunities in this industry that are open to our graduating high school students. As one girl told me on the very last day “I would accept any one of the jobs from these companies, if it was offered to me”. Industry Events of note that we attended were; The ACEC of Colorado Annual Conference, Women of Asphalt Training Academy Class 2 and T&C GIRL Career Week for Girls. See PS on pages 71-73 for details. If you would like us to support your business at an event, help you gain exposure to infrastructure industry professionals, just let us know. We are here to connect you to the people that matter.
4┃ Colorado Public Works Journal CONTENTS Cover Image: © BT Construction Snow & Ice: page 21 MAILING LIST MAINTENANCE - COVID UPDATE Working from home and miss seeing your copy of CPWJ? No problem, send us your address and we will have your copy of CPWJ mailed to your home address rather than to your office.You may resume delivery to your office at any time. Please take a moment to let us know of any co-workers who may have moved on and no longer need to be on our mailing list. THANK YOU for helping us. SUMMER 2023 : Volume 19, No.4 COLORADO PUBLIC WORKS JOURNAL (ISSN 1555-8258) is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November CPWJ is published by Coterie Press Ltd., 5 White Birch, Littleton, CO 80127 tel: (303) 933-2526 coloradopublicworksjournal.com Managing Editor: Jo Taylor, (720) 360-6737 jo@coloradopublicworksjournal.com Editor: William Taylor (303) 933-2526 news@coloradopublicworksjournal.com Volume 19. No.4, July 2023 Production: Coterie Press Design: Taylored Graphics Printed by: One Stop Printing Subscription, Mailing Services and Accounting info@coloradopublicworksjournal.com Subscription $30.00 per year in the USA Periodicals Postage Paid in Denver, Colorado. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Coterie Press Ltd., 5 White Birch, Littleton, CO 80127. Contents copyright © 2023 by Coterie Press Ltd. All rights reserved Colorado Public Works Journal is an independent publication designed to be of service and interest to those providing civil services related to infrastructure construction and maintenance and allied fields, including government officials, heavy/civil contractors, engineers and architects, distributors, dealers and manufacturers of equipment and materials, and providers of services to government agencies and the construction and development industry Colorado Public Works Journal accepts no responsibility or liability for the validity of information and articles supplied by contributors, vendors, advertisers or advertising agencies. Opinions expressed are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers of CPWJ. 06 : Works News Equipment 08 : Works News Updates 10 : Works News People 16 : Industry Spotlight In the Ground Safety 58 : Industry Insights Perry Silvey 60 : Building A Better Tomorrow Financial Wellness in the Construction Industry 62 : Association News APWA, ACEC, RTD, CDOT, CAPA, ACPA, CCA, CRMCA, HCC 71 : PS! (Parting Shots) Out and About at Events in Colorado 74 : Advertisers Index Our Corporate Partners September 27 - 29, 2023 | Embassy Suites | Loveland, CO SNOW & ICE: 2023 FEATURE: In The Ground FEATURE: Financial Wellness COLUMNS: Association News PS: Out & About in Colorado SUMMER 2023: Vol.19, No. 4 - $4.95
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6┃ Colorado Public Works Journal Works News E Q U I P M E N T JUNE 20, 2023 — For contractors looking for an excavator that can help complete jobs faster, Komatsu’s newly upgraded PC130LC-11 with a longer undercarriage design increases lifting capacity by up to 20% compared to the previous model. This durable, reliable and productive 97.2-HP small conventional tail swing excavator is easily transportable and offers a unique combination of lightweight power and agility in a small package. ”The upgraded PC130LC-11 excavator can easily handle a wide variety of utility work or small construction jobs,” said Andrew Earing, Director, Tracked Products, Komatsu. “It provides a versatile workhorse for you as your business expands and grows.” Engineered for efficiency, the PC130LC-11 uses up to 12% less fuel than the previous model (PC130-8). Fuel consumption on this excavator can also be reduced with the auto idle shutdown feature that can be set to automatically stop the engine after a preset amount of idle time. The Komatsu diesel oxidation catalyst (KDOC) helps reduce particulate matter by using passive regeneration over 98% of the time. Komatsu excavators benefit from fast cycle times, seamless multifunction motions, exacting bucket movements and exceptional lifting capabilities. On the updated PC130LC-11, high hydraulic pressures help optimize high arm and bucket digging forces. For long-term durability, steel castings in the boom foot, boom nose and arm tip help spread working loads away from high-stress areas. The large one-piece hood, ground-level grease points, engine oil and fuel filters provide quick-and-easy service access for this upgraded excavator. Learn more about the PC130LC-11 here. About Komatsu Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. To learn more, visit www.komatsu.com. FARIS MACHINERY FARIS MACHINERY COMPANY and GAPVAX are excited to announce that Faris Machinery has been chosen as the exclusive Dealer for GapVax products, serving Colorado.Faris Machinery is a full-service dealer for GapVax products to include Combination Sewer Cleaners, Wet/ Dry Vacs, Hydro Excavators, Water Recycling Jetvac Trucks, Truck Jetters, and Trailer Jetters.Faris Machinery Company is excited to offer a world-class line of sewer cleaning equipment, deepening our specialization in the Environmental market. GapVax builds durable, efficient, and dependable machines for maximum uptime to benefit both Contractor and Municipal Customers. GapVax is the embodiment of the Faris motto- “Tough Jobs, Tough Machines”.Faris Machinery provides a full-service experience, selling New Equipment, and providing Rentals, Parts, Service, and Training. With three locations- Commerce City, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs, we are strategically located to serve our customers. Komatsu’s upgraded PC130LC-11 excavator is a unique combination of lightweight power and agility Lifting capacity of this utility excavator has been increased by up to 20% Faris Machinery is well-positioned with knowledgeable staff, factory-trained technicians, and mobile service capabilities. Giles Poulson, President of Faris Machinery states: “With our sales staff and technicians having over 70 years of combined experience, adding the GapVax line to our portfolio is a great opportunity for us to add value to our industry!”
SUMMER 2023┃7 Kleemann | Three solutions for environmentally friendly operation. An overview of concepts and application optionsThree solutions for environmentally friendly operation. An overview of concepts and application options Kleemann uses three different drive concepts that offer the best possible solution depending on the tasks at hand. Although electric drives score very well with regard to the CO2 footprint, in some situations a fuelsaving diesel drive is the better solution. E-DRIVE, D-DRIVE and H-DRIVE represent the variants diesel-electric, diesel-direct and diesel-hydraulic. E-DRIVE – emission-free thanks to electric drive The E-DRIVE concept offers two options: Diesel fuel or all-electric. All-electric operation is environmentally friendly: there are no CO2 emissions on site. A precondition for this is a good power infrastructure, which is often available in quarries or in larger recycling yards. D-DRIVE – the direct and powerful solution The diesel-directdrive D-DRIVE provides power directly from the engine to the crusher. In the last few years, it was possible to reduce consumption, for example, through the load-dependent fan drive of the new EVO2 Generation. With regard to the degree of efficiency, the diesel-directdrive has the edge and fuel consumption is significantly lower. H-DRIVE – for mobile screening plants The screening plants from Kleemann use an effective diesel-hydraulic drive. In this case, hydraulic pumps operate all machine parts such as screen, belts and drive system. The power requirements of the screens are considerably lower than a crusher – fuel consumption during operation is therefoare more favourable. Works News E Q U I P M E N T Road Widener — Road Widener LLC, a leading global manufacturer of road construction equipment, offers the patented FH-R material placement attachment, which provides contractors with 50% reduced labor at 1/5 of the cost of traditional self-propelled equipment. Additionally, the remote-controlled design of the attachment allows the operator of the host machine to control the attachment via remote control — enhancing safety by eliminating the danger of additional workers standing along the jobsite. The FH-R is a versatile solution for material placement, precisely dispensing topsoil, gravel, asphalt, limestone and more — all with an attachment compatible with common machines that contractors already own. “With the current Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal there is a renewed focus on repairing and reconstructing our nation’s roadways,” said Lynn Marsh, Road Widener president. “Now is the time to modernize our infrastructure, making it safer and more resilient. The FH-R allows contractors to get the job done more quickly and efficiently. Our two-step process eliminates the need for grading and sweeping by placing the material right where it needs to go the first time.” The remote-controlled attachment easily connects to most skid steers, compact track loaders, road graders and wheel loaders, operating off the host machine’s engine and hydraulics. It is available in left, right or dual dispensing configurations to take on any roadway around the world. The attachment streamlines a variety of tasks including backfilling, road widening, road shoulder repairs, remediation and aggregate placement. The material is poured into the hopper at the top of the FH-R and then precisely dispensed via remote control in adjustable lay down widths from 1 to 6 feet (.3 to 1.8 meters). The attachment dispenses up to 20 tons of material in under 10 minutes.
8┃ Colorado Public Works Journal Works News U P D A T E S The EPIC CAMPUS in Littleton set to open in the FALL of 2023 The new Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers (EPIC) project is the transformation of two existing buildings and a parking lot into a campus design to support indoor and outdoor learning, while connecting students to Littleton’s broader historical and cultural context. The EPIC educational program is entirely new for the District and is founded upon a vision for students to discover potential career pathways in a unique professional environment. The curriculum and facility design is informed by expertise of community partners such as Arapahoe Community College. The physical building spaces are renovated to be adaptable to changing workforce needs over time. The central “Pathways Plaza” features various unique elements such as an overhead canopy structure for solar panels, a construction yard, and multiple flexible outdoor learning spaces. The campus is designed to showcase climate sensitive/native plant species that contribute to the re-establishment of natural habitats and require less volume of water and maintenance, more permeable surfaces, greenhouse or farm-to-table program techniques, and use of stormwater run-off. Opening to students in August 2023, it will provide opportunities for students to experience hands-on learning using state-of-the-art Iron Woman is extremely proud to announce that our 27th Street Storm Interceptor project received the American Public Works Association’s Public Works Project of the Year in the Environment, $5 million to $25 million category for 2023! The project improved public safety by relieving drainage and flooding issues in the Curtis Park and Five Points neighborhoods. Stormwater runoff in this rapidly developing area drained to the South Platte River at the over-utilized 36th Street Outfall, which often led to flooding during storms. The project included approximately 5,900 linear feet of large storm pipe ranging in size from 78 inches to 96 inches in diameter located in 27th Street between Blake Street and Welton Street, and in Washington Street between 27th Street and 20th Avenue. Iron Woman is recognized alongside our client, The City and County of Denver, and primary design consultant, Merrick & Company. Congratulations to all! technology and innovative processes. Educational pathways aligned to industry standards will focus on the following areas: • Aerospace • Business and Entrepreneurship • Computer Science • Construction Trades • Future Educator • Health Science • Natural Resources The learning experiences at the Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers Campus will give students the opportunity to earn content credit, industry certifications, concurrent enrollment, and work-based learning. Located in the heart of Littleton, the Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers Campus is sure to be in high demand by a variety of students as they explore career options. Students will come to the EPIC Campus for a portion of their school day, then return to their home high school for the remainder of their day. Transportation will be provided to and from a student’s home LPS high school. APWA Public Work’s Project of the Year
SUMMER 2023┃9 Colorado’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), now in its 38th year, has evolved as much as the industry it serves, but training has always been a mainstay. Charged by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with supporting “local and rural road agencies across the US by providing training…” Colorado LTAP proudly offers an affordable and comprehensive training program focused on developing technical, operational and professional skills. Colorado LTAP’s three tracks offer a robust training experience. It begins with the Roads Scholar I program. Aimed at those newer to the field, this program serves as an introduction or refresher to some of the most important skills and topics. As of Spring 2023, graduates of this program will also be credited with a Road Safety Champion certificate from the National Center for Rural Roadway Safety. Building on the foundation laid out in the Roads Scholar I program by expanding and diving into more detail and complexities of the industry is the Roads Scholar II: Road Master track. Finally, rounding out Colorado LTAP’s offerings is the Supervisory Skills and Development program. This track takes participants through government operations, leadership theory and management skills. These complimentary programs are the perfect solution to agencies looking to define career progression within their organizations. In Works News U P D A T E S COLORADO LTAP Training: A Plug & Play Solution to Career Pathing for Agencies fact, a number of agencies are already utilizing them as their career pathing models with Colorado LTAP tracking all credits and classes. This also serves each individual as the credit is associated with the individual rather than the agency, allowing agencies to better understand a candidate’s training history. It should be noted that the tracks are optional and offerings are open to anyone interested, including those in private industry. Trainings, all taught by industry professionals considered to be subject matter experts, are typically hosted at partner agencies across the state, focusing on providing geographical equity. Additionally, and with a full-time trainer on staff, customized agency trainings are now also available. A recent article by Indeed noted the benefits of career pathing, or the practice of planning an employee’s future career opportunities within an organization, as leading to improved retention rates and employee output, organizational succession planning and overall lower costs, so don’t delay! Stay tuned for more on Colorado LTAP, but for now…Want to host? Have a need? Have an idea? Contact us! Mortenson Breaks Ground on new their new Denver office in RiNo Art District | The 65,000-square-foot project will utilize Mortenson’s full spectrum of capabilities, including development, design, fabrication and building DENVER (June 14, 2023) – Mortenson, a top-20 U.S. builder, developer and engineering services provider with four decades of experience in Colorado, this week, celebrated the groundbreaking of its four-story, 65,000-square-foot Denver office lcoated at 3038 Walnut Street within Denver’s RiNo Art District (“RiNo”). The project is being developed, constructed, owned, and occupied by Mortenson. Mortenson will occupy roughly 37,000 square feet of the mixed-use building on the second and third floors, and the top and ground levels will be available for office and retail leasing, respectively. This milestone represents the start of an exciting new chapter for Mortenson in Denver, our new office here exemplifies our growing capabilities as the build-out will feature Mortenson’s full suite of cutting-edge vertical integration at every stage of the project. Mortenson’s self-performed services on the project will include civil utilities, mass excavation, concrete, rough carpentry, and drywall. Mortenson is also leveraging its controlled off-site manufacturing environment to produce and install prefabricated wall panels. Incorporating efficient energy systems, from low-lighting design to glazing and embodied carbon modeling, the building will exceed requirements set by the Green Building Ordinance. Building amenities will include private outdoor patio spaces, covered parking, an accessible bike storage room, and stateof-the-art HVAC systems. The new building will provide space for more than 300 locally focused professionals as well as other Mortenson divisions that have not historically had a Denver presence, such as the company’s sports, renewable energies, data centers, and federal contracts teams. Additionally, Mortenson plans to lease out the ground floor to retail tenants that will contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
10┃ Colorado Public Works Journal Works News P E O P L E Steve Ceresa Joins Iron Woman Steve Ceresa has joined Iron Woman Construction and Environmental Services as Director of Preconstruction Services. With nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Ceresa brings a deep knowledge of water infrastructure and earthwork to the team. “We are excited to have Steve join the team. Steve’s experience perfectly aligns with Iron Woman’s capabilities. He will be a key contributor to realizing our growth strategy and will help drive our team and clients toward success.” – Tony Curcio, VP of Business Development. As Director of Preconstruction Services, Ceresa will identify opportunities and manage pursuit strategy in new and existing markets, focusing on water, infrastructure, and alternative delivery. Ceresa has led teams in environmental and infrastructure markets. He owned and operated an excavation company for ten years and held positions in construction management and business development. CCA Welcomes Tadd Lindsay as Newest member of Staff Tadd joined CCA in May of 2023, as an instructor. He will be responsible for teaching CCA’s Academy classes, and other safety/training classes as well as helping to recruit people into the classes. Tadd grew up in the urban sprawl around Chicago and has been in construction most of his life. Moving to Denver in 2007, he got into the commercial side of things, working for specialty engineering firms as a welder, equipment operator, and superintendent. Tadd has an in-depth and hands-on knowledge of how big jobsites run and the skills people need to be safe and successful in the industry. His boots have been in the dirt for twenty years and he looks forward to sharing his knowledge and skills with a new generation of construction professionals. Outside of work, Tadd enjoys spending time with his wife and their dogs. He has a variety of hobbies and interests including golf, hunting and fishing, and generally spending time outdoors. Iron Woman congratulates Melissa Anders, Estimator, for being accepted into the CCA’s Emerging Leaders Council (ELC). The program’s mission is to enhance leadership in the infrastructure industry through professional development, community service, and networking. ELC members are nominated by firm leadership and then go through an application process before being admitted. Members hold three-year terms. Melissa has been with Iron Woman for 3.5 years and is a valued member of the estimating team. Throughout her career, Melissa has been extremely ambitious in the pursuit of growth through participation in intensive leadership training and educational opportunities. She has shown a passion for sharing her knowledge and supporting others. One of her biggest professional accomplishments, Melissa says, is launching Women of Iron Woman, an internal initiative focused on enhancing the work environment for women. Melissa also co-founded Iron Woman’s Corporate Social Responsibility program and is a member of the Ownership Committee. As a participant in the ELC, Melissa hopes to continue her path of professional development, support others, positively represent Iron Woman, and elevate the reputation of the AEC industry
SUMMER 2023┃11 Works News P E O P L E ACEC Colorado Bestows Two Honor Awards at 2023 Annual Conference DENVER (May 30, 2023) — The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC Colorado) honored Philip B. Cardi and Dr. Greg Kingsley, PE during the Annual Meeting and Honor Award Luncheon ceremony on May 4 at the Denver Marriott Westminster (Westminster, Colo.). The Orley O. Phillip’s Award is nominated by the Past Presidents’ Council to recognize a member who has made a significant contribution to the profession, ACEC Colorado and its programs. The 2023 Orley O. Phillip’s Award recipient is Philip B. Cardi, one of ACEC Colorado’s trusted and valued Sustaining Members. As a founding partner of Cardi and Schulte (Greenwood Village, Colo.), Cardi has been a leader in advocating for and representing design professionals for more than four decades and received ACEC Colorado’s 2005 President’s Award. He has presented numerous seminars and programs to design professionals, contractors, public works officials, and attorneys on the subject of construction law and was the original author of, “The Fundamentals of Construction Litigation,” a chapter in West Publishing’s Colorado Methods of Practice. After years of accomplishments representing design professionals in litigation, Cardi’s practice currently focuses primarily on contract drafting, negotiation and business consultation services. “We are honored to recognize Phil Cardi, whose professional efforts and personal commitment to advancing the consulting engineering profession is exceptional. Thank you for your continued support over the years and dedication to supporting Colorado engineers, land surveyors and architects,” said ACEC Colorado 2022-23 President Gray Clark, PE, and President of Muller Engineering Company (Lakewood, Colo.). The second honor award, the George Washington Award, was bestowed to Dr. Greg Kingsley, PE, President and CEO of KL&A Engineers and Builders (Golden, Colo.). This award is nominated by the ACEC Colorado membership and approved by the Board of Directors for someone who has made a lasting impact on the consulting engineering profession in Colorado. Dr. Kingsley has been the CEO of KL&A Engineers & Builders since 2003, growing the firm organically from 20 to nearly 120 in 2023. During his tenure, he became committed to the idea that engineers must take a leadership position in addressing climate change. He formed both Team Mass Timber and Team Carbon to provide outreach and expertise to the industry and has spoken publicly to hundreds of groups on responsibility and the role of the structural engineer in reducing embodied carbon. “It is my distinct privilege to recognize Greg, who has been a worldwide leader in helping define the Structural Engineer’s role in addressing climate change. He is outspoken in challenging structural engineers to become leaders in managing the effects of embodied carbon on global warming potential,” commented Brant Lahnert, PE, ACEC Colorado’s 2023-24 President, and Principal Engineer at KL&A Engineers and Builders. Transport & Training Specialist at Colorado LTAP Kristi Jones joined the National LTAP community as the Transportation Training Specialist of Colorado’s LTAP program in 2023. Prior to joining CO LTAP, Kristi worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) where she started as a boots-on-the-ground highway maintenance member and then promoted to Lead Worker and eventually Junior Foreman. Kristi worked for a major Colorado construction equipment supplier and was a CDL-A nationwide OTR truck driver, moving into a local position hauling hay to various farms around the state and country. Kristi, in her spare time, is a huge supporter of the bully breed, spends time with her two dogs, a Dachshund named Jägermeister and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Karma. She works as the treasurer for the local county historical museum and is also involved in photography and reading about local history.
12┃ Colorado Public Works Journal SPRING-SUMMER 2023┃43 BUILDING PROGRESS A MILE HIGH. Colorado builders aim higher. Aggregate Industries has become Holcim to help it happen. The trusted names you know are now part of Holcim, a global leader in building materials innovation and sustainability. Together, we’re working to develop new ways to build smarter, build greener and build progress for people and the planet. holcim.us Send Project ITB and RFQ’s to wcrestimating@holcim.com A LEADER IN INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SOLUTIONS. #FollowUsForward
SUMMER 2023┃13 | KIEWIT.COM JOBS DONE WELL. Kiewit delivers large and small infrastructure projects all over Colorado with unparalleled quality. WE'RE HIRING! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW OUR CURRENT OPENINGS WWW.BRANNAN1.COM CONTACT A RECRUITER: 303-383-6445 or 303-853-5136 SAFETY SERVICE SUCCESS ASPHALT AGGREGATES CONCRETE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES CONTACT US 303.534.1231 WWW.BRANNAN1.COM
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SUMMER 2023┃15 www.cowyacpa.org CO/WY Chapter - ACPA @COWYACPA for sustainable pavements As global temperatures increase, reducing heat on roadways can help to lower emissions that contribute to climate change. The measurement of surface reflectivity is known as albedo. Lighter colored surfaces reflect more light, and have a higher albedo. Darker surfaces absorb more radiation and have a lower albedo. Surfaces that absorb heat keep temperatures elevated longer, releasing heat that keeps nearby areas hot even long after the sun has set. How is albedo measured? Albedo is a ratio expressed on a scale from 0 to 1. A surface with an albedo of 0 would be impossibly dark, taking in 100 percent of solar energy. A surface with an albedo of 1 would be completely reflective. How can albedo help mitigate climate change? Reflective pavements could lower air temperatures by over 2.5 degrees F and reduce the frequency of heatwaves by 41% across all U.S. urban areas. If all urban and rural roads in the continental U.S. were converted to higher albedo pavements, recent research found the GWP savings would equal 17 million tons of CO2 emissions per year — equivalent to removing roughly 4 million cars from our nation’s roads each year. For more information on albedo and concrete sustainability, refer to ACPA’s column in this issue of CPWJ. Choose concrete pavements to increase pavement albedo and help mitigate climate change! 17
16┃ Colorado Public Works Journal INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: IN GROUND SAFETY from utility strikes to confined entry, working below grade is different, difficult, and dangerous By Sean O’Keefe Infrastructure is inherently dangerous, especially for those who build it. In this Industry Spotlight, Colorado Public Works Journal assesses risks and resolutions to in-ground construction challenges of many sorts with a cross-section of safety specialists focused on heavy civil construction and design. Shelby Hone, Trench Safety Specialist United Rentals Founded in 1997, United Rentals, Inc. is the world’s largest equipment rental company with a fleet of approximately 4,700 classes of equipment. Serving construction and industrial sites across the United States and Canada, United Rentals has a vested interest in assuring the safe use and operation of their equipment on countless projects every day. Shelby Hone, Trench Safety Specialist, takes her work to heart, as many industry partners do. “At United Rentals, I know that my work isn’t just selling people things,” says Hone who has been with United Rentals for eight years and was recently promoted to Regional Product Development Manager. “United Rentals works in partnership with clients to help solve problems for companies that build communities. My work focuses on keeping people safe while doing so.” Offering more than 180 rental products related to trench safety and shoring, United Rentals carries everything from trench shielding and hydraulic shoring to bedding containers and a complete lineup of confined space safety equipment. “The OSHA standard requires protective shoring for any trench of five feet deep or greater. There are also many significant safety concerns when people are working in confined spaces,” continues Hone. “That’s where we come in. We assist them with specific products and configurations of equipment to come up with solutions that are not only cost-effective and timely, but failsafe for the people expected to work in that trench. Using the wrong equipment or using the equipment wrong could be worse than no safety at all.” Hone shares that in Colorado, unfortunately, there have been a rash of preventable safety incidents including several deaths in recent years. Broadcasting the importance of trench safety and confined space training is more than a professional obligation, it’s a matter of conscience. Hone and others in the industry reveal that the issue of noncompliance is largely confined to the smaller contractors operating on the single-family residential scale doing sewer line repairs or foundation excavations. Though there are likely a variety of reasons steps are being skipped, the possible consequences are far too great and so far from necessary for the industry’s true professionals to remain silent. “Dirt is unforgiving, and it isn’t worth the risk,” she finishes. “Once you make the decision to enter a trench you are in there and can’t change that. Doing it safely from the beginning and having proper shoring in place is critically important.” Robin Dornfest, President, Lithos Engineering Established in 2015, Lithos Engineering specializes in tunnel and trenchless engineering solutions for underground work and serves a wide range of interests in both the utilities and oil and gas industries. Lithos was formed from the vision of providing clients with recognizable value through thoughtful site evaluations, constructable solutions, and a careful evaluation of risks in geotechnical, tunnel, trenchless, and geological engineering. President, Robin Dornfest, appreciates the complexities of the challenges his team faces every day. “Every project is different,” says Dornfest of a career that spans more than 23 years. “You never know what you’re going to get into down there. Underground construction is very challenging and unforgiving, so you must be prepared for whatever the ground throws at you.” With offices in Denver, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City, Lithos Engineering’s geographic reach covers some of the most intense geotechnical and geological conditions in the U.S. “Most of our work involves getting down deep enough to tunnel under something, like a highway or a river, for instance. That requires a deep shaft, which always involves a shoring system
SUMMER 2023┃17 United Rentals Trench Safety is the largest provider of underground protective systems in North America. Our dedicated engineering department, industryleading safety trainers, digital solutions like Total Control® and 24/7 support can help your site stay safe without sacrificing efficiency. Call 800.UR.RENTS or visit UnitedRentals.com Safety powered by productivity. 791 East 64th Ave - Denver, CO 80229 303.329.8648
18┃ Colorado Public Works Journal to structurally stabilize the initial access point,” continues Dornfest. “A lot of the engineering solutions require shoring and support of excavation, so safety is obviously a huge factor in everything we design.” Though most of the tunnels Lithos designs are less than 10’ in diameter, engineering the initial access can involve any combination of wood and steel falsework to form the roof and walls of the entrance. “The first thing we tell people entering a job site is ‘If you see something, say something’,” shares Dornfest of empowering all to stop work if an unsafe condition is spotted. “Nothing is worse than the loss of life. It only takes one slip, one bad call, and then someone must call a spouse or a loved one.” Dornfest points out that engineering is almost never a one-size-fits-all equation, and safety around excavations is no exception. “It’s important for contractors to understand that the construction means and methods have to be precisely married to the ground conditions in order to develop a solution that protects workers,” he says of the need to think critically about each excavation rather than simply doing something that was successful elsewhere. “With respect to safety, especially with respect to excavations and entering them, safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Kyle Delucero, Regional Customer Safety Trainer, Sunbelt Rentals As a leader in the equipment rental industry, Sunbelt Rentals is consistently advancing the idea of how to best serve customers, communities, and the planet. With a vast network of locations across North America and an expansive portfolio of products and services, Sunbelt Rentals delivers solutions for construction and industrial programs from more than 1,200 locations. Regional Customer Safety Trainer, Kyle Delucero, has been involved in utility and excavation construction for the entirety of his 25+-year career, spending about half of that time in trench safety equipment and OSHA training. “My role is training customers and Sunbelt’s staff on Excavation Competent Person and Confined Space Entry requirements. What I love about my work is helping people solve problems safely and efficiently,” says Delucero. “I predominantly work with contractors who install wet and dry utilities.” Like Hone before him, Delucero points to a spate of fatal incidents involving poor trench safety practices in Colorado and across the country in recent years as a wake-up call to the industry. “I think there could be a lot of reasons these preventable incidents happen – everything from negligence to communication barriers and inexperienced workers,” shares Delucero. “My biggest message to the workforce is no job is important enough to put yourself in danger during excavation work. The tools and methods to prevent accidents are readily available, and they work.” Delucero points out that contractors are responsible for what happens on their job site. When injuries or fatalities occur, the consequences can be more than financial and emotional. They can be criminal. “There have been several cases in Colorado in recent years that have been prosecuted
SUMMER 2023┃19 under criminal charges as serious as manslaughter. One such case is being played out right now for the owner of construction company based out of Vail that is responsible for death of an employee in 2021. This employer has been charged with felony Manslaughter for not protecting the employee from cave-in hazards that took his life. Of course, on the civil side, settlements and payouts are significant.” Tim Mukoda, Safety Manager, Denver Water Established as a public utility in 1918, Denver Water takes responsibility for the collection, treatment, and distribution of water across the greater metro Denver. Tim Mukoda, Safety Manager, joined Denver Water two and a half years ago on the heels of a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force. He is double board certified as a safety professional (CSP) and industrial hygienist (CIH) and has made safety in many forms his life’s work. “At Denver Water, the goal is to provide safe, highquality drinking water to about 1.5 million people while keeping our rates low. There is a tremendous amount of infrastructure involved in collecting that water from the mountains, getting it to treatment plants, and then distributing it to people’s homes and businesses,” says Mukoda of a system complexity that few can truly fathom. “A lot of our distribution infrastructure is underground, so the first thing that comes to mind related to safety is Denver Water’s very aggressive line locate program.” Like Denver Water, their counterparts in electric, gas, sanitary sewer, cable, internet, and telecommunications all routinely use the limited ROW running publicly beneath us. Cooperation within this congested arena is a must. “Electricity and gas are the biggest dangers to the people working on our projects and the public,” continues Mukoda. “We make sure the contractors working with us understand that we don’t compromise on safety. We focus on planning the work. So we want utility locates to be thorough and accurate. Not knowing something was there is worse than knowing it was there and hitting it. Accidents happen, other entities hit our lines, and sometimes we hit theirs. Safety is about planning ahead. When we know something is there, we are prepared to deal with it.” Utility strikes and trench safety aren’t the only dangers of underground work. Mukoda shines a light on the hazards of air quality that can exist in confined spaces. “In confined spaces, which include trenches of five feet or more, safety also has to consider air quality. If you are working with chemicals, they will build up inside that trench in ways they wouldn’t in the open air. That condition could become either explosive, flammable, or toxic, so it’s very important to really understand all aspects of safety when working in the ground. If you think about what you are doing, what are the risks, and what good choices can be made, then you are applying the basics of risk management to everything you do.”
20┃ Colorado Public Works Journal e Multiple auctions held every week e Our auction dates fit your schedule FAST TURNAROUND e Our team takes the photos and videos e We handle post auction payment and titles WE HANDLE EVERY DETAIL e All equipment is sold “AS IS, WHERE IS” e No transportation or preparation cost PROVEN SUCCESS purplewave.com Call us today! 866.608.9283 Established territories in Colorado with local reps ready to serve you. CONTACT US TODAY! EQUIPMENT AUCTIONS NO RESERVE *fees may vary based on equipment volume and value
SUMMER 2023┃21 September 27 - 29, 2023 | Embassy Suites | Loveland, CO
22┃ Colorado Public Works Journal by Cal Beyer images @ CDOT Intentional Blank Page for Ad
WINTER 2023┃23 SPRING-SUMMER CONFERENCE INFORMATION MAJOR SPONSORS HONNEN EQUIPMENT Rodeo Dr Stallion Dr St Cloud Dr Crossroads Blvd Clydesdale Pkwy Fairgrounds Ave Centerra Pkwy Exit 259 Holiday Inn Express The Ranch - Larimer County Fairgrounds Snow Roadeo Site 25 Budweiser Events Center Arena Cir Embassy Suites Snow & Ice Conference Site SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pete Adler, Chairman, APWA Colorado Chapter Jodi Lessman, Treasurer, City of Loveland Tom Aguilar, CO Department of Transportation (CDOT) Doug Anthony, GMCO Craig Arndt, O.J. Watson Company, Inc. Scott Bowman, City of Fort Collins Mark DeVries, Vaisala Tony Fietzer, City of De Pere, WI Mark Jackson, City of Loveland Nate Jimenez, City of Fort Collins Sabrina Jones, EnviroTech Services, Inc. Shaun Lucero, City of Colorado Springs Bill Nuanes, Roadeo Chairman, City & County of Denver Ken Owens, Owens Equipment Allen Peterson, HR Green Jesse Ross, CDOT Brian Rowe, Town of Windsor Will Schafer, Transwest Truck Trailer RV Keith Scott, City of Fort Collins Nate Wachtendonk, City of Green Bay, WI Pam Weimer, APWA Colorado Chapter Bring your spouse along to enjoy all the wonderful activities and attractions in, and around Loveland and Fort Collins! There is shopping at nearby Centerra, museums, local brewery tours, golf, or visit world-renowned Rocky Mountain National Park and hike or bike one of the many trails! The Embassy Suites also offers a full service spa with a variety of high quality treatments to help you both relax and unwind. You may want to register your spouse as a guest if they’d like to enjoy the meals at the conference. Tickets are required. Location Conference Committee Map & Conference Committee Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Conference Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Daily Schedules and Session Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Roadeo At-A-Glance / Roadeo Committee Members . . . . . . . . 14 Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indoor Exhibit Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Exhibit Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bring Your Spouse The Western Snow & Ice Conference and National Snow Roadeo is based at the Embassy Suites, in beautiful Loveland, CO. It’s easy to get to - just right off I-25. Plus, our free shuttle makes getting to and from the Roadeo site a quick ride.
24┃ Colorado Public Works Journal 1-800-646-6636 www.honnen.com HONNEN EQUIPMENT MAJOR SPONSOR COUNT ON HONNEN FOR ALL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS It’s never too early to be prepared for winter weather. Honnen Equipment has the John Deere machines and attachments to keep you going all season long. Get more productivity from your equipment with snow implements like plows, brooms and wings for easy snow removal. We understand there is no time for downtime when the snow hits, so count on us to provide the parts, availability, and service responsiveness that you demand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today!
SUMMER 2023┃25 Featured Speaker: Karl Mecklenburg Presenting “Teamwork and Leadership in a Changing World” Thursday, 9/28 | 8:30 AM Story-based and full of humor, Karl Mecklenburg’s presentation brings a team together in times of change, and fights complacency in times of success. The lessons life in the NFL taught him about teamwork, courage, dedication, desire, honesty and forgiveness, and goal setting can be applied anywhere. Teams with leaders throughout the organization win. Great teams use the strengths of the individual to help the team win, and the strengths of the team to cover for the weaknesses of the individual. Karl Mecklenburg rose from a college walk-on at the University of Minnesota and 12th round NFL draft pick to a career with the Denver Broncos that included six Pro Bowl and three Super Bowl appearances. Considered the most versatile player in the NFL, Mecklenburg played all seven Defensive front positions—sometimes in the course of a single game. In 1987 he was selected as both the AFC Linebacker of the Year and the AFC Defensive Player of the Year. Since retiring from football, Mecklenburg has been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. Mecklenburg was a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for ten consecutive years. Karl has earned Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. Since retiring from professional football, Karl divides his time between public speaking and his ongoing charity commitments. The Mecklenburgs still live in Littleton, Colorado. Shuttle to the Roadeo Site Wednesday, 9/27 We’ve made it easier than ever to catch all the fun at the National Snow Roadeo with our free shuttle. It runs all day Wednesday from the north (back) side of the Embassy Suites Conference Center, to “The Ranch” – the Roadeo site at the Budweiser Events Center. CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR SPONSORS
26┃ Colorado Public Works Journal NEW International Truck, Isuzu, Crane Carrier & TICO Terminal Tractor Sales NEW Ranco & Vantage Trailer Sales and Class 5-8 PRE-OWNED Truck Sales Extensive Inventory of ALL-MAKES PARTS with same day delivery available ALL-MAKES SERVICE & REPAIR with 24/7 Mobile Maintenance Full-Service BODY SHOP & Paint Repair Facilities in CO and NV Idealease Truck LEASING & Long/Short Term Truck RENTAL Offerings AURORA 303-739-9900 HENDERSON 303-286-1300 PUEBLO 719-545-1166 MCTRUX.COM CHEYENNE,WY 307-775-5000 N LAS VEGAS, NV 702-642-8789 COLORADO SPRINGS 719-598-1028 GRAND JUNCTION 970-243-7771 NV WY CO FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED WITH 7 LOCATIONS SERVING COLORADO, WYOMING AND NEVADA!
SUMMER 2023┃27 GOING THE EXTRA MILE | 7 Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Workshop Thursday, 9/28 & Friday, 9/29 The APWA Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Workshop provides a well-rounded overview of all aspects of snow and ice control for individuals charged with supervising their winter maintenance operations. This course examines all the aspects of winter maintenance management, including a winter maintenance plan, deciphering winter weather patterns, determining the proper material and equipment to use, examining different snow and ice control techniques, and dealing with unusual winter situations. The workshop will also consist of testing throughout the day. Attendees receive a certificate of completion upon receiving a score of 80 percent or above. The Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Workshop is a fantastic training opportunity for new Supervisors, Senior Operators, or anyone wanting a good overall understanding of winter maintenance operations Please Note: Pre-registration is required for this workshop, and there is an additional $25 fee added to the conference registration cost for those who participate. SPONSORED BY CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS RHOMAR Featured Speaker: Keith Reester, City of Littleton Presenting “It’s About the Journey—500 Miles on the Colorado Trail” Friday, 9/29 | 12:00 PM We all strive to be present and live in the moment, but it’s hard in today’s fast-paced, multitasking world. In 2022, Keith Reester hiked the entire 500 miles of the Colorado Trail. Averaging over 10,300 feet, the Colorado Trail is “mile for mile the most beautiful trail in America.” Hiking 500 miles by just putting one foot in front of the other provides a unique path to assess the value of life, what it means to be present, and discover the lessons we can translate to our daily lives. Keith is the Public Works Director for the City of Littleton. Operator Training Program Friday, 9/29 | 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM This session is focused on Operators, and what they need to know about both common and cutting-edge snow equipment, materials, and operations. Register now for this half-day session that includes multi-modal techniques, safety tips, equipment review, interactive discussion and other important topics related to snow operations. A certificate of participation will be provided to those who complete the training. Please Note: Pre-registration is required for this workshop and there is an additional $25 fee added to the conference registration cost for those who participate.
28┃ Colorado Public Works Journal 8 | REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.WESTERNSNOWANDICE.COM TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY AT-A-GLANCE Wednesday, 9/27 TIME DESCRIPTION ROOM 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Roadeo Registration Hours Aspen Daisy / Elderberry 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Conference Registration Hours Conference Registration Area 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Hours Front Range Ballroom Tuesday, 9/26 Education Innovation Snow Best Practices Roadeo Events Major Sponsor Showcase ROOM SNOWBERRY GOLDENGLOW ELDERBERRY ASPEN DAISY AND THE RANCH BIG THOMPSON A&B 7:00 a.m. Roadeo Registration 8:00 a.m. Roadeo Competitors Orientation 9:00 a.m. When Good Was Just Not Enough! Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining Talent Tips to Energize Your Body and Mind During Work 9:15 AM - Completion Roadeo Competition: Single Axle Tandem Axle Loader Grader Skid Steer DTN 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Roadeo Written and Diagnostics Test: Single Axle Tandem Axle Loader Grader Skid Steer 10:15 a.m. BREAK - Visit Our Exhibitor Hall 10:45 a.m. Colorado Weather and Climate, Understanding Our Crazy Conditions Using AI in Winter Maintenance—How Might That Happen? Public Works and Emergency Management: Roles in EM and Emercency Operations Center Coordination Evolution Edges 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Clear Roads— Research, Training and Innovation Everything You Always Wanted (Needed) to Know about Mag Chloride and Calcium Chloride for Winter Maintenance Traffic Incident Management During Winter Operations Winter Equipment 2:00 p.m. BREAK - Visit Our Exhibitor Hall 2:15 p.m. Lessons Learned Roundtable - “Ask an Expert” On the Cutting Edge Introduction to Snowplowing Dawson IS 3:15 p.m. BREAK - Visit Our Exhibitor Hall 3:25 p.m. Leadership Matters: How to Make a Difference for Your Agency Use of New Technology in Plowing Operations Advanced Snowplowing EnviroTech Services 4:30 p.m. Prize Drawing - Exhibit Hall Join us in the Exhibit Hall for your chance to win valuable prizes. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. “Blades Up” Social Sponsored by 4Rivers Equipment Enjoy a fun-filled night and network with your peers. TIME DESCRIPTION 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Roadeo Course Setup and Judges Orientation 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Early Registration for Conference and Roadeo NEVEREST EQUIPMENT COMPANY COFFEE & SNACK BREAKS SPONSORED BY ROADEO WATER SPONSORED BY
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