Engineering Inc. - May/June 2005 - (Page 36)

HONOR AWARDS A C E C 2 0 0 5 E N G I N E E R I N G E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D S W I N N E R S Mustard Agent Decontamination System, Pier T Container Terminal Development, Aberdeen, Md. Long Beach, Calif. Merrick & Company Aurora, Colo. KPFF Consulting E n g i n e e r s S e a t t l e A highly toxic, mustard chemical warfare compound was stored The Pier T Container Terminal in the Port of Long Beach is the largest single at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. International development project in the port's history. Located on the former U.S. Navy treaties mandated disposal of the agent to eliminate potential Long Beach Naval Complex site, which closed in 1995, the 380-acre devel- threats to both people and the environment. The project team opment is now home to a new world-class mega-terminal, which serves sev- designed an automated system to remove and decontaminate the eral shipping lines. The project included demolition of an extensive military mustard agent from 1,800 canisters, each of which holds approxi- complex of 250 buildings and six major concrete piers. Nearly 6 million mately 1,700 pounds of the concentrated toxic liquid. The new cubic yards of material were dredged, including earthwork to provide for a technology neutralizes, rather than incinerates, the toxic materi- foundation for cargo-handling facilities, a rail line, an access road and con- als. The enclosed system performs 12 procedures to drain the tainer storage. With the terminal complete, the site is once again a significant canisters of mustard agent, which is piped to a separate room for economic engine for the Long Beach community. neutralization. The system also registers the level to which the can- isters have been cleaned with a target of at least three-one- thousandths part of agent per cubic meter per vol- ume of air which permits the scrap cylin- ders to be transported by truck for recy- cling. I-75 Alligator Alley Barrier, Collier County, Fla. American Consulting Engineers of Fla. LLC Land O' Lakes, Fla. Route 29 South Riverwalk Park, Trenton, N.J. Vollmer Associates, LLP Rochelle Park, N.J. Accidents on Interstate 75 in Collier County, Fla., known as Alligator Alley, frequently ended in fatalities when vehicles crashed through State Route 29, which connects downtown Trenton with Interstate 295 via wildlife fencing into adjacent canals. In response to the disturbing trend, a section of historic Lamberton Street, has long been a source of noise and the project team designed a 50-mile cable barrier system to supplement disruption to area residents. Rush-hour traffic literally shook the homes, and reinforce the existing wildlife fence. Two above-ground cables, sup- leading to the decision to build a four-lane, limited-access tunnel through ported by existing posts, were fitted with high-tension springs attached the area to eliminate the traffic problem and provide residents with conven- to the anchor assembly, effectively preventing errant vehicles from ient access to the Delaware River. The project team turned the tunnel roof breaking through the barrier. Strobe lights attached to each anchor into a community park that includes sweeping lawns, playgrounds, wind- assembly are activated when a crash occurs. The system alerts the ing paths, pavilions, beaches, a riverfront esplanade and a community event regional traffic management center via wireless and microwave commu- area. The new park is another component to the revitalization of Trenton's nications. Since the cable barrier has been installed, the number of fatal waterfront. automobile accidents along I-75 has decreased dramatically. 3 6 ENGINEERING INC. M a y l June 2005

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - May/June 2005

Table of Contents
From ACEC To You
News & Notes
Market Watch
Legislative Action
Common Ground
An Offer They Can't Refuse
Better to Be Safe
COVER STORY: Engineering Excellence Awards
Business Insights
Members in the News
One on One

Engineering Inc. - May/June 2005