Saturday, August 31, 2013
Housing economy stocks shed negative Syria sentiment
The HW 30 ended the day on a positive note, up 0.28%, with majority of the components showing improvement from Tuesday.
More Bad News From The Housing Market
Pending home sales missed expectations falling 1.3% month-over-month in July. This was worse than expectations for pending home sales to stay flat.
Dycom Industries, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter And Fiscal Year Results And Provides Guidance For The Next Fiscal Quarter
Anniversray - Voights 30th
Craig and Gail Voights, of rural Marseilles, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
An Ambitious Construction Schedule Using Prefab Modules, With Questions
The Broad Group, a construction company, wants Sky City to be not only the tallest jumbo skyscraper when it opens but also the most rapidly built.
Autodesk BIM 360 Presentations on the App Store
Matrix Service Company Sets Date to Discuss Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Matrix Service Company Sets Date to Discuss Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013
Selling a Town on Rentals
Home Prices in 20 Cities Increase at Slower Rate
Tuesday's Case-Shiller home prices report provided fresh evidence that higher mortgage rates could be putting a break on the broad housing recovery.
Sundt Construction: Cordes Junction Interchange
Effects of a Broken Grease Trap
Restaurants and other food service businesses, gas stations with a car wash, laundromats and commercial laundry services are some of the businesses required by local laws to install a grease trap or solid waste interceptor. Any businesses that disposes potentially harmful materials down the sewer are required to install some type of interceptor, because not only is it important for the health and safety of your community, but for the environment as well.
Is there a law for grease traps?
Grease interceptors and grease traps are plumbing accessories that are used to keep grease, oil and fats from entering the sewer system. Grease from a normal household does not pose a significant concern, however, in settings where there is a large amount of oil, grease and fats an interceptor is a necessary source of protection for the sewer. Although the laws pertaining grease interceptors vary from state to state, the majority of governments have guidelines in place regarding the disposal of grease as well as cleaning grease traps, maintenance of interceptors, the size of grease traps and the amount of grease an establishment is allowed to dispose in the waste water system.
Can an ineffective trap cause problems?
Oils, grease and fats can absolutely cause serious problems in the pipes of a sewer system. Grease and oils are made up of animal flesh and fats, so they are extremely difficult to dispose of in a normal method. The grease and oil are not easily broke down and can a long time to fully decompose, which sticks to the walls of sewer pipes, restricts the flow of wastewater and may cause a blockage, which results in the sewer overflowing. A grease interceptor must be in effective working order to allow for the water to drain effectively into the city?s treatment plant. It is estimated that sewers back up about 400,000 times a year in the United States as a result of grease blockage. This not only creates problems in your business, but can seep into the environment causing potential health hazards for not only your community, but surrounding communities as well. Backups and blockage also disrupt the wastewater utility operations as well as increase the requirements for maintenance and costs to the city. For these reasons, almost all municipalities require a commercial kitchen have some type of grease interceptor installed to collect the grease before it enters the sewer system.
How often should a grease interceptor be cleaned?
Cleaning a grease trap is not a job that anyone ever enjoys doing, but it is necessary for maintaining a healthy environment. It is vital to stay current with the maintenance and cleaning of all grease interceptors and traps to prevent potential hazards. The majority of municipalities require grease traps be cleaned and routine maintenance done once each month. However, depending on the size of the trap and the volume of your business, it may be necessary to have more frequent service. As a business owner it is your responsibility to schedule regular cleaning in order to prevent odors, spill outs, blockage and pipe damage. Due to the potential hazards and health risks, grease traps must always be cleaned and maintained by a licensed and professional company that specializes in grease interceptor cleaning and grease disposal.
What happens to the grease once it is cleaned from the trap?
The waste retrieved from interceptors and grease traps is known as brown grease, which is fats, grease, oils and rotted foods solids. The brown grease is pumped out of the interceptors and grease traps by a grease pumping truck. Most of the brown greases end up in a landfill site; however, some newer facilities along with modern technology are starting to allow the brown grease to be recycled, which is often used as a biofuel.
Hand Chain Saw - a must have Survival tool, with many uses.
IL: Parsons Brinckerhoff Providing CM Services to CTAFrom: Parsons Brinckerhoff
The Chicago Transit Authority has awarded a contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff to provide construction management services for transit projects throughout its system.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
John T. Nesser III Elected to Layne Christensen's Board of Directors
Futures mixed after weak durable goods report
U.S. stock futures were mixed on data showing that businesses cut back sharply on big-ticket purchases last month.
Real estate Q&A: How do I break up with my Realtor?
QUESTION: I signed a contract with a real estate firm to sell my house, but I'm not happy and want to cancel the deal.
Everyone's Kinda Freaking Out About All Of The Ugly Housing Data
The U.S. housing recovery has been one of the most encouraging economic stories in the world since the financial crisis.
Petrofac on target for future growth in earnings
PETROFAC, which employs 4200 people in Scotland, highlighted increasing activity levels in the North Sea and said it was on track for dramatic growth in earnings in coming years.
Why It's Time to Buy
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Privatisation Challenge For Japan's Biggest Subway Continues In Osaka
The Lock, Stock, and Barrel Listing
Pending sales of U.S. homes slip but remain solid
London close: Syrian crisis hits stocks despite upbeat economic data
Data showing improving confidence in Germany and the States wasn't enough to lift markets on Tuesday as investor sentiment was rattled by escalating tensions between Syria and the West.
Hellas Sports Construction Awarded Weber State University Contract for the Second Time
Arena measure backers vow to regroup after Hansen funding revelation
Sacramento's arena war hit new levels of intensity this week after Seattle financier Chris Hansen was revealed as the secret source of money for a petition drive to put the city's arena plans to a public vote.
Bond Architects: Ladue Education Center
Burns & McDonnell CEO: If you want the Seattle fish market, you have to share ownership
That's the message Burns & McDonnell CEO Greg Graves sent roughly a dozen startup owners during a group lunch earlier this month.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tetra Tech Shareholder Alert by Former Louisiana Attorney General:...
Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until August 27, 2013 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Tetra Tech Inc. , if they purchased the Company's securities during the period between May 3, 2012 and June 18, ... (more)
110 Mechanic Street 10
Immaculate 3-4 BR, 2 BA Cape in walk to town neighborhood. This unit shares a lovely great room in common with other units.
Bay Area Preps for Yet Another Transbay Closure
Integrated Electrical Services and MISCOR Group Announce Merger Consideration Determination
Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. and MISCOR Group, Ltd. , today announced the merger consideration to be paid by IES to MISCOR shareholders in connection with the merger of MISCOR into IES Subsidiary Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IES.
Donald Trump investment school sued by New York attorney general -report
The New York state attorney general filed a $40 million lawsuit on Saturday against Donald Trump 's for-profit investment school, Trump University, accusing it of engaging in illegal business practices, according to the New York Times .
Arizona home prices back to 2004 levels
Congratulations. It likely is finally worth as much as you paid for it -- if you don't factor in inflation.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Get ready for 'Septaper'
Each number will be scrutinized even more so than usual this month, as investors look at every economic indicator as a predictor for whether the Federal Reserve will pull back on asset purchases next month -- a move many have dubbed "Septaper."
Integrated Electrical Services and MISCOR Group Announce Merger Consideration Determination
Integrated Electrical Services, Inc. and MISCOR Group, Ltd. , today announced the merger consideration to be paid by IES to MISCOR shareholders in connection with the merger of MISCOR into IES Subsidiary Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IES.
Needy EU nations woo Chinese home buyers with visas
Southern Europe's cash-strapped governments are courting wealthy Chinese homebuyers, seeking to bolster their battered real estate markets by offering visas to those who purchase prime properties.
Lunda Construction Awarded $61 Million Wisconsin Highway Contract
Ratings Recap: Electrical Contractors, Al-Sagr, Alliance
A.M. Best Europe - Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of 'A-' and issuer credit rating of "a-" of UK-based Electrical Contractors' Insurance Company Limited , both with stable outlooks.
March Newsletter Online
This newsletter has information about the upcoming March section meeting, April's Technical Seminar and Golf Tournament...
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Berkshire Hathaway Rating Reiterated by Zacks
's stock had its "outperform" rating reiterated by Zacks in a report released on Thursday, Analyst Ratings Network reports.
John Deere Introduces Feature Enhancements, 36" Track Option To Its S-Series Combine Line-Up
JOHN DEERE INTRODUCES FEATURE ENHANCEMENTS, 36" TRACK OPTION TO ITS S-SERIES COMBINE LINE-UP Aug. 25, 2013 Source: John Deere news release The S-Series Combines are the most productive harvesting machines ever designed and built by John Deere.
Bill Would Give U.S. Visas to Foreign Home Buyers
Construction labor shortages slow housing rebound
Stephen Shelton wants his son to inherit his masonry company staffed with skilled craftsmen.
Markup and Profit Blog
Our newest six-hour class, based on the book "Markup & Profit, A Contractor's Guide Revisited", second hour, on markup and margin calculations. Read more about Markup and Margin Calculations
Greenwood Man Comes To Aid Of Oklahoma Tornado Victims
A local hero who lives in Greenwood recently traveled to Moore, Okla., to help with tornado-relief project.
Donald Trump investment school sued by New York attorney general -report
The New York state attorney general filed a $40 million lawsuit on Saturday against Donald Trump 's for-profit investment school, Trump University, accusing it of engaging in illegal business practices, according to the New York Times .
Then There's This: A Pioneer Among Women Architects
Former Austin resident Natalie de Blois left her architectural mark on some of New York's most notable postwar symbols of commerce the Park Avenue headquarters for Pepsi-Cola, Union Carbide, Lever House but her lasting, less visible imprint on Austin is what her friends here cherish the most.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Ryland hosts back-to-school drive; teachers get 1 percent base home price discount
Shelly and Ryand Darland with daughter Stella stand in their new home in the Monticello community.
What Changes to FASB Requirements Will Mean to Electrical Contractors
Currently, the Financial Accounting Standards Board regulations suggest three ways for recognizing percentage of completion , or progress billing, on a project: 1) Cost-to-cost , which is measured by costs incurred as a portion of estimated costs.
WPS, IBEW launch lab, charging station
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 158 and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. marked the completion of a Photovoltaic Maintenance and Diagnostics Training Lab and free electric-vehicle charging station Tuesday.
Grease Trap Maintenance
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How it Works
The oily and greasy substances will pass through a catching system that is designed to cool the substances off and allow them to solidify. Any water will pass through and go down the drain as usual. The items in the grease trap will need to be disposed of properly and frequently to avoid problems with the system.
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In many instances, businesses will have a company come in to perform grease trap maintenance. This includes emptying out the collection bin as well as making sure that the catching system is working appropriately.
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Problems to Avoid
Without proper grease trap maintenance being conducted, there are a lot of problems that can arise. These problems are usually expensive, which is why it?s critical to understand how to clean a grease trap properly.
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When the grease is not being effectively trapped, the oil and grease will solidify into the drains. This can lead to blockages in the drain line as well as back-ups. This can cause health and sanitation issues as well as foul odors.
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If there is too much FOG (fat, oils, and grease) being deposited into city sewer lines, it can also result in significant fines as a result of breaking city ordinance.
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Maintenance Tips
Check on city and state ordinances. Many will dictate how often the grease trap needs to be pumped out. This should be scheduled by a company ahead of time to ensure that it is being done on a regular basis to avoid any kind of unnecessary fines.
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Liquid waste can be dealt with appropriately by having the necessary dry powder to help soak it up. Even though it is liquid now, it won?t stay that way for long. Proper training of your maintenance staff can ensure that everyone knows what FOG is and what is considered FOG within your facility. Many times, the issues stem from ignorance on the staff?s part. This is always directly related to the amount of training that they receive.
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A bacteria additive can also be used within the collection tank for the FOG. These will reduce the fats, oils and grease levels as well as any other organic waste. It works by breaking down and digesting the waste. The benefit of using an additive is that it can cut down on the amount of pump-outs the collection tank requires, which can greatly reduce costs. These are available in a liquid form as well as a bacteria block.
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Avoid letting staff rinse hot water down the drains and into the grease trap because this will prevent the grease from cooling and thus it will be flushed into the drains and into the city sewer lines, where fines will eventually be generated.
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Slow draining sinks and odors coming from the drains are often a sign that FOG is lingering and that grease trap maintenance needs to be improved. When you want to learn more about grease trap maintenance, start with city and state ordinances. They will dictate what you can and cannot use as well as how often you need to be emptying your tanks. Additionally, a little training can go a long way with your staff. Once you have your grease trap in place, maintaining it is of the utmost importance ? whether you do it in-house or hire a company to do it for you.
Hand Chain Saw - a must have Survival tool, with many uses.