Five major U.S. metro areas, including Denver, could be required to develop plans for reducing air pollution after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined they have failed to meet air quality standards for ground-level ozone. The proposed EPA designations for metro Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York City and Houston also could tighten permitting rules for certain projects in those areas as their air quality is reclassified from “serious” to “severe.”
“[Owners] are not going to want to put a new source in an area that is in serious non-attainment.”
— Melinda Tomaino, Director of Environmental Services, AGC of America
Under the federal Clean Air Act, states need to implement measures to curtail smog and protect public health when EPA reclassifies areas. Moreover, federal dollars can be withheld for transportation projects until an area is able to sufficiently reduce ground-level ozone to within National Ambient Air Quality Standards limits.
— By James Leggate and Pam McFarland
BTC Acquires HDD/Willco
HDD/Willco has been acquired by BT Construction Inc. (BTC) and will be doing business as part of the firm’s BTrenchless division. BTC is a civil utility contractor based in Colorado and Utah that specializes in water, sanitary, storm pipeline construction and relocation, underground steam lines, electrical and communications duct banks, and sheet pile installation. The acquisition aligns with BTC’s vision to expand into Utah.
HNTB to Perform DIA Environmental Review Denver International Airport has hired HNTB Corp. to prepare an environmental assessment for the airport’s proposed seventh runway project. The runway will be the first to be built at the Denver airport since 2003. The addition of a seventh runway requires review under the National Environmental Policy Act to determine if there might be significant environmental impacts associated with the project. If that’s the case, HNTB will assist with the EIS, which would require an additional year to complete.
Mortenson Using Safety Helmets for Increased Worker Protection
Mortenson is transitioning its entire U.S. craft workforce from traditional hard hats to safety helmets, which use chin straps and offer front, side and rear protection and are proven to help reduce head injuries. The new helmets also allow for attaching personal protective equipment, including visors for eye and face protection, hearing protection and lights for better visibility when working.
