[NONMETALLICS]

The Rubberized Pavements Association (RPA), Tempe, Ariz., and the Northern and Southern California Rubberized Asphalt Concrete Technology Centers are co-sponsoring a workshop for public works personnel on the use of scrap tire rubber in pavements Thursday, Aug. 28, in San Diego.

The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Islandia Hotel. Discussion topics include production of crumb rubber from scrap tires; the history of asphalt rubber; design and construction guidelines for asphalt rubber; life-cycle costs; noise reduction; construction and inspection practices; and crumb rubber market development.

Registration costs $45 for non-agency participants and $35 for
government personnel. Those interested in attending can contact the
RPA at (480) 517-9944 or visit www.rubberpavements.org.

Alabama has passed a law in the hopes that it will rid the state of some of the largest scrap tire piles in the nation.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), Washington, has worked closely with the Alabama Scrap Tire Study Commission to promote the development and passage of the legislation.

"Alabama is taking an aggressive approach to managing their scrap tire issues," John Falardeau, RMA state legislative manager, says.

The Scrap Tire Environmental Quality Act creates a public/private partnership, calling for the Environmental Management Department, Economic and Community Affairs Department, Revenue Department and Scrap Tire Study Commission to cooperatively administer and enforce the program.

The bill’s provisions address tire pile cleanups, strict enforcement and penalties. The bill also calls for scrap tire market development.

The law establishes a dedicated fund to pay for cleanups and private market development grants. A $1-per-tire scrap tire environmental fee will be collected at the point of sale on replacement tires and be remitted to the Department of Revenue.