Design and Performance Verifcation of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Piles for Deep Foundations Final Report, November 2008

The strategic plan for bridge engineering issued by AASHTO in 2005 identified extending the service life and optimizing structural systems of bridges in the United States as two grand challenges in bridge engineering, with the objective of producing safer bridges that have a minimum service life of 75 years and reduced maintenance cost. Material deterioration was identified as one of the primary challenges to achieving the objective of extended life. In substructural applications (e.g., deep foundations), construction materials such as timber, steel, and concrete are subjected to deterioration due to environmental impacts. Using innovative and new materials for foundation applications makes the AASHTO objective of 75 years service life achievable. Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with compressive strength of 180 MPa (26,000 psi) and excellent durability has been used in superstructure applications but not in geotechnical and foundation applications. This study explores the use of precast, prestressed UHPC piles in future foundations of bridges and other structures. An H-shaped UHPC section, which is 10-in. (250-mm) deep with weight similar to that of an HP10×57 steel pile, was designed to improve constructability and reduce cost. In this project, instrumented UHPC piles were cast and laboratory and field tests were conducted. Laboratory tests were used to verify the moment-curvature response of UHPC pile section. In the field, two UHPC piles have been successfully driven in glacial till clay soil and load tested under vertical and lateral loads. This report provides a complete set of results for the field investigation conducted on UHPC H-shaped piles. Test results, durability, drivability, and other material advantages over normal concrete and steel indicate that UHPC piles are a viable alternative to achieve the goals of AASHTO strategic plan.

Road Safety Audit for the Intersection of US 59 and IA 9 in Osceola County, Iowa Final Report, March 2012

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) requested a road safety audit (RSA) of the US 59/IA 9 intersection in northwestern Iowa, just south of the Minnesota border, to assess intersection environmental issues and crash history and recommend appropriate mitigation to address the identified safety issues at the intersection. Although the number of crashes at the location has not been significantly higher than the statewide average for similar intersections, the severity of these crashes has been of concern. This RSA was unique in that it included intersection video observation and recorded traffic conflict data analysis, along with the daylight and nighttime field reviews. This report outlines the findings and recommendations of the RSA team for addressing the safety concerns at this intersection.

AMCHP Issue Brief: Environmental Scan: State Title V Program Response to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities, December 2009

The increasing incidence of children identified and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) poses a major challenge to Title V and other programs as they try to meet the diverse and sometimes complex needs of these children. However, those state that have initiated coordinated efforts to meet the needs of these children cross systems have had the opportunity to form and/or strengthen relationships with new partners. In addition, these coordinated efforts will allow states to develop new policies, programs and financing mechanisms addressing the health of children with ASD, which may also strengthen the system of care for all Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

FY12 Recycled Content Plastic Bag and Soy Inks report

This report summarizes the purchasing activity for soy based inks and recycled content trash bags for the Iowa DOT.

Macbride nature recreation area : environmental education, 1989.

This brochure contains information on the environmental information available at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area including programs on cycles and inter-relationships in nature, wildlife adaptations and survival, life in the forest community, patterns and changes in autumn, flowers insects and the renewal of spring, lives of birds and raptor information geared for elementary aged children.

2012 Annual Compliance Report of the Iowa Public Drinking Water Program, June 2013.

This report contains information about Iowa's public drinking water program for the calendar year 2012. Included in the report are descriptions of Iowa's systems, monitoring and reporting requirements of the systems, and violations incurred during the year. This report meets the federal Safe Drinking Water Act's requirement of an annual report on violations of national primary drinking water regulations by public water supply systems in Iowa.

Environmental Assessment: IA 12 in Mason City From S. Monroe Ave to S. Carolina Ave, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, NHSX-122-1(14)--3H-17, 2013

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This EA informs the public and interested agencies of the proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action in order to gather feedback on the improvements under consideration. Proposed Action The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are evaluating potential alternatives to improve IA 122 in the City of Mason City. IA 122/Business US 18 is a primary east-west travel route through the City that transitions from a 4- lane undivided roadway, to 2-lane one-way pairs, then back to a 4-lane undivided roadway (Figure 1-1). The Iowa DOT proposes to flatten the tight reverse curves on the east end of the project. The one-way pairs will be narrowed by eliminating on-street parking along the corridor to more clearly define travel lanes. This will serve to calm traffic flows and reduce crashes along the highway. Additionally, improvements to intersections as well as consolidating or removing access points to improve traffic operations are proposed within the project corridor. A new access road for the Mason City Fire Department on the west end of the project will allow emergency trucks better access to travel south and east. Study Area The primary area of investigation for the Project is generally bounded by IA 122 through Mason City, known locally as 5th and 6th Street Southwest from South Monroe Avenue to South Carolina Avenue. US 65, known locally as Federal Avenue, bisects the study area. At this intersection of US 65 and Iowa 122, the 5th and 6th Street SW changes to 5th and 6th St SE. For the purposes of this discussion, this area will be referred to collectively as the IA 122 corridor. The Study Area boundaries were established to allow the development of a wide range of alternatives that could address the purpose and need for the project. The Study Area is larger than the area proposed for construction activities for the Project. However, some impacts may extend beyond the Study Area; where this occurs, it will be noted and addressed in the Environmental Analysis Section (Section 5). Figure 1-1 outlines the Study Area of the proposed action.

Iowa Surveillance of Notifiable and Other Diseases Annual Report, 2012

Promoting and protecting the health of Iowans is the mission of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). Surveillance of notifiable health conditions is essential in establishing what, how, and when events impact the public’s health. Multiple divisions and bureaus are dedicated to accomplishing the goals of surveillance. In 2012, in addition to 850 cases reported with no lab results, there were more than 79,000 laboratory results of infectious diseases and conditions submitted to IDPH disease surveillance programs. IDPH also investigates non-infectious conditions related to lead, occupational, and environmental hazards like carbon monoxide. Approximately 100,000 blood lead test results were reported to IDPH in 2012.

Models and approaches for environmental education in Iowa, 1999

This guide provides a variety of tools that can help an educator, building staff or school district decide how to include environmental education in their curriculum.

Energy Information Report, 2011

In its 2007 Session, the Iowa General Assembly passed, and Governor Culver signed into law, extensive and far-reaching state energy policy legislation. This legislation created the Iowa Office of Energy Independence and the Iowa Power Fund. It also required a report to be issued each year detailing: • The historical use and distribution of energy in Iowa. • The growth rate of energy consumption in Iowa, including rates of growth for each energy source. • A projection of Iowa’s energy needs through the year 2025 at a minimum. • The impact of meeting Iowa’s energy needs on the economy of the state, including the impact of energy production and use on greenhouse gas emissions. • An evaluation of renewable energy sources, including the current and future technological potential for such sources. Much of the energy information for this report has been derived from the on-line resources of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the United States Department of Energy (USDOE). The EIA provides policy-independent data, forecasts and analyses on energy production, stored supplies, consumption and prices. For complete, economy-wide information, the most recent data available is for the year 2008. For some energy sectors, more current data is available from EIA and other sources and, when available, such information has been included in this report.

Iowa Office of Energy Independence Annual Report, 2010

The Office of Energy Independence (Office) is the state agency responsible for setting the strategic direction, directing policy, conducting energy related outreach and administering programs that optimize energy production and efficiency to secure Iowa’s clean energy future. The Office performed its duties as set forth in Iowa Code 469.3(2), managed the Iowa Power Fund and federal U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grants funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), as well as an annual federal appropriation that supports the Office’s operational costs. As part of the national network for energy security, the Office is responsible for ensuring state emer- gency preparedness and quick recovery and restoration from any energy supply disruptions.

Final Research and Analysis Report: Iowa Energy Poll, January 15, 2009

 The Iowa Power Fund and the Office of Energy Independence are charged with the responsibility of creating an economically viable and sound energy future for Iowa through energy independence. This vision can only be achieved if a majority, if not all Iowans, are united in this cause and actively participate in it

Asphalt Resurfacing Structural Research, HR-556, Construction Report, 1995

Discarded tires present major disposal and environmental problems. One method of recycling tires is to use finely ground rubber from tires in asphalt cement concrete (ACC). This process has been researched in Iowa since 1991. There are currently eight projects being researched. This project involved using crumb rubber modifier (CRM) in ACC using a dry process. This project is located on US 63 in Howard County. It involved 17 test sections. There were five test sections using 20 lb of CRM per ton, four test sections using 10 lb of CRM per ton and eight test sections using a conventional mix. Not only were different mixes used, but the overlay was also placed in various thicknesses ranging from 2 in. to 8 in. (5 cm to 20 cm). The project was completed in August 1994. The project construction went well with only minor problems. This report contains information about procedures and tests that were completed and those that will be completed. Evaluation on the project will continue for five years.

Evaluation of Air Pollution Control Devices for Asphalt Pavement Recycling Operations, HR-188, Progress Report, 1977

This report discusses the asphalt pavement recycling project designated Project HR-188 in Kossuth County, Iowa. Specific objectives were: (a) to determine the effectiveness of drum mixing plant modifications designed to control air pollution within limits specified by the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality; (b) to assess the impact of varying the proportions of recycled and virgin aggregates, (c) to assess the impact of varying the production rate of the plant, and (d) to assess the impact of varying the mixing temperature. The discussion includes information on the proposed use of research funds, project location and description, the project planning conference, plan development, bid letting, asphalt plant configuration, actual plant operation, why this method is successful, probable process limitations, pollution results, recycled pavement test results, and the cost of virgin vs. recycled asphalt pavements.

Evaluation of Fly Ash in Portland Cement Concrete Paving in Woodbury County, Iowa, HR-201, Construction Report, 1979

The earliest overall comprehensive work on the use of fly ash in concrete was reported by Davis and Associates of the University of California in 1937. Since that time there have been numerous applications of the use and varying proportions of fly ash in portland cement concrete mixes. Fly ash is a pozzolanic powdery by-product of the coal combustion process which is recovered from flue gases and is generally associated with electric power generating plants. Environmental regulations enacted in recent years have required that fly ash be removed from the flue gases to maintain clean air standards. This has resulted in an increased volume of high quality fly ash that is considered a waste product or a by-product that can be utilized in products such as portland cement concrete. There are several sources of the high quality fly ash located in Iowa currently producing a combined total of 281,000 tons of material annually. Due to recent cement shortages and the rapidly increasing highway construction costs, the Iowa Department of Transportation has become interested in utilizing fly ash in portland cement concrete paving mixes. A preliminary review of the Iowa Department of Transportation Materials Laboratory study indicates that a substitution of fly ash for portland cement, within limits, is ·not detrimental to the overall concrete quality. Also the use of fly ash in concrete would reduce the cement consumption as well as provide a potential cost savings in areas where high quality fly ash is available without excessive transportation costs. The previously expressed concerns have shown the need for a research project to develop our knowledge of fly ash replacement in the Iowa Department of Transportation portland cement concrete paving mixes.