Fred McWenie: In Memorium

Fred McWenie, a pioneer in the Asphalt-Rubber industry, passed away October 9, 2002
McWenie, born in Lake Arthur, New Mexico, attended high school in Tucson, Arizona and was a graduate of the University of Arizona.
While most of McWenie's career was in the petroleum industry, he is remembered by friends and associates for his role in the development of the Asphalt-Rubber industry. Fred served as President of Sahuaro Petroleum, the first company to construct projects with the new paving material.
Following his departure from Sahuaro, Fred worked as a Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PolyTek Rubber and Recycling, in New York state and later in Phoenix. At the time of his death, Fred was associated with Recovery Technologies Group (RTG) assisting that company in its sales to the asphalt market. He was an active participant in RPA activities from 1993 to Oct. 2002, serving as a member of the Board of Directors from 1996 until January 2001.
In his personal life, McWenie was a 32 year member of the Thunderbirds, a prestigious men's organization that founded the Phoenix Open golf tournament. He was also an avid outdoorsman, sharing his love of nature with his children and grandchildren. At his request, donations to the Arizona Nature Conservancy, White Mountain Project, were suggested in lieu of flowers. For those unable to attend the celebration of his life held on October 16th, the donations in his memory can be sent to the Conservancy at 1510 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85719.

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CHIP SEALS ARE REALLY BIG IN TEXAS

The El Paso District of the Texas Department of Transportation wins the honor of the largest chip seal project in the world. The 310 mile project was constructed by International Surfacing Systems (ISS) of Chandler, AZ, the largest Asphalt-Rubber binder supplier, used 14,030 tons of binder. The project covered 11 different roadways in the district, and included Interstates, state highways and farm to market roads. The average shot rate of the binder was .65 but in a few areas the rate was increased to 1.05 to handle special pavement needs.
Greg Erks, ISS Project Superintendent, attributes the success of this enormous project to his talented crew and also the TXDOT staff of District 24, David Head, Director of Construction; Tom Mangrem, Area Engineer and Asgeir (Oscar) Asfeirsson, Project Inspector. Erks said, "All maintained a demand for safety, quality and professionalism throughout the project. The product knowledge and experience of these TXDOT respresentatives ensured the application and construction procedures were of the highest standard. As the leader in the asphalt-rubber industry, ISS takes great pride in being part of this record setting project."

 

Japanese Anti-Noise Delegation Visits Arizona

  In early November representatives of the Sound Environment Protection Research Foundation and the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JATMA) visited Arizona to review ADOTs use of AR surface courses to mitigate freeway noise. The group was hosted by RPA during their investigative tour of the Phoenix area. The delegates included representatives from several road surfacing companies as well as governmental departments. During their visit, the delegation met with George Way of the Arizona Department of Transportation and RPA Past President, Mark Belshe of FNF Construction.
According to President of the Sound Environment Protection Research Foundation, Dr. Mitsuyasu Yamashita, a Road Surface Committee is being established to specifically develop a noise reducing pavement. The JATMA delegation will be a part of the committee. According the RPA Deputy Director, Douglas Carlson, who organized the tour, the delegation was impressed with the wide spread use of Asphalt-Rubber in Arizona and expressed hope they can develop a similar program in Japan to reduce roadway noise and utilize the 12% of the country's scrap tires that are not currently being recycled.