Pot Holes - why they keep coming back

It is that time of year when we start to think of green grass, flowers, trees blooming and wheel alignment. Wheel alignment is as true to spring as the Easter bunny. It is pothole season.  You say...POT HOLES!

We just came out of the snowiest February in history for Colorado and many parts of the country accompanied, with bitter cold temperatures. Now as the temperatures begin to moderate back toward seasonal norms, the appearance of potholes is definitely in full bloom. In fact they grow overnight. I know that sounds like a bit of a story, but it is actually true.

Most roads in this country are built in the same manner, compacted soil topped with road base and then paved with either asphalt or concrete. The formation of a pothole is a product of cracks, water, cold and then warm temperatures. Water will find its way under a paved surface, whether by way of a crack in the surface or by infiltration from the roadside due to differing levels of compaction in the sub-grade and / or the expansion and contraction from the environment. If there is a low spot, water will find it. Once there is an opening and water seeps into the road structure the natural freeze /thaw cycle will begin the process of separating the pavement from the sub-grade and an air pocket is formed. The pocket allows a weakening beneath the paved surface and viola! A pothole is born. The size of the pothole is dictated by the number of motorists that hit that same area. Giving a size description ranging for a dip, depression, cavity, pit to cavity; some large enough to engulf some of the vehicle on the road.

As all of our roadways age, the need for maintenance increases. The older the infrastructure the greater the chance for potholes and it always seems that the pothole situation gets more pronounced every year. I saw that the City of Denver has repaired over 10,700 potholes this year as compared to 6,100 the previous year. The best fix is to dig out the affected area and replace the road base and then replace with hot mix asphalt. This process takes time and when there are hundreds to thousands to be repaired, the most common is to perform a temporary patch and hope it lasts until there is sufficient time to make a permanent repair.

The bottom line is that potholes are a part of our driving environment and the battle to minimize them is an ongoing maintenance problem that is guided by dollars that have been squeezed by ever tighten budgets of every agency and municipality in the United States. I know this is a silly statement, but slow down a little and pay attention to the road, those road crews are out there doing their best and trying to keep you safe an those wheels aligned. 

By Bill Winfield - Terracare Associates

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Snow Is Coming- By Bill Winfield-Director of Operations, TCA

Have you ever noticed, when talking about forecasting the weather, people always seem to refer to the Farmer's Almanac. During George Washington's first term as President in 1792, the first editor, Robert B. Thomas introduced the premiere issue of The Old Farmer's Almanac and it is still used readily today. The most important information in the almanac is weather predictions so we can plan ahead. Defenders of the Almanac claim accuracy is about 80%, not perfect but neither are meteorologist.  

We at Terracare Associates-TCA use a variety of resources to be prepared and plan ahead for the winter snow and ice season. The 2015-16 winter forecast is predicted to be wetter and colder than normal temperatures and starting early. In addition, a consensus of ocean and climate models suggests that El Niño will continue to strengthen over the next couple of months before peaking sometime this winter its predicted to bring lots of rain and snow to the Western United States.

To ensure our readiness for inclement weather, TCA has hired over 200 commercial licensed drivers
to man the plows, shovel walks and ensure a safe and reliable winter service for our clients. Every driver will attend a mandatory annual orientation and training program the first weeks of October. Ironically, the average first day of snow in the mountain regions is October 15th! The orientation and training goals are to build important winter skills and reiterate best practices in plowing techniques, loader operation, material distribution, proper documentation and above all safety. We are always conscious of the balance between safe roads, streets and parking lots while having the least amount of impact on the environment. We are committed to providing the best experience to our clients and offer all the latest storm management technology to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and reliability. We seek a proactive approach to storm management and snow removal and pride ourselves in the management of each weather-related-event and take all safety needs very seriously.

Recently, several of the management team at TCA received from American Public Works

Association the completion of Winter Maintenance Supervisor workshop. In 2015, TCA was named one of the top 15 snow management providers in the country. Our staff has decades of experience and a breadth of knowledge and resources to accommodate even the toughest of storms – keeping the public safe and healthy.

Contact US 

For more information on snow and ice service in your area.

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Traffic Control TCA acquired Assets

Did you Know?

Terracare Associates, headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of all assets of a traffic control company out of Sandy, Utah.  Terracare also appointed of Mr. Loran Gillen, past owner of Gillen construction, as the Manager of Terracare Associates Utah operations.  Mr. Gillen has over 25 years of experience in the industry with ten different certifications.   The company has provided professional traffic control and safety services since 2009.  Terracare will utilize the skilled, experienced, and state ATSSA certified staff to offer a new service line to assist with all traffic control needs.

“This was a great move for me after 25 years in the industry, because road maintenance safety is of up most importance. Controlling traffic during events, construction and repairs is a critical piece for minimal impact on traffic flow and keeping the public healthy and safe.”Terracare Associates, headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of all assets of a traffic control company out of Sandy, Utah.  

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Public Private Partnerships

Experience is key for P3 success

     Submitted by Jacque Wedding-Scott, Terracare Associates

     Manager of Strategic Partnerships 

Experience matters!  Especially in the world of public private partnerships (P3’s). Public Private Partnerships are a way for governments to collaborate with the private sector to share the risks and rewards involved in the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure projects. Since 1998, Terracare Associates has been at the forefront of public-private partnerships, public works and city landscape maintenance services in the Western United States. And, the Public Infrastructure management team at Terracare, brings quite an extraordinary resume to every project with over 200 years of combined experience. The leadership is comprised of seasoned individuals with a breadth and depth of public works experience, and the knowledge and tools to help clients with a wide variety of infrastructure projects.  The combined backgrounds include decades working for the Colorado Department of Transportation, city management, and multiple industry certifications.  “We are so fortunate to have such an impressive group of people working together, sharing knowledge and resources to best serve our customers,” says Justin Stewart, Vice President of the Public Infrastructure Division at Terracare.

Name title	Title	Years in Experience	Certifications/Degrees
Thomas  DeGraffe	Project Manager	16	3
Antonio Deluna	Project Manger	18	6
Greg Hayes	Colorado Operations Manager	30	5
Tim Gowan	Shop Manager	16	15
Nick Madrid	Asst Project Manager	35	6
Loran Gillen	Utah Operations	29	11
Todd Rodriguez	Project Manager	22	4
Justin Stewart	Vice President	25	5
Bill Winfield	Director of Operations	16	4
Jacque Wedding-Scott	Strategic Partnerships	25	2
TOTALS		232	61

“Every team member in our division contributes to our success.  From our field personnel, and line supervisors to our project managers and our fleet management group, we are better together, sharing and caring about delivering quality performance every day” says Stewart.  Terracare Associates offer a wide variety of public works maintenance services including right-of-way mowing, all-inclusive roadway and roadside management, sign repair/replacement, concrete, traffic control, and snow removal on a citywide scale.

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Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management: 
It’s our responsibility and more…

Submitted by Cristin Tarr, Terracare Associates- Littleton, Colorado

Why should we care about stormwater management?  Originally, stormwater management involved primarily quantity of flow and now equally important is qualityof water runoff.  Since 1970’s, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is responsible for managing runoffs in the United States.   The EPA utilize computerized mapping and models to best manage water runoff, erosion and pollution problems resulting from weather or other fresh water flow.  Because of these regulations, municipalities, counties and the private sector strive to achieve compliance and more.  Many local districts and even the Department of Health are involved in monitoring stormwater runoff.   Nick Madrid, Field Manager of public infrastructure division at Terracare Associates, a leading outdoor maintenance company says “Everything we do each day we consider stormwater management.  From our maintenance bays to washing equipment, to road repairs, we evaluate the effects on the environment.”  As a property manager or city public works department it’s important to understand how to integrate stormwater management into your ongoing maintenance strategy to achieve the highest level of public safety.

What is storm water management?

Traditionally, storm management is focused on collection of storm water through pipes and drainage transporting water runoff as quickly as possible to stream, creeks, rivers and sometimes sewer system.  However, storm water management includes anytime water flows at facilities, on roads, off of properties into water systems.  Erosion, debris, chemicals, sediment, salt and sand run off are all part of managing water flows that must be filtered before entering sewers or other fresh water sources.

As described by the EPA, the process starts with storm water, rainwater and melted snow or general maintenance water use that runs off land, streets, lawns, and other urban hard surface environments. When storm water is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. In developed areas, however, solid surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, the water runs rapidly into storm drains, sewer systems, and drainage ditches picking up debris with it and can’t be absorbed as quickly.

Your Storm Management Plan – Best Management Practices (BMP)

To be EPA compliant it is recommended to follow stormwater Best Management Practice, also known as BMP, to take care of excess runoff pollution problems.  They recommend various control measures to reduce the pollution in a wide variety of water flow sources before it is absorbed into the ground. Another approach is to put measures in place to prevent pollution from occurring at all.  Facility Runoff Control Plan (FRCP) is a plan that offers stringent guidelines to reduce erosion, filters all water runoff and eliminates contaminants from entering sewers, detention ponds, streams and creeks.  Terracare Associates strives to achieve 100% containment and the company is continually monitoring anytime the flow of water is disrupted.  Terracare’s Nick Madrid has worked in the industry for almost 30 years and has seen dramatic improvements in maintenance of water flows “Every project we work on our team talks about stormwater management  and runoff.  Internally, stormwater is an active discussion on how we can best reduce contaminates from getting into the water system.”  To best maintain water runoff, there are several factors to consider:

1) Water flow Rate: Anytime water is disrupted from natural flow BMP’s are considered. Higher peak flow rates can result in erosion and more contaminates enter the water stream.   A higher peak flow rate requires more significant storm pipes and drains and continued maintenance.

2) Water Quality: “What goes in must come out”, this cliché is very appropriate for proper stormwater management.   Poor management of runoff with sediments, chemicals and silt could result in increased contamination and pollution in our waters, impacting fish and wildlife. 

2) Storm Water Volume: A larger volume means greater destruction and erosion of creek beds leading to bank instability, increase sediment deposition in the lower reaches, and loss of habitat.

4) Ground water: If groundwater is not allowed to recharge, base flows are reduced leading to longer, drier durations in ditches and streams.

Goal of good Water Management Strategy

Educating the public and training employees is critically important.  Maintaining current infrastructure can also be valuable in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.  A plan should be made for every project to mimic nature by integrating stormwater management maintenance into building and site developments to reduce the impacts that urbanization has on our natural resources.  Greg Hayes, Colorado Operation Manager of Public Works for Terracare Associates believes “ Whether it is storms or fresh water runoff we have to be diligent about how we manage water, it goes beyond our operations, it’s about public safety and the environment.  We tactically discuss BMP’s as projects are implemented”.

Typical Best Management Practices (BMPs) may include:

• Equipment maintenance activities should be performed inside when possible.
• Spills should be cleaned up immediately & without water whenever possible
• Floor drains should be sealed and separators installed
• Increasing topsoil and enhancement to slopes, rocks and inclines near roadways
• Infiltration trenches and storm gates
• Storm drains cleaned and maintained
• Pipes, curbs and gutters minimize cracks and other damages
• Detention ponds
• Ditches and Creeks creating easy flow for runoff and less erosion

Safety is the number one concern of storm management practices. The importance of storm water management in the reduction of flooding and contaminates getting into the water system cannot be overemphasized.   Hayes says; “This is the way we do business, it goes beyond regulations.  Public safety and protecting our environment is what we believe and the way we conduct business every day at Terracare Associates”.

Terracare Associates public works division offer a wide variety of public works management services such as right-of-way mowing, all-inclusive roadway and roadside management packages as well as snow removal on a citywide scale. Find out more contact us

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Let's Talk About.....

Greg Hayes – A leader in motion

Submitted by Cristin Tarr, Terracare Associates

What do race cars, a deputy, and mentor have in common? Greg Hayes - Colorado Operations Manager for the public infrastructure division at Terracare Associates. I had the pleasure to sit down with Greg Hayes to talk about his 30-year career with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and his current position with us at Terracare.

As past Deputy Maintenance Superintendent of the front-range region, Greg was responsible for 250 state employees, over 100 large trucks, 600 pieces of equipment and handling almost $30 million dollars in annual projects. His reputation for organization management, dedication and integrity was well known within the walls of CDOT.  His list of projects includes HOT lanes, T-Rex of Colorado and many major highway interchanges. Nothing is more precious to him than his employees. “Safety of my work teams is so important. We want our field employees to come home safe and healthy every day. In addition, our goal is to make our roads as safe as possible during any construction projects. Public safety was and continues to be always on my mind.” 

Fortunately for Terracare Associates, after Mr. Hayes’s retirement from CDOT he joined Terracare’s public infrastructure division team in October, 2013.  “We have known Greg for some time. We knew about Greg’s reputation as an exceptional leader, commitment to quality service, work ethic and breadth of experience in public works. We are privileged to work with such an exceptional person on our team,” said Dean Murphy, President, Terracare Associates. 

During my conversation with Greg it was apparent he was unassuming and reserved about his achievements and often gave credit to his team members.. Greg began his love for infrastructure at age 13, helping his uncle’s construction company in Arizona. He was quite young when he first handled heavy equipment, and he was hooked. I asked him what makes a great leader. He states “taking the time to mentor and teach the young people what you know, sharing your knowledge of what you've learned is the greatest gift you can give as a leader.” He feels strongly that mentoring those that are less experienced helps build a road map (no pun intended) to the next generation. 

Ironically working on the road doesn’t stop at his daily job. Greg is co-owner of three race cars and competes almost every week in season. In addition he has six show cars and he loves the outdoors. His passion for mentoring is extended to his three children 28, 25 and 14 years old.  He coached youth sports, football and basketball for many years. Greg is always on the move inspiring and empowering others to be their best. Greg is continues to be a leader at Terracare Associates and is moving the pack forward...even on the racetrack.

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