Wooden Pole Project
Wooden Utility Poles
Wooden utility poles are a common part of our landscape. The first wooden utility pole was in place in 1844. Though wires are often buried underground in new developments, there are still roughly 120 million utility poles in service in the United States (AISI, 2005). In 2009, there were 4,228,920 utility poles in California carrying communication lines, cable and 2,099,219 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Of these millions of poles, approximately 40% are owned by investor held utilities, 27% are owned by rural electricity associations, 28% by telephone companies, and 6% are owned by railroad companies (AWPA, 2005). They are commonplace and will be in use for years to come. Wooden poles are all treated with a preservative to protect the wood from rot and insects.
The Challenge
Wooden utility poles are a common part of our landscape. The first wooden utility pole was in place in 1844. Though wires are often buried underground in new developments, there are still roughly 120 million utility poles in service in the United States (AISI, 2005). In 2009, there were 4,228,920 utility poles in California carrying communication lines, cable and 2,099,219 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Of these millions of poles, approximately 40% are owned by investor held utilities, 27% are owned by rural electricity associations, 28% by telephone companies, and 6% are owned by railroad companies (AWPA, 2005). They are commonplace and will be in use for years to come. Wooden poles are all treated with a preservative to protect the wood from rot and insects.
The Technical Solution
Our Approach
BeBetterFoam® collars eliminate the potential of preservative seeping down the pole to the ground which causes soil and ground water contamination. They are cosmetically pleasing, and safe for passersby and animals. Durability, and ease of installation & maintenance are major features.
who we are.
Overview.
We came together in response to the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill that occured in the Gulf of Mexico in April of 2010. We were appalled as we witnessed the immediate, devastating impact of the environment. We also saw that the conventional cleanup methods being used were even more damaging to ecosystem, and were not solving the problem. we wanted to help with cleanup effort, so we decided to not be a team of onlookers, but a team that takes action and honors the fact that we are all responsible for the human impact on our planet.
Advanced Innovative Recovery Technologies, Inc. (AIRTech) was our first in finding a solution. Our mission was to be an integral part of resolving this global problem. We joined with one of the top chemists in the world to formulate a new, non-toxic foam product made from renewable resources. By shaping our foam into buoys, booms, and pads, and developing them around an oil spill, we are able to quickly absorb oil from a body of water as easily as you would use a sponge to mop up a spill at home. With the help of family, friends, a few investors, and years of hard work, we developed a product that was approved by the EPA, and also got the green light from the CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE. The foam is water repellent (hydrophobic), while it naturally absorbs oil and silicones (oleophilic). In addition to being highly absorbent on a molecular level, it is so resilient that it an be reused multiple times without degrading. We call it BeBetterFoam®.
Chairman of the AIRTech Board / Founder
blake ward
Blake has extensive marketing experience developing and assisting small to mid-size companies with private placement funding, and brings diversified experience in business management and corporate finance. Blake has extensive expertise in the construction industry. Since 1985, he has managed, consulted and started several construction and concrete cutting, coring and demolition companies which include American Concrete Cutting & Coring, Castillo Demolition & Concrete and Crown concrete Cutting & Coring.
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Doherty
Bob is a seasoned business and technology executive with experience in manufacturing, operations and engineering. He has successfully led global businesses and has a proven track record of consistently exceeding revenue and profit objectives. He has successfully taken two companies from start-ups to multi-million dollars in sales.
