FGI Fall 2025 Newsletter Now Available
Top FGI Headlines for Fall 2025:
- New Short Course: Online Welding Basics
- Project Spotlight: Oil & Gas Containment in Marcellus/Utica Shales
- FGI's Fall Website Scavenger Hunt
- Featured Case Study: Fugitive Landfill Gas
- November Webinar: Carbon Emissions Quantification and Sustainability Aspects of Landfill Final Cover Systems
- Online CQA Course & Certification Available On-Demand
FGI Legacy and History: Celebrating Nearly 40 Years of Innovation in Geomembranes
Geomembranes have played a vital role in environmental containment across North America for over six decades. Their journey began in1957 when the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation conducted early tests on PVC geomembrane installations. A landmark moment came in 1968 with the first formally specified PVC geomembrane installation for Montana’s Helena Valley Canal marking the beginning of a new era in engineered containment solutions.
The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) traces its roots to the PVC Geomembrane Institute (PGI), founded in 1988. PGI was established to represent a growing community of manufacturers, fabricators, and installers dedicated to advancing geomembrane technology. In 2009, recognizing the expanding scope of factory-fabricated materials, PGI rebranded as FGI. This shift emphasized the advantages of controlled factory production over field fabrication, aligning with industry trends and technological advancements.
FGI is housed within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As an academic-industry consortium, it is committed to research, education, and technology transfer in the field of flexible geosynthetics. In June 2025, the institute adopted a new name—Flexible Geomembrane Institute—to reflect its broadened mission, which now includes both roll stock and field-fabricated liners.
Mission and Vision
FGI operates as a non-profit, industry-sponsored institute focused on advancing the use of flexible geomembranes. Through collaborative research, educational outreach, and technical guidance, FGI has become a cornerstone of innovation and knowledge-sharing in the geosynthetics community. Professor Timothy D. Stark, Technical Director of the FGI, and the Board of Directors remain committed to advancing and growing the association while providing a high level of support to our members.
Honoring the Pioneers & Contributors
As FGI approaches its 40th anniversary, we extend heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who have shaped both the institute and the broader geomembrane industry. From early pioneers to long-standing supporters, your contributions have left a lasting legacy. While the list is extensive, we acknowledge that some names may be inadvertently omitted and offer our sincere apologies.
¨ Fred Rowe – EPI
¨ Andrew Mills – Layfield
¨ Dan Rowe – EPI
¨ John Heap – Colorado Lining
¨ Stuart Lange – Lange Containment
¨ Timothy D. Stark – University of Illinois
¨ Dave McLaury – Demtech / DMS
¨ Jennifer Miller – FGI
¨ Bill Shehane – Seaman Corp
¨ John Goers – Firestone
¨ Pat Elliot – Colorado Lining / ViaFlex
¨ Edward Silva – E-Squared
¨ Paul Oliveira – Firestone
¨ Brian Fraser – Layfield
¨ Andy Durham – Owens Corning
¨ Ray Peebles – Cooley
¨ Duff Simbeck – Simbeck & Assoc.
¨ Steve Thaxton – Owens Corning
FGI Welcomes WPL Fab LLC
The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Fabricator/Installer Member, WPL Fab LLC (WPL Fab). WPL Fab custom fabricates high-quality products for a variety of applications. WPL Fab prides themselves on their commitment to excellence with their experienced team with a combined total of over 133 years of knowledge and industry expertise. WPL Fab fabricates a range of products including PVC, WC, LLDPE, RPP, RPE, XR5, and geotextiles. They are headquartered in Houston, Texas and their FGI liaison is Tonya Switalski, President/Owner, who can be reached at Tonya@WPL-Fab.com. Please help us welcome WPL Fab to the FGI!!!!
FGI Summer 2025 Newsletter Now Available
Top FGI Headlines for Summer 2025:
- Exciting News: FGI is now the Flexible Geomembrane Institute
- Featured Technical Topic on Need for Ballasting
- Safety Tip on Proper Lifting Techniques
- Upcoming Webinars
- Online CQA Course & Certification Available On-Demand
Exciting News for the FGI: We’re Now the Flexible Geomembrane Institute
After sixteen years as the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI), we’re proud to announce that we have officially changed our name to the Flexible Geomembrane Institute. This change marks an exciting new chapter for our organization, expanding our mission and further solidifying our commitment to the innovative field of geomembrane technology, while maintaining focus on factory fabrication and modular construction.
This updated name better reflects the evolving landscape of the industry and the diverse needs of FGI’s growing community of members and industry professionals. By emphasizing flexibility, our new name speaks to the Institute’s broader reach, while staying true to the foundational principles and deep expertise in geomembrane applications.
"Expanding the FGI to focus on all flexible geomembrane installations allows us to include field fabrication with our long-term interest in factory fabrication and modular construction," said Dr. Timothy D. Stark, Technical Director of FGI. "As we continue to innovate and grow, we are still the same great organization, providing useful content on current and emerging trends in the industry." Patrick Elliott, President of the FGI also commented, “This simple but strategic change helps align our goals and work closer to represent the needs of our members and industry. While our core focus will always be on factory fabrication the fact remains, we want to provide industry research and technology to focus on providing the best products and techniques to solve all project challenges.”
New Domain, Same Valuable Resources
Alongside the name change, FGI has announced a new domain name. Our website is now located at www.thefgi.org. Visitors will continue to find the same valuable content, resources, and educational materials, with the added benefit of a shorter and easier domain name. For any inquiries, please contact Jen Miller at her new email address Jen@thefgi.org.
Please join all of us with the FGI in celebrating this exciting advancement.
About the Flexible Geomembrane Institute (FGI):
The Flexible Geomembrane Institute (formerly the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute) is a leading resource for the development, education, and promotion of geomembrane technology. The FGI is an industry-sponsored, non-profit institute dedicated to advancing the use of fabricated flexible geomembranes through education, research, and technology transfer. The FGI is housed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
FGI at GeoAsia8 in Brisbane, Australia
Join the FGI at GeoAsia8 in Brisbane, Australia from 10-13 June, 2025. Several FGI Members will be participating & presenting on Wednesday, 11 June in the Speed Consulting session which will focus on Containment Systems in the Energy Sector, Geomembrane Selection and Applications for Mining, and Oil & Gas Environmental Containment. This session will also include various industry experts as part of a panel discussion. Register Here: https://geoasia8.org/registration/
FGI Welcomes Textiles Coated International
The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Manufacturer Member, Textiles Coated International (TCI). TCI has been a leading manufacturer of high-performance fluoropolymer films, laminates, and composites since 1985. TCI's products are designed to work in the most demanding environments and are especially suited for harsh chemical and thermal conditions. TCI's facilities have over 180,000 ft² of manufacturing space with customized coating, lamination, fabrication, film, mixing, maintenance, research and development, and laboratory departments. TCI is headquartered in Londonderry, NH with facilities in Europe and Mexico. The FGI liaison is Michael Goard, Global Manager of Industrial Products, who can be reached at mgoard@textilescoated.com. Please help us welcome Textiles Coated International to the FGI!!!!
FGI Spring 2025 Newsletter Now Available
Top FGI Headlines for Spring 2025:
- New Officers and Board of Directors Elected
- FGI at Geotechnical Frontiers 2025
- New Member Welcome
- Upcoming Webinars (NY State PDH Approval)
- Online CQA Course & Certification Available On-Demand
- FGI Creates Anchor Trench Calculator
FGI Announces New Officers and Board of Directors
The newly elected FGI Officers and Board Members are:
• President – Patrick Elliott (Colorado Lining International)
• Treasurer – Brian Fraser (Layfield Geosynthetics)
• Secretary – Maya Innis (Leister Technologies)
• Board Member - Annette DeHavilland (Ohio EPA)
• Board Member - Todd Harman (Hallaton)
• Board Member - Ron MacKenzie (Inland Tarp & Liner)
• Board Member - Neil Nowak (WSP)
Join the FGI at Geotechnical Frontiers 2025
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
9am – 1pm: Women in Geosynthetics Coffee/Espresso Bar (Booth 323)
1:30 – 3pm: Women in Geosynthetics Round Table Discussion
7pm – 8pm: FGI Membership Meeting (all are welcome)
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
10:30am – Noon FGI Technical Session on Containment Applications
Visit FGI Booth #323
