ABPA Region 7 Report

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Idaho Chapter of the ABPA

A training course for the repair of large backflow assemblies has been scheduled for October 27th, 2005. In conjunction with their quarterly meeting, the chapter is hoping to bring awareness of the ABPA to the fire suppression field in Idaho. Several of the members are looking forward to attending the ABPA Western States Conference in September.

SRC4 Chapter Washington Chapter

SRC4 Chapter will be having their 13th Annual Seminar on Feb. 26, 2006. Watch for the North West Cross Connection Journal for more information. The Chapter Officers are: Chair, Chuck Fletcher, Past Chair, Lynn Shupe, Vice Chair, Mike Wilson, Director 1, Bonnie Harrington, Director 2, Don Campbell, Director 3 Tim Schudel, Director 4, Jeff Lilly, Secretary, Denny Lopp, and Treasurer, Jim Lahde.

Oregon Chapter of the ABPA

The Oregon Chapter had a quarterly meeting on August 13 in Beaverton, Oregon. Discussions centered around two items, the Oregon Chapter Web site and the backflow assembly repair issue. The board approved the development and funding of the Web site, with the understanding the entire membership would formally vote on its continuation in January 2006. The next few months will be used as a trial period for the web site.

Legislative Consultant, Grover Simmons provided us with an overview of the 2005 Oregon Legislature, specifically as it related to efforts to allow repairs of backflow assemblies by Backflow Testers. Mr. Simmons suggested that additional groundwork will be needed, before legislation allowing Backflow Testers to repair devices could be successful in the future. He mentioned the possibility of working with the Oregon Plumbing Board to develop a program similar to one in the State of Washington.

It was noted that the 2005 Oregon Legislature approved legislation (House Bill 3108) establishing funding for the Department of Human Services (DHS) Cross Connection Control Program. Included in House Bill 3108 was the creation on an annual fee to implement the DHS cross connection and backflow assembly program. The legislation will allow for the funding a full-time position for compliance of the cross connection control program. The yearly fee per utility is: $30. for 19-99 connections; $75. for 100-999 connections; $200 for 1,000-9,999 connections; and $350 for 10,000 or more connections. HB 3108 received broad support from water providers, plumbers and cross connection representatives. Thanks to the efforts of United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290, Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors, Western Advocates, Eugene Water & Electric Board and Tualatin Valley Water District this long awaited funding mechanism is in place.

Another piece of legislation gaining approval was House Bill 3093. HB 3093 provides legislation that DHS may not require plumbers to obtain department certification to test backflow assemblies along with a provision for rules to be adopted requiring plumbers to complete state-approved training for testing assemblies. Representative Alan Brown (R, Newport) introduced the bill at the request of the Oregon Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors.

The first part of the year has been very busy with Oregon legislation, as we near the last half of the year I hope to attend some of the meetings of other Chapters in Region 7.

Floyd Hensley
Director Region 7