What’s New
Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E. has prepared a presentation for the membership of the Rockland County Board of Realtors entitled “Carbon Monoxide – Hazards, Detection Requirements, and How Can a Realtor Help Keep Their Clients Safe?“.
Recent Projects
- Consultation regarding soil erosion and its effects on the stability of a structure located in Congers, NY
- Retained to analyze the code compliance of a renovation in an Ulster County, NY hotel
- Consultation regarding water runoff problems on a site located in Monsey, NY
Balconies Declared Unsafe at 16 New York Buildings
On May 17th the New Times reported that “thousands of residents in 16 buildings across New York City have been ordered to stop using balconies that were found to be unsafe by the Department of Buildings. The warnings came as inspectors conducted safety reviews around the city after a man fell to his death in March when part of the railing on his balcony gave way. Inspectors have also found that about 800 building owners have failed to file inspection reports, required every five years, demonstrating the safety of their balconies and terraces”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to assist its clientele in the performance of such Local Law 11 and other facade and balcony inspections and investigations. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.
House subcommittee passes bill restricting lead in water fixtures
According to a May 19th Washington Post blog post, a House subcommittee recently passed legislation that seeks to eliminate harmful lead exposures from tap water and home plumbing fixtures. The legislation would prohibit manufacturers from using all but a tiny fraction of lead in making or selling water faucets and fixtures. Tainted water is estimated to count for up 20 percent of human lead exposure, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. People who ingest significant amounts of lead can suffer from brain damage, hearing damage and developmental delays, with fetuses and young children being the most vulnerable to lifelong problems.
The Safe Drinking Water Act, which determines the lead content of plumbing materials, now allows up to 8 percent of lead content in faucets and fixtures. This proposed legislation, written by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) of the committee, would cut that amount to 0.25 percent. The legislation is expected move to the full Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to test for the presence of lead in drinking water, and can inspect for suspected lead piping in structures and on sites. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.