IPPCA conference call to discuss WaterSense proposal July 30
26 Jul, 2008 LM Direct!The International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA) announced an industry conference call Wednesday, July 30, at 1 p.m. to discuss its proposal to the U.S. EPA WaterSense New Home Specification Committee.
To the dismay of the IPPCA, here is what the EPA WaterSense program has incorporated into the language of its New Home Specifications in regards to ornamental water features:
“This specification establishes that builders shall not install or facilitate the installation of ornamental water features. Ornamental water features are defined as fountains, ponds, waterfalls, man-made streams and other decorative water- related constructions provided solely for aesthetic or beautification purposes. Because these water features serve no functional or practical purpose their water use is not considered efficient.”
Here is what the IIPCA is coming back with, assuming its members and the industry, in general, approve of it, says IPPCA Executive Director Dave Jones:
“Ornamental Water Features shall meet one or more of the following specifications: 1) Incorporate a closed re-circulation system; 2) Utilize a naturally occurring water source on site, (ie; spring, stream, rainwater); 3) Sustain aquatic life; 4) Support wildlife; 5) Utilize reclaimed water.”
“It is our continued contention that the above written proposed version to replace the EPA’s specification by the IPPCA will not only protect our industry, but will also aid in protecting our environment and valuable resources,” says Jones.
“We have not submitted our proposal to the EPA yet. If the industry approves of this, we will hand-deliver it to the EPA on the 13th or 14th (Aug.),” he adds.
The wheels have been turning rapidly on the Water Sense proposal, too fast, according to the IPPCA.
In May the EPA announced its proposed residential specifications and provided a relatively short period for responses and comments. On July 17 the IPPCA announced that the EPA had extended the comment period for specifications an additional 45 days. On July 22 there was a face-to-face meeting in Washington D.C. attended by concerned stakeholders at EPA headquarters regarding the Water Sense requirements.
Since learning about what’s essentially the EPA’s recommendation not to install water features, the IPPCA has fielded emails and calls from more than 1,000 concerned industry members.
“Any public perception that water features are a bad thing is certainly not a good thing,” says Jones.
To learn more, contact the IPPCA at 866/484-7722 or email info@ippca.com.
To participate in the call on Wednesday, July 30 at 1 p.m. EST, which will be hosted by Andy Smith of the Irrigation Association, call 866/846-3997. The passcode is 439169.
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