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CBPA News Technician Info
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News - 12/3/2000Please RSVP to Leigh Fenton by Tuesday, December 5th if you are planning on attending our meeting and Holiday Party on Thursday, December 7th at 6 PM. You may call Leigh and leave a voice mail at 303-814-6410 or e-mail your RSVP to her at lfenton@ci.castlerock.co.us. We will have free dinner, beverages, and desserts for everyone! Dinner will be your choice of Italian or Mexican as it will be catered from Amici's Italian Restaurant and we will have Mexican Tamales. We are also planning a scrumptious Holiday Dessert Buffet (including Pecan Pie, Butterscotch Cookies, Fudge, Divinity, Chocolate Candy, Peanut Brittle, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.) You are welcome to bring a guest with you to this event as we are hoping for an excellent turnout. ABPA National Training Committee Chairman Dale Strong will
be our guest speaker at the meeting on (He will discuss ABPA issues and the CPW
Temporary Hydrant Usage Program.) CBPA Member Larry Nelson will also give a
brief presentation on the issues regarding using generic repair parts in
backflow preventers. The December 7th meeting will be held at the new City of Arvada Wastewater Facility, 5555 West 56th Avenue. (Off I-76 and Sheridan Blvd.) In other news: In addition to Jason Everts, Fred Spengler (Backflow Consulting) has thrown his hat in the ring for the office of Vice President. Also, hoping to get more info from the Nothern Chapter of the CBPA shortly, and will post it here for your reading pleasure. News - 10/23/2000Well, the CBPA Annual conference is over, and was a very well attended event. The CBPA would like to thank the City of Arvada for hosting us at their Arvada Center, a very nice venue! As soon as John Bird sends some pictures in, we'll get them posted in the Gallery. All comments received by the board members indicated that all attendees enjoyed the Conference, please feel free to use the Bulletin Board here to post additional comments if you'd like. In other news, it looks like there will be a Northern Chapter of the CBPA. A meeting will be held on November 15, 2000 at 6:00 PM at the Water Utilities building located at 700 Wood Street in Fort Collins. The meeting will be held to establish their charter and adopt the bylaws. They will decide on dues and a name, and at that time will also vote in officers. Their first newsletter can be viewed here, or by going to the Newsletter & Minutes page. Additionally, we are currently deciding on the next couple meetings, November and December. The November meeting should be in central Denver, on the 10th at 9:00 am. On Thursday, December 7th at night probably (6 PM), Dale Strong, ABPA Training Committee Chair has agreed to speak. More info to follow on the Meetings page once things are confirmed. Site notes, I already mentioned the addition of the Northern Chapter newsletter, also, there is a new link to Fanning and Associates on the Links page. (Thanks to Shawn Mulligan for the link). Any other backflow related companies, please email to have your link added. News - 9/25/2000Not much going on, but make sure and sign up for the Annual CBPA Conference, as I've mentioned below. For your reading pleasure, here is an interesting article on Colorado water, and how California is taking more than their share. News - 9/9/2000Added a couple pictures to the Good RP installation Gallery, click on the Gallery button to the left to check out the new additions (thanks to Larry Nelson of Backflow Tech for the images). Also, I archived some of the news from this page, to the Archived News link at the top and bottom of this page. Another interesting bit of news floating around, it seems that ASSE is considering a change to the test procedures. This change might require test gauges to be able to show 1/10th of a PSI, if this happens, none of the gauges in use today would approved. News - 7/17/2000Sorry so long since an update, real life intervenes at times :) The July 12th meeting at Marshall-Rodeno was a success, with over SIXTY people attending. The technical session given by Pat Ahearn was full of good information, with quite a few questions at the end. The barbecue was also excellent with more than enough food to go around, and then some. At the end of the meeting, a number of great door prizes were given out, which is going to be an ongoing thing. Be sure to check back for additional meeting dates as they become available. A big thanks to the folks at Marshall-Rodeno for hosting this event, and the free gifts such as the sunglass retainer straps and pop can holders! Some CBPA website news, cleaned up and archived some of the news that was below, so if you see something missing, just click on the Archived News link at the top and bottom of this page. Also, due to requests, there is now a link on the left to the CCCCAC recommended test forms. News - 6/26/2000The Jim Purzycki backflow repair seminars are in full swing, with the Castle Rock, Boulder, and Fort Collins classes already held, and Grand Junction to be given tomorrow. Once again, Jim had an excellent presentation of the various backflow devices (in attending the Boulder class), and the types of repair a technician would come across in the field. His in-depth analysis of materials used in check valves, springs, and the guides, lead to some great tips and repair information on specific devices from various manufacturers. The CBPA would like to thank Jim for giving the seminars, and providing a great service to the cross-connection technicians in our state. John Bird provided some numbers on attendance (121 Total):
Also, some website updates... two pictures added to the CBPA section of the picture gallery, from the Boulder Repair Seminar; and the June 2000 Newsletter (MS Word formatted) has been added to the Newletters section of the website, and finally, the Meetings page has been updated through October. News - 6/4/2000Added a link on the Links page to recent backflow incidents on the ABPA website, be sure to check it out! News - 5/31/2000Kristi James let me know of an E. Coli outbreak in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada. Evidently, the contamination of the wells in this farming community followed heavy flooding. To top things off, one of the two chlorinators for the town water supply was not working properly. Sadly, there are already 7 confirmed deaths, and over 1000 who became very sick. Read the full story here, courtesy of the Associated Press. The next monthly meeting of the CBPA will be held in Castle Rock on June 9th, go to the Meetings page to get more information. News - 5/18/2000Well, it is getting closer to Jim Purzycki backflow repair seminars, so be sure to sign up and reserve your spot. The Colorado Cross Connection Control Advisory Committee met on Tuesday of this week, and many issues were discussed. Updating of the By-Laws, looking at the ramifications of how a recently passed (or soon to pass, I should listen more closely :)) legislative bill will affect committees working under the auspice of the State Gov't, and a recounting of how lawyers are moving into Colorado trying to get Homeowner Associations to sue their developers for perceived flaws in building their homes. This is affecting two backflow testers right now, as their insurance companies defend against litigation. Additionally, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1431, which will require certification for water & wastewater utility workers, not only in treatment, but in distribution and collection as well. If you go to this State of Colorado webpage, you can search for HB 1431 (just type 1431 in the search box) to view the text yourself in PDF format. The Colorado Water Distribution/Cross Connection/Wastewater Collection Certification Council will be administering this program. Finally, check out this Yahoo article! It seems that a city crew in Pineville, Louisiana, cross-connected a water line with a sewer line! This cross-connection existed for 3 months before being discovered and repaired, yuck! News - 5/13/2000Update: Added two pictures to the CBPA members gallery, check them out! The monthly meeting last Wednesday at the new Arvada Wastewater facility featured Michael Moss, our Region 5 director. He talked about the challenges of educating the public in backflow prevention and related many interesting stories about working in his state. Additionally, he discussed the benefits of attending regional and national ABPA events, and other water-related conventions, such as the upcoming AWWA National Conference occurring here in Denver, June 11-15. Most water utilities statewide, and many from around the country will be attending this event. Mr. Moss talked about the opportunity to network with others in our industry, and how learning how others work in backflow prevention can benefit all. Additionally, Kristi James (our esteemed CBPA President), talked about the many awards won by our chapter. The CBPA once again won the PACE award (Presidential Award for Chapter Excellence) from the ABPA for chapter excellence for the THIRD year in a row, demonstrating the fine work our chapter has done in educating the public. Kristi herself was also presented an award for her work for the CBPA and ABPA. Once we get some pictures scanned, we'll add the presentation of those awards to the picture gallery. Also on display at the meeting were the awards Judy Schmidt has won in the last month, including the Industry Leader 2000 (in the picture gallery), the recognition from DW&BP magazine, AND a real nice letter from Colorado State Governor Bill Owens congratulating here on her work state-wide (Judy, send in a scan of that wonderful letter!) Kristi also had the opportunity in Portland to meet with most of the other ABPA chapter presidents, where meetings, methods of attracting new members, and other items were discussed. She said the allotted time of one hour went more like three hours as many fascinating ideas were brought forth. This Wednesday CBPA meeting was also the first time Door Prizes were given to those attending the meeting. AT&T calling cards were won by Dutch Mead's wife, Bob Stevens from the Denver Water Board, and a very nice first aid kit was won by Gary Edwards, your webmaster. All future CBPA monthly meetings will feature Door Prizes, so be sure to attend the upcoming meetings! The pizza, soft drinks and other dessert items were wonderful, and we'd like to thanks Judy Schmidt for hosting the monthly CBPA meeting at her new facility! Finally, we should have some new pictures to add to the picture gallery in the next couple days, just waiting to scan those images; and archived some news that was older, if something seems to be missing, check in the Archived News. Don't miss the next two monthly CBPA meetings, June 9th at 9:00 am in Castlerock and the July 12th meeting at Marshall & Rodeno, and evening barbecue meeting. Don't forget, if you have some cool backflow prevention pictures, send them in to add to our growing gallery of images, and sign up for the upcoming Jim Purzycki backflow repair seminars! News - 4/18/2000Judy Schmidt, Vice-President of the CBPA, was awarded the "Industry Leadership Award - 2000" from the Arvada City Council last night. Check the Picture Gallery (under CBPA Members & Events), for a picture of Judy receiving the award from the Mayor of Arvada. It is no coincidence that she also is on the cover of the latest issue of DW&BP magazine, receiving their annual award for excellence in the industry. Congratulations Judy, the recognition you are receiving is well deserved! News - 4/11/2000Added a new picture to the Bad Backflow Preventer Installs gallery, thanks to Stu Asay for letting us use the image. Shows the problem with using pipe dope on backflow preventers. The CBPA meeting on 4/5/2000 was interesting, with Fred Spengler talking about a new tactic by lawyers. This involves lawyers convincing Homeowner Associations to sue their builders/developers for perceived flaws in their homes. If the HOA does not want to sue, the lawyers threaten to go to the individual homeowners to pursue legal action. Bottom line, if a lawsuit occurs, ALL sub-contractors are included in the lawsuit, including backflow testers. More information to follow... Additionally, more work was done on setting up the Fall CBPA annual conference which looks like will be held in Arvada. Mel Minnick went over the current status of a backflow prevention video the CBPA would like to produce. Last, but not least, check out the Picture Gallery. If you have a submission, please email your entry to us to be included on the site. Needed: GOOD backflow installations (Note to Larry Nelson (Backflow Tech), send us a picture of your new Hotbox installation method :)) Another area of the website under-utilized is the Bulletin Board, please drop by and post a question, there are a lot of players in the Colorado backflow scene ready to answer questions or offer advice! News - 3/31/2000Added a couple pictures to the picture gallery, this begins our CBPA member section. News - 3/20/2000After the February 17th, 2000, meeting with Jack Poole, it was evident that the CBPA board members had a different opinion of the backflow preventer requirements on fire sprinkler systems. In that light, the CPBA members will be asked to vote on a "Reaffirmation Statement" of a previously published ABPA opinion on this matter. You can view the Reaffirmation Statement here. If you wish to comment about this stance, please email Kristi James, our chapter President. News - 3/15/2000It has been determined that Jason Everts, Editor of Drinking Water & Backflow Prevention magazine, will assume the role of Secretary for the CBPA. This is effective immediately and is reflected on the 2000 Officers page. Congratulations to Jason for assuming this high paying position :) Also, a big thanks goes out to our previous secretary, Craig Florence, who did a fantastic job during his tenure. It was especially helpful that he continued in that role even after his term expired, when an immediate replacement wasn't found. Thanks Craig for all the hard work! Found another article here on the subject of dental equipment, this is an ABC's news program, 20/20, special report. News - 3/14/2000Check the Meetings page for updated information on upcoming meetings and events. In a stroke of luck, Denver is hosting both the National AWWA Conference this year, as well as the National Fire Protection Association World Exhibition. Both of these promise to be world class events in our industry, make your plans now to attend! Also, check out this article here on the ABPA website... a study by CBS on the results of testing dental equipment for bacteria. News - 2/24/2000We've added a picture gallery to this website. Of course, this is backflow related, so take a minute and check it out... We're also looking for additional picture submissions, so fire up those email programs and send some in! News 2/23/2000It has been confirmed that Michael Moss, Director of Region 5 ABPA, an area that covers Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, will be the featured guest at the May 10th evening meeting. This special meeting will be held at Arvada City Hall, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, free pizza will be provided. News - 2/17/2000On Thursday February 17th, 2000, Mr. Jack Poole, PE, and President of the ABPA, gave a presentation on fire sprinkler systems for the Pueblo Chapter of the CBPA. His topic, "How backflow prevention assemblies affect fire protection systems.", was timely with recent events in Utah. The event was well attended by water purveyors, manufacturers, fire sprinkler installers and other interested attendees. The slides he presented were very informative, showing the different types of fire sprinkler systems and the types of hazards they present. Towards the end, a very spirited discussion took place between water purveyors and sprinkler installers, specifically in the area of RP backflow assemblies. The discussion centered on anti-freeze loops that are a part of a larger sprinkler system, and whether the RP should be installed at the loop, or at the floor flange where water enters the facility (Containment versus Isolation). Needless to say, a very productive meeting was had by all and a special thanks is sent out to Dutch Mead and the Pueblo West Fire Department, who hosted the event. The return home in the driving snow provided for an interesting drive for those from the Denver area, but the trip was well worth the effort! Colorado Cross - Connection Control Manual
Video CommitteeA committee has been formed and charged with the outline for a video proposal. Once produced, this video will be available for sale as a learning tool to teach the public about the danger of cross connections, and to show how backflow prevention devices protect the public drinking water supply. Mel Minnick was appointed chair and is looking for volunteers to serve on this committee. If you are interested, please contact Mel at the next meeting, email him here, or by calling him at 303-761-3456. Go Back to the Current CBPA News |
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