RE: Amendments for Consideration to the UPC 2009 (IAC 641- Chapter 25 update)

During the 2009 session, the Legislature amended Iowa Code Chapter 105 in a number of ways, including enacting section 105.4(1), which requires the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board to establish by rule “a plumbing installation code governing the installation of plumbing in this state.”  In an effort to accomplish this mandate, the Board created a Code Committee with the assigned task of examining the differing codes and ultimately presenting a state plumbing code to the Board for consideration.  Following a number of presentation and meetings, the committee recommended to the full Board that it adopt the 2009UPC as the state plumbing code with amendments.  At its December 2009 monthly meeting, the Board approved the committee’s recommendations.

The committee is now in the process of determining what amendments should be considered and adopted as part of the state plumbing code.  This letter is intended to serve as an invitation should you wish to present any proposed amendments to the committee for consideration.  If you wish to do so, the committee requests that all comments or proposals be submitted in writing by February 12, 2010.  Our address is:

Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA  50319

Thank you for your time and consideration.  If you have additional questions or concerns, please call the Board Office at 515-281-6881.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Houlson,

Executive Officer

Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board

Important EPA R-22 Regulations Clarifications

HARDI worked with EPA staff to provide clarity and certainty for HVACR distributors and contractors regarding what would be considered “servicing” after Jan. 1, 2010 as defined in the  recently-finalized two HCFC regulations.  HARDI has received EPA confirmation that multiple component replacements of an existing R-22 air-conditioning or refrigeration system as required by proper installation practices is considered servicing after Jan 1, 2010, and virgin R-22 can be used to complete such servicing.  Primarily to avoid the installation of mismatched condensing units and coils, HARDI pushed for this important EPA clarification so contractors can legally replace multiple components as required to achieve a 13 SEER or greater stated efficiency while servicing an existing R-22 air-conditioning system.  While the EPA does not go into such detail, they did update their Rules Overview and FAQ pages to reflect these changes.

Additionally, HARDI received EPA confirmation that they do not intend to hold HVACR distributors liable for R-22 equipment that is purchased by contractors and installed in non-exempt new construction applications (which are prohibited by the new regulations).

However, EPA advises HVACR distributors to remind contractors purchasing R-22 components such as condensing units, coils, and line-sets that they can only be used for servicing purposes, unless for a new construction projects permitted prior to Jan. 1, 2010.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

We have had a low turn out on the Awards Meeting set for Jan 9, 2010 at Fox and Hound. Due to this and the weather coming in we have chose to cancel it at this time. The Awards are already at the Trophy place so we will hold off and make this presentation at the UMRA Conference. If you have not done so please check out the new web page and layout. We have secured a vendor this year to help us keep it updated. The web site is rsesomaha.com . Also please note that we will do our planning meeting for the UMRA event after the General meeting on Tuesday. Our next General Meeting will be at Vatterott College 11818 I Street here in Omaha.  The meeting will start at 6:30pm and our speaker is Matt Holst from Control Depot. If you have any questions please contact me. See you on Tuesday Jan 12 at Vatterott.

The Omaha City Council passed the journeyman license proposal. The council President and members agreed to follow through with the amendments favored by HACCA. They also expressed their thanks to the Association for making them aware of the number of ACAD permits not being issued and pledged their support to tighten the enforcement of city codes pertaining to unlicensed contractors.