New backflow prevention regs fuel rehabs.New backflow backflow /back·flow/ (-flo) reflux or regurgitation (1). pyelovenous backflow drainage from the renal pelvis into the venous system occurring under certain conditions of back pressure. prevention regs fuel rehabs In New York's lackluster real estate market where there is little new construction activity, consulting engineering firms are finding various opportunities in the area of rehabs and renovations One hot spot in the market concerns the installation of backflow prevention devices or RPZ RPZ Registered Power Zone (UK) RPZ Reduced Pressure Zone (backflow prevention in plumbing) RPZ Runway Protection Zone (FAA) RPZ Residential Parking Zone (reduced pressure In thermodynamics, the reduced pressure of a fluid is defined as its actual pressure divided by its critical pressure. DEP Deputy DEP Department of Environmental Protection DEP Dependent DEP Departure DEP Depot DEP Deposition DEP deployed (US DoD) DEP Data Execution Prevention (computer security) ). Recently, owners and operators of specified buildings have begun receiving notices from the Cross Connection Control Division of (DEP) citing that their properties must comply with the new requirements for backflow prevention. Unfortunately, these new stipulations come when the real estate community is struggling under the strain of double-digit vacancies, a slow to recover recession, and possible tax increases. In many cases, property owners have turned to consulting engineers for advice and assistance on how to best handle this new wrinkle Wrinkle A feature of a new product or security intended to entice a buyer. . Actually, the law mandating backflow devices in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of State buildings dates back to the early 1980's. Only in the past two years has the DEP begun to enforce compliance within the City of New York. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. law, water suppliers in New York State must protect potable potable /pot·a·ble/ (po´tah-b'l) fit to drink. po·ta·ble adj. Fit to drink; drinkable. potable fit to drink. water by preventing or containing potential contamination due to cross-connection or backflow into the city s main supply. Up until recently, the city was satisfied that a building complied with this mandate if it met the stringent New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. Building Codes regulating plumbing. Indeed, in many installations, plumbing systems have been engineered to exceed Code requirements. Although legislation is pending, there is no law or regulation that insures installation, of backflow prevention devices in conformance with local plumbing codes. The new program from DEP hopes to change that. Some properties currently under scrutiny are air conditioned structures and buildings with boilers that employ water treatment. To help owners and managers of these affected buildings determine which type of installation they need to comply with this program, here are answers to some frequently asked questions: Q: What are the differences between backflow prevention devices? A: For most installations, DEP specifies approved airgap RPZ backflow preventers on main incoming water services) Yet there are many cases in which check valves and vacuum breakers are practical and acceptable. Q: Must backflow prevention devices be provided on all incoming water services? A: Yes, with few exceptions. However, a professional engineer is needed to determine which is the correct application for each service, i. e. domestic, sprinkler, combination domestic/fire protection, etc. The installation of the wrong device can prove quite costly. Q: What, if any, are the variances allotted al·lot tr.v. al·lot·ted, al·lot·ting, al·lots 1. To parcel out; distribute or apportion: allotting land to homesteaders; allot blame. 2. existing buildings? A: Because of the complexity of the thousands of existing structures in New York City, the DEP recognizes the need to review installation requirements on a building-by-building basis. Q: What engineering considerations must be met to comply with the new regulations? A: One of the many DEP requirements is that RPZ's be located above grade, which often means, installation at the ground floor or lobby level. This may become particularly problematic in older existing buildings where space on this level is limited and cannot house or structurally support the required device(s). (The weight of a single six-inch device can be in excess of 3,000 pounds and require 20 square feet of space.) The DEP requires that design plans for installation of backflow devices be submitted with complex calculations by a licensed professional engineer or certified architect. As consulting engineers, Flack + Kurtz has found that in helping clients adhere to adhere to verb 1. follow, keep, maintain, respect, observe, be true, fulfil, obey, heed, keep to, abide by, be loyal, mind, be constant, be faithful 2. the new stipulations of the Cross Connection Control Unit of DEP, there are no easy solutions. The one single factor coming to all RPZ applications is there is no common installation in New York City. Andrew R Szeuczuk Design Engineer Flack + Kurtz Consulting Engineers |
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