The Direct Connection

“Know What is or What Could be in Your Drinking Water”Dow Biocides Introduces Aqucar™ OPP 63 Water Treatment Microbiocide; Cel-

ebrates MilestoneAugust 4, 2008

Buffalo Grove, IL - Dow Biocides, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, introduces AQUCAR™ OPP

63 Water Treatment Microbiocide for use in applications such as slurries preservation and pulp and paper process-

ing. The launch of this product coincides with a Dow Biocides milestone; this year marks the 60th anniversary of

the registration of OPP (o-phenylphenol) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). OPP is the oldest

molecule in the broad Dow Biocides portfolio offering.

“Environmentally, not all phenols are the same,” said Nanette Hermsen, global marketing manager, Dow Bio-

cides. “While many people perceive phenolic preservatives to have a negative impact on waste water treatment

systems, OPP entering the waste water treatment plant at low ppm concentrations will be extensively biodegraded.

As the oldest biocide in our portfolio, we have substantial data on OPP and how it functions in applications.”

AQUCAR OPP 63 Water Treatment Microbiocide does not contain or release formaldehyde and is a fast-acting,

broad spectrum bactericide and fungicide that is highly effective in alkaline pH applications. AQUCAR OPP 63

can be incorporated with adequate mixing at any point during the manufacturing process and its high temperature

stability allows for addition before cooling of a product. It is especially effective in controlling bacterial and fun-

gal growth in aqueous pigments and filter slurries as well as controlling microorganisms in papermaking systems

and preventing slime formation during virtually all stages of the process.

In 2007, Dow Biocides announced that the EPA determined that the active OPP was eligible for re-registration.

As part of the Re-registration Eligibility Decision (RED), the EPA completed human health and environmental

risk assessments for OPP. In those assessments, the EPA concluded that there was no evidence of increased risk

to infants and children from OPP at typical use concentrations. Furthermore, the EPA classified OPP and SOPP

(sodium o-phenylphenol) as “Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans” at typical use concentrations.

A newsletter dedicated to Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention- www.abpa-sa.orgAugust Vol. 18 Issue 8

Contʼd on Page 9

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August Meeting DetailsMeetings of the San Antonio Chapter ABPA are usu-ally held the second Thursday of every month except December. -Dinner and refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. sharp with the meeting starting at 6:30.The next meeting is:

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: 6425 Evers Rd. (Leon Valley Community Center)

Program: Terri Hall (Potential of contamination of our Aquifer due to the TX DOT toll project. Then a presentation by

Kiss Irrigation of a new way to irrigate Meal: Provided by Kiss Irrigation No alcoholic beverages allowed by

Leon ValleyFutureMeetings: Wilkins Febco Ames

Directorʼs Meeting August Agenda

5:00 P.M. General discussion and quorum confirmation.

5:15 P.M. Call meeting to order.

5:16 P.M. Secretaryʼs Report. Read minutes of previous meeting. Motion, 2nd, and acceptance.

5:20 P.M. Treasurerʼs Report. Comments, questions, debts, receivables. Motion, 2nd, and acceptance.

5:25 P.M. Supply Officerʼs Report.

5:30 P.M. Vice Presidentʼs, Directorʼs, and any other reports for the good of the chapter. Comments, new business, any discussion.

5:40 P.M. Training Report. Training and Meal Sponsors.

5:45 P.M. Webmaster Report.

5:50 P.M Presidentʼs Report. New & old business items.

Proposed Goals: Input from Directors

1. Educational outreach with public by presenting at PHCC meetings, engineering firms, schools, and neigh-borhood associations. Continuing goal.

2. Greater use of TCEQ website. Tracking of CEUs. Services available. Personal education.

3. Increase member awareness of importance of chapter meetings. Increase attendance and public awareness.

4. Increase website resource information. More detailed links to more information like TCEQ, COSA, any place that would be helpful to our members

6:00 P.M. Meal is served.

6:30 P.M. General meeting:

1. Gauges to be tested. Bill Hamrick2. Irrigatorʼs Report. Ron Renouf 3. Anything from the Directorʼs Meeting. Greg Shean4. City, regional and national reports. Bruce Rathburn,

Bruce Pearson, and Robert Stricker 5. First time attendees or visitors (get w/Troy for member-

ship)6. Supply Officer Report. Jim Mabry 7. Raffle prize announcement. 8. Training program.

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ABPA-SA Board of Directors

Executive Officers

1) President - Greg Shean

2) 1st Vice President – Mark Ochoa

3) 2nd Vice President – Daniel Fernandez 4) Treasurer – Troy Baird

5) Secretary - Scott Okland

Special Officers to the Association

6) SGT-AT-ARMS –Ahrend Buchanan-Klepp, and Hector Flores

7) Supply Officer – Jim Mabry

8) Gauge Testing and Certification – Bill Hamrick

9) Public Relations/ Speakers/ Program Topics – Manny Hernandez

10) Webmaster – Matthew Wilgen

Directors at Large

1) Fred Baird**2) Tony Garza**3) Jeff Hoffman** 4) Jeff Meeks**5) Johnnie Ivy, Jr.**6) Robert Stricker** * Term expires 087) Bruce Pearson* ** Term expires 098) David Hadley*9) Jim Holt*10) Jorge Lopez*11) Carl Michaud* 12) Frank Snyder*13) Ron Renouf*14) David Trousdale*

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

EDITOR BRUCE RATHBURNASST. EDITOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS (assigned monthly duty)

6

The Test Is Not Complete Until The Paperwork Is Done!

The hardest part of a backflow preventer test is the paperwork, which is getting easier with the help of comput-ers and printers. The fillable TNM forms for SAWS, City of San Antonio, and BexarMet are now on the www.abpa-sa.org website under the heading “FORMS” and can be downloaded to your computer. Depending on which software you have on your computer, there are two different ways to utilize the forms. The following explanation will describe both ways.

If you have “Adobe Acrobat Reader”, you can download the forms, save them in a folder such as “TNMs”, and use them from there. Double click on the form you want to use to open the form with all of the information fields blank. Type in all the information you already know, starting by clicking on the first field at the top of the page. Then “TAB” to each field, leaving blank any field of unknown information. Donʼt be concerned with the order of the tabbed fields because the information about the backflow preventer and the customer will be presented first and then the tabbed information about the tester, his company, and the gauge will be last. You will understand why later. When you have completed as much as you know about before visiting the site, “PRINT” the form and take it to the test site to be completed in ink. If you plan on leaving a copy, print several, it beats writing and the poor enforcement people who have to read some of the 2nd grade handwriting will now love you. HEREʼS THE GOOD PART – If you have another test while on your trip, hit the “Clear Form” button at the top of the page to clear all of the fields EXCEPT the information about the tester, his company, and the gauge and input for the next customer or print a quantity of forms to be filled in with ink, excluding the tester, company, and gauge information. Unfor-tunately, when you close the program, all of the fields will flush, a good reason to go the next step.

This step is ONLY for those who have the full version of “Adobe Acrobat”. Create a “Customer” subfolder in your TNM folder to store the TNMs for each individual customer/backflow preventer. Use the information above to prepare and print your TNM, however, BEFORE clearing the fields, use “SAVE AS” to save the TNM into the “Customer” folder with a specific file name to identify the customer/backflow preventer. You can save some repetitive typing by loading the original file, inserting the tester, company, and gauge information and then saving the file with a name such as “BexarMet-Company Name.pdf” or “COSA-Company Name.pdf” or SAWS-Com-pany Name.pdf”. If you always start from these files, you will not have to type in any tester, company, or gauge information.

Now that the paperwork is easier and the enforcement folks are not going blind reading hieroglyphics, what s̓ next? Put a laptop with an inexpensive laser printer, (inkjets and water donʼt mix), in your service vehicle and print all the information except the variable test results and signatures, which is the only info in ink. Power for the laser - Watch for a future article.

Greg SheanPresidentABPA-SA

7

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8

Safety Tip

Distracted Drivers Are Dangerous DriversAccording to the American Automobile Association Foundation for Safety, distracted drivers cause 295,000 seri-ous crashes a year. A National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration study indicates that driver inattention is the primary or contributing factor in 60 percent of all crashes. Even though driving demands our complete attention, there is apparently plenty to distract us from the job at hand.

Often a driver’s attention is directed away from the traffi c to something outside of the vehicle, such as people, oth-er vehicles, signs, or an activity along the roadside. By the time the driver looks back at the traffi c, it may be too late to see the vehicle just ahead that has slowed, attempting to get back into the proper lane of traffi c, or stopped. The result, many times, is a crash.

There are also plenty of distractions inside the vehicle. At the top of the list, is dialing and using cell phones or two-way radios. Other interior distractions include: adjusting the radio, cassette, or CD player; adjusting the heater or air-conditioner; smoking, eating, or drinking; other occupants in the vehicle ̓and objects moving in the vehicle…for example, when something in the seat falls on the fl oor and the driver attempts to retrieve it while driving.

When driving a vehicle, it is important to be on the lookout for distracted drivers. They are the ones most likely to drift into your lane of traffi c or run through a stop sign or red light. Maintaining proper distance between vehicles will help provide a safety buffer for you. Also, donʼt assume that the other drivers are always going to stop at every stop sign or yield when they are supposed to. Take a second look before proceeding and if you see a driver who is eating, drinking, or talking on the phone, give them a little extra room.

You also need to make sure you are not distracted while operating your vehicle in traffi c. If you need to make a call or look for directions on a map, pull the vehicle over, put it into park, and make the call or read the map. Put maps, notepads, and cell phones away before you rejoin traffi c.

Donʼt try to take your coffee or lunch break on the road. Itʼs better to take a few extra minutes to stop and eat or drink then it is to try to negotiate through traffi c with only one hand on the wheel.

You should not be driving in traffi c without fi rst adjusting the seat, seat belt, steering wheel, and mirrors. In most cases vehicles are shared with other drivers who have adjusted them for their comfort and safety. Part of your pre-drive checklist and routine should also include removing or securing any loose items that might roll around in the vehicle and distract you.

Remember, there is a greater diversity of drivers on the roads today than ever before. There are more distractions both inside and outside of the vehicle, and our stress levels seem to be rising every day.

Use some extra time and thought before you drive in traffi c and once you are behind the wheel, to protect yourself and your vehicle from threats on the roadway and always Buckle-Up! Remember Click it or Ticket.

9

“The efforts we took to re-register OPP demonstrate our commitment to process water applications and to finding

solutions that are both highly effective, as well as safe for the environment,” Hermsen said. “OPP has always been

considered an excellent biocide, and now formulators can take full advantage of its broad-spectrum, quick kill

properties while working with slurries.”

Editor Note: The following is a prime example of not taking time to educate. Remember it is the key to a successful backflow program

OFFICIALS SAY Northsiders can disregard a letter mailed to them by the city of Jackson regarding cross-con-nection devices, and now they have the Mississippi Attorney Generalʼs office backing them up. In a three-page document dated June 23, Deputy Attorney General Mike Lanford wrote that the city doesnʼt have the authority to require annual inspections on cross-connection devices considered low risk by Mississippi Code 41-26-14. He further opined that municipalities are “prohibited by statute from requiring the installation of backflow preven-tion devices in cross-connections that are deemed low hazard and as posing a very low risk.” Cross-connection devices, commonly referred to as backflow devices, are check valves of sorts that prevent water and chemicals from siphoning back into a public water supply when there is a surge in the system. District 64 Rep. Bill Denny said he is pleased with the attorney generalʼs decision. “There is no ambiguity in the statutes that a municipality is prohibited from requiring the installation and inspec-tion of backflow devices,” he said in a written statement. He further calls for the Jackson Public Works Depart-ment to send out a letter of apology to affected residents. In May, the cityʼs Public Works Department mailed letters to a handful of residents with cross-connection devices installed, informing them that they were required to have the systems inspected annually.Residents who no longer had the devices were told that they would have to spend hundreds of dollars to have one reinstalled. Residents, though, were told by Denny that state law no longer required them to have the expensive devices. IN 2001, DENNY AUTHORED a bill reversing state statutes requiring the devices on professionally installed lawn irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, and pools after the legislatureʼs Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) found that the devices posed little threat to public water supplies. The devices, he said, cost residents $800 or more to install. “Certainly, the Department of Public Works, with the guidance of the city attorneyʼs office, must have been aware of the state law concerning this matter before sending out notices requiring annual tests, since this was the first request of this sort in seven years,”

Contʼd from Page 1

10

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“The Direct Connection” is published monthly and may be obtained by becoming a member of the ABPA-SA. Due to the expenses asso-ciated with printing and mailing, future editions will be mailed to members only. Opinions or facts within “The Direct Connection” are not necessarily representative of the opinions of the American Backflow Prevention Association and may or may not represent an official policy. Ad-ditionally, the opinions or facts of contributors or advertisers may or may not represent an official policy.

Published by the ABPA-Region IV,Editor: Bruce Rathburn,Assistant Editor: Robert Stricker.

For further information about ABPA, contact:Bruce Rathburn3930 E. Houston(210) 704-1751

Chris, with American Automatic Sprinklers, recently had his van broken into and his testing device stolen. Backflow Testing Brand: Midwest, Serial number 225219. His telephone number is 789-1225, please contact him if you have any further questions.

11

POST OFFICE BOX 3051 . BRYAN, TX 77805-3051 . 979-846-7606 . 979-846-7607 FAX www.abpa.org

AMERICAN BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION To join the American Backflow Prevention Association, simply fill out the membership application form and mail it with your check to the address listed below, or if paying by credit card you may fax the completed form to 979.846.7607. Annual dues for individual membership is $50.00. Local chapters have additional fees. Below is a listing of chapters by region. To find out if there is a local chapter in your area please review the chapter information on our website at abpa.org or call the National Office at 979.846.7606. Membership in the Association constitutes paying National dues.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________ Employer:______________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________State:_____________________Zip:_______________ Work phone:(____)____________________________Fax:(_____)_________________________________ E-mail address:__________________________________________________________________________ Local Chapter (if joining one) :__________________________________ Local Dues:_______________ Total Amount Paid:______________________ New Member � Renewal �

Please make checks payable to: ABPA, PO Box 3051, Bryan, TX 77805-3051. If paying by credit card include the following: Credit Card No.:______________________________________________ Expiration Date:_____________ Name as it appears on the card:_______________________________________________

ABPA Federal ID # 74-2395100

LOCAL CHAPTER DUES LISTED BY REGION: REGION 1 Maine New England Western New York Rhode Island REGION 2 Delaware Penn State REGION 3 Carolinas Florida Suncoast Georgia Gold Coast Peach State “1788” Tennessee REGION 4 Arkansas Corpus Christi Gulf Coast Lower Rio Grande Valley

$18.00 8.00

13.0018.00

$ 5.00 10.00

$10.00 12.0031.0010.0030.0020.00

$10.00 23.0023.0025.00

North Texas San Antonio

REGION 5 Colorado Southeastern Colorado Utah

REGION 6 Arizona Central Coast Central Valley California Hawaii Silver State Southern Arizona Southern California REGION 7 IdahoOregonSpokane

$23.00 20.00

$15.00 15.0012.00

$20.00 10.0010.0023.0023.0023.0015.00

$10.00 20.0020.00

REGION 8 No LocalREGION 9 (USD) New Brunswick OntarioREGION 10 Wisconsin REGION 11 Central Illinois Indiana Michigan Northern Illinois OhioSouthern Illinois REGION 12 Central Missouri Eastern Nebraska Heart of America Panhandle Western Nebraska

$50.00 50.00

$10.00

$25.00 5.00

37.00 23.0010.0023.00

$20.00 10.0012.005.008.00

12

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