In Memoriam: Raymond Cardoza

The Plumbing Foundation was sad to hear of former board member Raymond Cardoza’s untimely passing this August and remembers him fondly. He was only 56 years old.

Raymond was both a loving family man and dedicated to his business, Cardoza Plumbing, that he shared with his sister, Marie Cardoza. He was a 2nd generation New York City Licensed Master Plumber, following in the footsteps of his late father, Eugene Cardoza. Raymond was a beloved father to his children, Christina, Raymond Jr., Michael, and son-in-law, Michael. In addition to his sister Marie, he was survived by his mother Louise Bello and siblings Stephen and EJ Cardoza.

Raymond has been described as a trusted and loyal friend, as a generous and strong individual who, despite health related obstacles, worked hard both professionally and as a father. He enjoyed planning exciting excursions for him and his family. He was an avid NYC sports fan, especially when it came to the Yankees and Rangers.

Raymond served as a dedicated board member to both the Plumbing Foundation and Association of Contracting Plumbers (ACP), including as former President of the ACP. He was a skilled plumber and his experience and knowledge in the field served our associations enormously. The name Cardoza is paramount in the institutional plumbing world—particularly in the medical and hospital universe. He will always be remembered as a vital member of the plumbing industry.

Climate Change Policies’ Pipe Dreams

By Terence O’Brien, Executive Vice President, Association of Contracting Plumbers of NYC and Senior Director, Plumbing Foundation

In light of Climate Week NYC, which occurred September 17-22, I would be remiss if I did not address a topic that has universal impact and is important to so many of us: combating climate change, which the Plumbing Industry and especially those in the New York City market have been on the forefront of combating for decades. From advocating for more efficient, greener products and lower flow water fixture standards, to stopping use of oil for domestic heating and hot water, we will continue to fight for the industry and for the safety and greening of New York City’s infrastructure and building codes. With that said, I have several concerns about policy decisions as outlined below.

Ambitious But Impractical Gas Ban

On many occasions, governments (city, state, and federal) are reactionary and/or are overly ambitious when dealing with major events and matters of importance, and climate change is one of those topics. As everyone attempts to navigate a better path forward, unfortunately, there are at times laws and regulations, while having the appearance of being a benefit to the greater good, that may actually do very little. Local Law 154 of 2021 is a prime example, which essentially bans the use of all fuels, even green/blue hydrogen and biofuels, in newly constructed buildings under 7-stories effective January 1, 2024 and buildings 7-stories and above beginning July 1, 2027. Transforming all newly constructed buildings into electric-only has significant economic, logistical, and energy-security concerns, on which the Foundation has voiced its opinion publicly many times and through testimony during hearings at the City and State levels of government. There are other ways to “green” buildings, which may be more realistic, executable within more reasonable timelines, and which have benchmarks that would be obtainable, but these options are pushed to the wayside—and for what? May it be because certain people wish to say they are the first City or State to have a law enacted? These all or nothing “homerun” approaches are flashy but not as impactful. Policies and laws should not be made in bubbles or involving only a certain demographic. Local Law 154 as well as Local Law 97 of 2019 are fraught with problems and limitations against the intentions.

Alternative Yet Unregulated Technologies

Within the Climate Change and gas banning conversations, there has been a tremendous amount of buzz about use of alternate technologies including heat pumps, solar energy, and thermal energy. All of this interest is great, but the use of some of these technologies is wildly unregulated and not practical for every environment—in particular, thermal energy. There is almost nothing in the NYC Construction Code on how to install thermal technology or who can install these systems, and thus, it presents issues on safety and accountability. To overcome this, thermal energy systems should require permits, and be installed and maintained by NYC licensed professionals who have familiarity with piping systems to ensure these “better” solutions benefit both working New Yorkers and the environment by “greening” more efficiently.

Conclusion

Let me be frank, the Plumbing Industry, and the stance of the Foundation are transparent on our climate change positions. We want to remain involved and be heard on how we make NYC buildings more efficient and less reliant on fossil fuels. Local Law 154 is going to adversely impact the workers and owners of New York City Plumbing firms. To counter the impact, the City should define the piping and system installation of thermal energy projects as plumbing work for both the good of the plumber and the safety of New Yorkers. Also, the City should reconsider the bans on alternate fuel sources like hydrogen and biofuels caused by Local Law 154. The City should be working to strengthen the work of the licensed master plumber by defining thermal energy piping and allowing hydrogen fuel sources for domestic usage!

School Construction Authority Updates Disinfection Spec

The Industrial & Environmental Hygiene (IEH) Division of the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) has updated its Design Standards for Potable Water System Disinfection and Testing. A contractor performing such work must be an NYC Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) or working under an NYC LMP. The individual developing and signing the Disinfection and Water Quality Testing Plan (DWQTP) must hold a Grade C certification per NYS Sanitary Code Title 10, Sec. 5-4.2. For the disinfection field work, the individual must either hold the Grade C certification or work under the supervision of a Grade C certified water treatment operator. If not holding the full certification, the individual being supervised must have completed the training and passed the initial training validated exam for Grade C and have 5 years of relevant experience.

For more information, see section number 15420, SP23-02, available at:

www.nycsca.org/design/design-standards#Specifications-86

NYC DOB SERVICE UPDATE

Local Law 77 of 2023: Post Approval Amendment Fee and License Renewal Applications

Updates have been made in DOB NOW and eFiling to implement provisions of Local Law 77 of 2023. The following updates have been made:

• The fee for filing a Post Approval Amendment (PAA) increased from $100 to $130. The increased fee applies to any payment for a PAA in DOB NOW: Build or eFiling on or after July 29, 2023. (See NYC Administrative Code Table 28-112.2.)
• Beginning July 29, 2023, applications for license renewals cannot be submitted in DOB NOW: BIS Options more than 90 days (formerly 60 days) prior to the license expiration. (See NYC Administrative Code § 28-401.12.)

THE PIPECASTER is published by the Plumbing Foundation City of New York, Inc.

Lawrence J. Levine, Chairman; Louis J. Buttermark, Vice Chairman; Barr Rickman, Treasurer; April McIver, Executive Director; Terence O’Brien, Editor. Board of Directors: Anthony D. Altimari, Paul Belli, Marc Breslaw, Louis J. Buttermark, Harris Clark, Alex Greenberg, Nicholas Katragis, Angelo Lemodetis, Lawrence J. Levine, Scott Lyons, Barr Rickman, Richard Turchiano

Con Edison

Please join us for a Plumbing Foundation / Con Edison Joint Seminar on Energy Efficiency Services and Gas Services

TUES. NOV. 7th, 2P.M. – 4P.M. AT THE LEARNING CENTER IN LIC

TO REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT, PLEASE VISIT:
www.plumbingfoundation.nyc/resources/events/

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THE PLUMBING FOUNDATION’S ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Since its establishment in 1986, the Plumbing Foundation has worked diligently to ensure the plumbing industry has as little a “carbon footprint” on New York City as possible. The plumbing industry has historically utilized environmentally friendly materials such as recycled cast-iron and copper piping/fittings. The Foundation will continue in its role of protecting New York City as well as being an advocate for the environment by strengthening its water/sanitary regulations and thereby reducing wasteful water consumption in the City.

Take the WaterSense Challenge

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