MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

OCTOBER 29, 1996 3:00 P.M.

Present: Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte, Delfino

and Latimer

Also Present: Dr. Adel, Mr. Haloukas, Mr. Daquino,

Mr. Yoegel, Comm. Trelewicz, Deputy

Comm. Mattarazzo, Mrs. Blair, Ms. LeLash

Mr. Hosey, Mrs. Keating, Mr. Hogan.

Items Discussed:

The Committee discussed Battery recycling. Mr. Hogan stated 80% of all batteries collected can be recycled.

Mr. Hogan stated that we receive batteries at Household Chemical Clean-up Day. All 36 districts and the 7 non-districts have signed up. If the municipalities bring the batteries to Clean-up Day, they will have to bear the costs. Approximately 80% of all alkaline batteries can go through the waste stream.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Latimer, the committee signed out the legislation 4-0.

The Committee went on to discuss Environmental Health Issues. Dr. Adel gave a handout and a basic explanation on how his department handles the Aquatic Safety Program. They inspect 700 pools and 56 beaches once or twice a year and make sure all lifeguards are certified. They also inspect 125 Indoor pools and 70 spas to make sure the chlorine levels and alarms are correct.

Food Service - they do 9,740 inspections involving 478 permit holders. They make sure that the hamburger is cooked to the proper temperature.

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Leg. LaMotte asked about unpasturized Apple Cider. Dr. Adel stated that this comes from apples that drop on the ground and are not washed before they are processed. There is no requirement for cider to be pasteurized.

Leg. Latimer asked about a condo complex pool. Some regulations are difficult and costly for smaller complexes, however, the basic needs must be met. You cannot compromise with water safety.

Leg. Delfino asked if hospitals must report food poisoning and Mr. Haloukas stated only if it involved store bought food. If someone ate food from their own yard, and it was not a threat to anyone else, it may not be reported.

The Environmental Health Staff has been cut back but the mandates have increased and the programs that they have to monitor have expanded. They are quite careful on how to allocate their staff.

Dr. Adel updated the committee on lead paint. It is the major source of poisoning in homes that were built before 1978. It all real estate transactions, lead paint must be disclosed, if it is known to exist. You must know of the hazard. There are trained and certified contractors, however, they charge more than a regular contractor, and the lead paint may not be cleaned up properly.

Dr. Adel stated that there is a very big hole in the legislation and there is no way to force anyone to follow the rules and use a certified contractor.

HUD has set up a $1 million revolving fund for people to use to have their homes repaired.

The Environmental Health Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 64 staff personnel.

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Leg. LaMotte suggested that the Environment Committee receive quarterly reports from the Pest Management Committee and the Committee agreed.

Leg. Latimer asked that Ms. Morgan forward the report that she promised the committee the last time she spoke, prior to coming in this time and the committee agreed.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Latimer, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 P.M.