COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Oros, Mosiello, Abinanti, And Ryan
BOL: Bass, Giordano,
GUESTS: Liz Salvi
(Law), Joshua Lipsman (Health Dept.), Pat Ploger (Executive Dir. Of Plumbing and
Mechanical Contractors of
Chairwoman
Stewart-Cousins opened the meeting at
Minutes from June 25th, July 9th and July 23rd Legislation meetings were read and approved on motions of Abinanti/Bronz, Ryan/Bronz and Bronz/Abinanti, respectively.
Dr. Josh Lipsman was present to speak about the Mercury Legislaton. He talked about how Mercury is a very potent toxin and its health effects are extreme. Technological advances make mercury pretty much obsolete for most of the uses for which we have become familiar. Dr. Lipsman went on to explain that because Mercury is such a toxin, the Health Department is almost always called when there is a mercury spill or exposure in Westchester County. Calls come in two or three times a month regarding spills related to the gauges and about one a month regarding home thermometers. He also mentioned that the average homeowner does not have an idea how serious mercury is.
This legislation is to basically stop the sale of mercury thermometers and mercury gauges. The education that goes with the disposal of mercury thermometers is a very important role. We were told that thermometers should be wrapped and could be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Centers.
Pat Ploger, Executive Director. Of Plumbing and Mechanical
Contractors of Hudson Valley came to say that their organization is
in favor of this legislation and explained how, from a plumbing
standpoint, mercury gauges can cause contamination in outside
thermometers were discussed and we were told that if one
breaks, it would pose a health risk because it could wash into the
water and could get into our water system, people could be exposed
to it as well in the air.
The Committee agreed that the law would take effect on March 31, 2002.
Oros made the motion to sign the legislation on mercury thermometers for all purposes. Bronz seconded it.
On motions of Oros and Ryan, we Received & Filed
# 113 VehicleAdvertising, Vehicle Decals and Journeylevel Certified Plumbers:
Chairwoman, Stewart-Cousins accepted a motion to adjourn the meeting from Legislator Mosiello and Legislator Bronz seconded it. The meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m.