"As California's consumer watchdog, we applaud the California State Pipe Trades Council for its record of pro-consumer advocacy." - Richard Holober, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of Cailfornia
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The risk without the flush
SACRAMENTO BEE — December 1, 2005 (registration required)Re "Defying gravity," editorial, Nov. 29: The State Pipe Trades Council and Communities for a Better Environment are disappointed that The Bee misrepresented our position in the editorial about nonflush urinals.
While the editorial mentioned that some environmental groups support nonflush urinals, it neglected to note that Communities for a Better Environment, an environmental justice group with a quarter-century track record of protecting public health, is very concerned about the potential problems. The Pipe Trades Council has a long history of advocating for safe plumbing products and urged adoption of modern safe plumbing standards that have virtually eliminated many water-borne diseases in this country, such as cholera.
Our position, echoed by independent experts, is that nonflush urinals may contribute to the spread of viruses. Wouldn't The Bee at least want officials to consider independent tests and apply our world-class environmental laws before giving these urinals the green light?
We are pleased that the Uniform Plumbing Code has not been changed without adequate proof that waterless urinals won't cause more problems than they solve.
- Ted Reed, Sacramento
Executive Director, California State Pipe Trades Council
- A.J. Napolis, Oakland
Program Director, Communities for a Better Environment
