BID NOTICE — Highway Fuels
Pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Town Board, Town of Roxbury is soliciting sealed bids for the following materials to be delivered, unless otherwise stated, to the Town Highway Building located at 52508 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury as requested by the Highway Supt.
10,000 gallons +/- Unleaded Gasoline 87 Octane
30,000 gallons +/- Diesel Fuel
All bids must meet New York State specifications and must be accompanied by a Certificate of Non-Collusion. The Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Sealed bids shall be marked “HIGHWAY FUELS”. Sealed bids must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office, PO Box 189, 53690 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, NY 12474 before 2:00 pm on March 11, 2013 at which time they shall be opened. Bids will be awarded/rejected at the Town Board Meeting to be held that evening at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.
By Order of the Town Board
Town of Roxbury
Stephen Schuman, Hwy. Supt.
Dated: Feb. 11, 2013
Pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Town Board, Town of Roxbury is soliciting sealed bids for the following materials to be delivered, unless otherwise stated, to the Town Highway Building located at 52508 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury as requested by the Highway Supt. 10,000 gallons +/- Unleaded Gasoline 87 Octane 30,000 gallons +/- Diesel FuelAll bids must meet New York State specifications and must be accompanied by a Certificate of Non-Collusion. The Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Sealed bids shall be marked “HIGHWAY FUELS”. Sealed bids must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office, PO Box 189, 53690 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, NY 12474 before 2:00 pm on March 11, 2013 at which time they shall be opened. Bids will be awarded/rejected at the Town Board Meeting to be held that evening at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.
By Order of the Town BoardTown of RoxburyStephen Schuman, Hwy. Supt.Dated: Feb. 11, 2013
BID NOTICE — Material Hauling
Please take notice that the Town Board, Town of Roxbury, is seeking sealed bids for hauling materials from Schoharie, Middleburgh, Lexington, Davenport, Ashland and Oneonta, on a per ton basis to the Salt Shed storage area located on NYS Rt. 30 Roxbury.
Bids must include a Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 and a Certificate of Non-Collusion. Sealed bids shall be marked “MATERIAL HAULING”.
Sealed bids must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office, Town Hall, PO Box 189, 53690 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, NY 12474 before 2:15 pm on March 11, 2013 at which time they shall be opened. The bids will be awarded/rejected at the Regular Meeting of the Town Board to be held that evening at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.
For questions regarding this bid or to receive a bid package, please contact Steve Schuman, Highway Supt. at 607-326-4222 between the hours of 6:00 am and 2:30 pm Monday -Friday. The Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
By Order of the Town Board
Town of Roxbury
Stephen Schuman, Hwy. Supt.
Dated: Feb 11, 2013
NOTICE — Planning Board Public Hearing, Feb 20, 2013
TOWN OF ROXBURY PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town of Roxbury Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on February 20, 2013 at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall, 53690 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, New York to hear all persons regarding the proposed updated Town Comprehensive Plan. A copy of the proposed Comprehensive Plan is available for inspection at the Town Clerk’s Office, 53690 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, New York and the Roxbury Library, 53742 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, New York during regular business hours and on the Town website at www.roxburyny.com. Written comments must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office, PO Box 189, Roxbury, NY 12474 by February 19, 2013.
By Order of the Planning Board
Town of Roxbury
Joseph Farleigh, Chairman
Date: January 16, 2013
Planning Board — Nov. 7, 2012 Minutes
TOWN OF ROXBURY PLANNING BOARD P.O. BOX 189 MAIN ST.ROXBURY, NY 12474
Phone (607-326-7641) Fax (607-326-7641)
Joe Farleigh, Chairman
David Cowan, Vice Chairman
Jean D’Antoni, Secretary
MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2012
PRESENT: Joseph Farleigh, Dave Cowan, Phil Zorda, Dave Zambri, Jean D’Antoni, Robert Cole, excused absence: Jean Stone and Duncan Martin.
PUBLIC HEARING: Mountainside Farms Roxbury N.Y. Mr. Michael Primmer from Delaware Engineering updated the Board on this project. Mr. Primmer presented the following items to the Board. Completed Town of Roxbury application for site permit review, tax map showing the location of the existing wastewater treatment plant which is also the site of the future plant, an aerial photo of the construction area and proposed temporary construction storage and spoils area, a topographical map of the impacted area showing the construction area and the temporary storage area. A section copy of the Delaware County Tax map with owners of abutting parcels within 500 feet of the property line. A copy of the Town of Roxbury Building Code Ordinance Building Permit for the upgrade project. Residents of abutting parcels reviewed the plans and there was no objection to the plan. Submitted receipts of mailings to surrounding home owners.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING:
Open Meeting: Meeting called to order. Minutes of October 17, 2012 were motioned for approval by Dave Zambri, seconded by Phil Zorda, all in favor, motioned carried.
Boundary Line Adjustment: Verona Country Store Grand Gorge NY. Michael DeGroat representing Mr. Verona. Tax Map # 91.2-4-5 and 91.2-4-4. Lot consolidation of adjacent lots upon which Country Store is located to form one lot of 1.120 acres upon which all improvements are located. North Westerly corner intersection of NYS Route 23 and NYS Route 30, Hamlet of Grand Gorge. Motion to approve this boundary line adjustment by Phil Zorda, seconded by Dave Cowan, all in favor, motion approved. Check for $40.00 was received; check #3977 10/30/12.
SUBDIVISION: Robert Allison representing Mrs.Adeline Wojciechowski Lower Meeker Hollow Road Roxbury NY. Would like to subdivide parcel 177.-1-1 into two lots and adjust boundary line to incorporate purchased corner parcel 155-2-9.111. Total acreage 107. Will need new survey map and deep pit testing, notice to be sent to adjoining property owners. Will classify as a minor subdivision. This property is also in the Ag district. Public hearing in January 2013 agenda.
SUBDIVISION: Barbara Evangelista 2 lot subdivision Sally’s Alley Denver Vega. Tax Map # 179-1-1-2 and 179-1-1.6. New deed was presented showing the subdivided parcel. SEQR form filled out, soil tests submitted, submitted receipts of surrounding home owners notification. Received check for $50.00 check #1334. Motion to approve this minor subdivision by Dave Cowan, seconded by Robert Cole, all in favor, motion carried.
Motion to approve negative declaration by Dave Cowan, seconded by Robert Cole, all infavor, motion carried.
The Board met with the Town Board members in reviewing the Comprehensive Plan.Packets were given out for review. Joe Farleigh gave an update on the workings of the Comprehensive Plan to date. Suggestions were made and the Town Board felt they needed some more time to review the Plan.
Mountainside Farms: Joe Farleigh and Board filled out Long Form SEQR form and Environmental assessment SEQR form filled out. Motion to declare negative declaration of environmental impact by Phil Zorda, seconded by Dave Cowan, all in favor, motion carried. Motion to approve this under our Site Plan Review by Phil Zorda, seconded byRobert Cole, all in favor, motion carried. Check received on November 28, 2012 for$150.00 for Site Plan Review.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm by Joe Farleigh, seconded by Jean D’Antoni, all in favor, Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by:
Jean D’Antoni
NOTICE — Planning Board Meeting Schedule
NOTICE
The Town of Roxbury Planning Board will not hold a meeting in December 2012. The next regular meeting of the Planning Board will be held January 16, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall, 53690 State Hwy. 30, Roxbury, NY.
By Order of the Roxbury Planning Board
Joseph Farleigh, Chairman
Dated: Nov. 7, 2012
Announcing New Hours for the Roxbury Library
The Roxbury Library Association wishes to notify the public of new hours for the Roxbury Library, RLA Thrift Shoppe, and Irma Mae Griffin History Room. Beginning on Monday, July 2, 2012, the Roxbury Library will be open to library, thrift shoppe, and history room patrons on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
The Roxbury Library Association welcomes the public to join the Roxbury Library and check out new and classic books and DVD’s and to visit the RLA Thrift Shoppe and Irma Mae Griffin History Room.
For information on the diverse community services provided by the Roxbury Library, please contact Roxbury Library Director Dian Seiler or Roxbury Library Clerk Helen Faraci at (607)-326-7901.
Located at 53742 State Highway 30, the Roxbury Library is directly opposite the town’s United Methodist Church on Main Street.
Town Board — Minutes, Dec. 8, 2011
December 8, 2011
A Special Meeting of the Town Board was held December 8, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Town Hall. Present were: Supv. Thomas S. Hynes, Councilmen Gene Cronk, Edward Raeder, Allen Hinkley and Stephen Walker and 7 residents.
The meeting was called to discuss the renewed hamlet designation with residents within the Grand Gorge area and to discuss any other business that may come before the Board. Said residents includes Dennis & Joan Moore, Earl & Glenda Krom, Charles & Cherie Serrie (representing owner Lila Conro)
Residents questioned and expressed concerns with how the 1997 properties for inclusion were determined, no mailings in 1997 to notify property owners of inclusion, concerns with getting different answers from Delaware County Planning Board, Town Board and attorney and why wasn’t the 2011 renewal designation tabled until correct information was received regarding owners who requested to be omitted from the designated area, why property owners were denied being taken out when they requested it, stated the designations being unfair to property owners who have paid taxes for all these years by limiting what they can now do with their property when selling, questioned if the Town can now decide to exempt properties that DEP may be interested in purchasing and questioned what their next step should be.
The Board discussed how the area was originally chosen as a select number of acres were needed in each area. Supv. Hynes will set up another meeting with owners and Nicole Franzese of the Delaware Planning Dept. and Atty. Kevin Young.
In other business, the Board discussed correspondence from a property owner on Fist-O-Funk Blvd. who would like to turn his property over to the Town. The Board will search into the property further before making a decision.
Discussion took place on the large number of open building permits on file.
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Edward Raeder the meeting adjourned at 5:20 pm.
THIS IS A TRUE COPY
_________________________________________
Diane Pickett, Town Clerk
Thomas S. Hynes, Supervisor
Gene Cronk, Councilman
Edward Raeder, Councilman
Allen Hinkley, Councilman
Stephen Walker, Councilman
Town Board — Minutes, Nov. 14, 2011
November 14, 2011
An emergency Special Meeting of the Town Board was held November 14, 2011 at 7:00 at the Town Hall. Present were: Supervisor Hynes, Councilmen Gene Cronk, Edward Raeder, Allen Hinkley and Stephen Walker and 3 residents.
The meeting was called to discuss the assessor position and any other business that may come before the Board.
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Edward Raeder the Town Board approved the following unpaid water amounts to go on the 2012 Town/County tax bills: Denver Water District $109.20, Grand Gorge Water District $7,546.14 and Roxbury Water District $4,663.76.
AYES – 5 Hinkley, Raeder, Cronk, Walker, Hynes
NAYS – 0
RESOLUTION #44 – NEG DEC ON COLD SPRING RD> SLOPE REMEDIATION
On motion of Stephen Walker second by Edward Raeder the following resolution was offered and approved:
“WHEREAS, during the 2011 incident period of August 28 the Town of Roxbury experienced heavy rains and flooding associated with the remnants of hurricane Irene;
WHEREAS, the Town of Roxbury has determined that immediate repair/remediation is necessary due to the resulting damage/undercutting to the toe of the supporting embankment and a slope failure along Cold Spring Road; and
WHEREAS, the possible environmental impacts of the Cold Spring Road Slope Remediation have been considered by the Town Board; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board has determined that
the Cold Spring Road Slope Remediation will not have significant adverse impacts on the environment, and that the project qualifies as an emergency under 6 NYCRR §617.5(b)(33), and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to take such further steps as might be necessary to implement the project as soon as possible to protect public health.”
AYES – 5 Walker, Raeder, Cronk, Hinkley, Hynes
NAYS – 0
Assessor Robert Breglio was present to discuss his report given to the Board and a possible contract, re-val process, assessing process, office staff and requested a GIS program. Atty. Young will be contacted to prepare a draft contract.
RESOLUTION #45 – CONTRACT FOR SOLE ASSESSOR
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Edward Raeder the following resolution was offered and approved:
RESOLVED the Town Board approves entering into a contract for services with Robert Breglio for assessor services with a start date of 12/1/11 to work with the current Assessor and to be Sole Assessor as of 1/1/12.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the terms for pay, hours, etc. is to be negotiated with the Town Board.
AYES – 5 Hinkley, Raeder, Cronk, Walker, Hynes
NAYS – 0
On motion of Allen Hinkley second by Edward Raeder the Town Board authorizes the Town Clerk to advertise for the position of Community Resource Clerk.
AYES – 5 Hinkley, Raeder, Cronk, Walker, Hynes
NAYS – 0
Building Inspector issues were discussed. The Personnel Committee will meet with the building inspector to discuss those issues.
On motion of Gene Cronk second by Allen Hinkley the meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
THIS IS A TRUE COPY
__________________________________
Diane Pickett, Town Clerk
Thomas S. Hynes, Supervisor
Gene Cronk, Councilman
Edward Raeder, Councilman
Allen Hinkley, Councilman
Stephen Walker, Councilman
Happy Holidays from RAG
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday season
and a Healthy and Happy New Year!
Last Minute Gifts!
We have a small supply of tee shirts, totes and hats that would make great last-minute gifts. Give the gift that shows your support of the arts!
Vintage Tees – $3.
Baseball Caps – $15.
Tote Bags – $18.
Gift Certificates – Available in any amount
Call 607-326-7908 or stop by!
A Live Radio Play! Grinch with a TWIST
Our annual radio play “Grinch with a TWIST will be rebroadcast on WIOX 91.3FM, Wednesday evening on “Love on the Rox” at 10pm; Friday, December 23 on “RAGtime” at 9am; and Sunday, December 25 at 9am.
Coming to the Roxbury Arts Group in 2012:
Michael Fauerbach: A Retrospective
Opening Reception January 14, 2012 2-4pm
An exhibit featuring the work of Michael Fauerbach.
Food, Glorious Food
Film series late January through March 2012
A series of films about food featuring appetizers and treats followed by a Q&A with film maker, actress and director Dorothy Lyman.
THE ROXBURY ARTS GROUP
“Your Community Multi-Arts Center”
PO Box 93, Roxbury, NY 124741
607.326.7908
fax: 1.607-326.7367
NOTICE — Town Board Meetings Dec. 28 / Jan. 3
The Town Board, Town of Roxbury, will hold a Special Meeting on December 28, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Town Hall for the purpose of concluding all business for the year 2011. The Organizational Meeting will be held on January 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.
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By Order of the Town Board
Diane Pickett, Town Clerk
Town of Roxbury
Dated: Dec. 12, 2011
NOTICE — Grand Gorge Fire District Organizational Meeting on Jan. 4
Please take notice that the organizational meeting for the Grand Gorge Fire District of the Town of Roxbury, County of Delaware, New York, will be held on the 4th day of January, 2012, at 7 o’clock p.m. on that day at the Grand Gorge Firehouse, 60753 St. Hwy 30, Grand Gorge NY 12434.
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This notification is being given to the news media pursuant to the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.
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By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Grand Gorge Fire District.
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Gail Miner, Secretary
Grand Gorge Fire District
NOTICE — Special Town Board Meeting, Dec. 8
NOTICE
The Town of Roxbury Town Board will hold a Special Meeting on December 8, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Town Hall to discuss the Hamlet Designation with some residents of Grand Gorge and to discuss any other business that may come before the Board.
Diane Pickett, Town Clerk
Dated: Nov. 30, 2011
Help Wanted
The Town of Roxbury is seeking a part time (15 hours per week) community resource associate to help oversee and implement tasks such as event planning and project oversight, coordination and documentation of meetings, forums, and support for and follow up for community based projects and programs; assist in the scheduling and oversight of community based activities as well as private functions in Kirkside Park. Successful candidates must have strong writing skills, be organized, self motivated and experienced in using web based technologies such as Google apps and calendars and social media applications as marketing tools. Candidates must also be well versed in MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint and have polished public relations, communications and problem solving skills. Some knowledge of grant administration and experience working with State and Federal funding agencies a plus. Please send letter of interest and resume via email to Peg Ellsworth at peg@markproject.org and cc Diane Pickett, Roxbury Town Clerk at townclerk@roxburyny.com
Job Description
Historic Preservation Commission: Associate will be responsible for the organization and documentation of all Preservation Commission correspondence and actions. This includes, but is not limited to: Scheduling meetings, sending reminders, reviewing applications for completeness and scanning and emailing applications to the commission. Associate will also be required to attend meetings and record the minutes. Minutes MUST be sent to the commission one week prior to the next monthly meeting and once approved be filed with the Town Clerk two days past the monthly meeting date. These minutes must also be posted on the Web.
Community Activities: Associate will help develop, coordinate, promote and implement community activities and events for the benefit of the town. Department will support existing events in anyway possible and take the lead in new and creative event development, assist with funding, volunteer recruitment, and overall program oversight in coordination with the MARK Project.
Support for existing programs and community leadership: Department will offer support for existing projects such as the comprehensive plan update and other community based activities. It will also be the representative for the town at local, regional and state meetings concerning tourism, Main Street Revitalization and other community initiatives.
Associate will be responsible to work with website administrators to ensure roxburyny.com remain updated and fresh. This includes photographs and other necessary graphics.
Public invited to do Roxbury and Grand Gorge Survey for Updated Comprehensive Plan.
Roxbury is in the process of developing an updated Comprehensive Plan for the Town. The Town Board decided to update the current plan, which was developed in 2002, in order to make sure that the document stays current and relevant to the needs of Roxbury and Grand Gorge. With assistance from a planning consulting, the Planning Board has designed a survey to make sure that the updated plan incorporates the thoughts, opinions, hopes, and aspirations of the residents. The new plan will be a blueprint to guide physical growth, land use, recreation, infrastructure and community development action strategies for the next decade.
The Town invites all Roxbury and Grand Gorge residents and landowners to participate in the survey. The survey can be done in two ways:
on paper by picking up a copy at Town Hall or calling the Town Hall at (607-326-7641) to receive a copy
ORas an online survey by going to www.roxburyny.com/wordpress/ and look for the “Comprehensive Plan Survey” link).\
All residents, property owners, civic groups, businesses, and government officials are invited and encouraged to participate in this survey. All surveys should be completed by December 23, 2011.
During this past summer, the Town’s consultants from Community Planning & Environmental Associates lead town residents from Roxbury and Grand Gorge through two planning workshops to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in the Town, and to develop a town-wide vision statement. The survey is designed to build on the information learned in those sessions. It is very important that as many people in Town participate as possible because the strength of the Comprehensive Plan comes when it is developed with the input from a diversity of people involved in the process. Everyone’s input is important and it will contribute towards the plan.”
For More Information Contact Nan Stolzenburg at 518-872-9753
Help Plan Our Future!
Roxbury, Grand Gorge, Denver-Vega, and Town of Roxbury Residents are asked to help Roxbury update the Town’s Comprehensive Plan by participating in a survey concerning the future of our Town.
Roxbury and Grand Gorge Residents —
Click Here to Take the Town Comprehensive Survey.
NOTICE — Grand Gorge Fire District Election, Dec. 13, 2011
LEGAL NOTICE FOR ANNUAL ELECTION
OF THE GRAND GORGE FIRE DISTRICT
ON DECEMBER 13, 2011
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Election of the Grand Gorge Fire District will take place on December 13, 2011, between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. at the Grand Gorge Fire House located at 60753 State Hwy 30 South, Grand Gorge New York 12434 for the purpose of electing one Commissioner for a five (5) year term, commencing January 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2016; one Treasurer for a three year term, commencing January 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2014. Only residents registered to vote with the Delaware County Board of Elections on or before November 20, 2011 or registered with the Grand Gorge Fire District on or before November 13, 2011 shall be eligible to vote. Candidates for District Office shall file their names with the Secretary of the Grand Gorge Fire District at PO Box 5, Grand Gorge, New York, 12434, no later than November 23, 2011.
November 9, 2011
Gail Miner, Secretary
Board of Fire Commissioners
Grand Gorge Fire District
PO Box 5
Grand Gorge NY 12434
NOTICE — High Lead Levels in Some Roxbury Drinking Water
IF YOU ARE A LANDLORD, PLEASE MAKE YOUR TENANTS AWARE OF THIS NOTICE
NEWS RELEASE and PUBLIC EDUCATION NOTICE
Regarding the Roxbury Water District.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Mike Jonkers at 518-231-2713 or
Philip Nikolaus at 607-326-3141
High Levels of Lead Found in Some Drinking Water
The Results of a new lead-sampling program, performed by the Roxbury Water District, indicate that some homes in this community have high levels of lead. As lead can pose significant health risks, especially to young children and pregnant women, citizens may need to take action in their own homes.
Although most homes tested had very low levels of lead, more than 10 percent of those sampled exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommended level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water (mg/L). The water provider has begun to implement a program to minimize lead in drinking water. This program includes corrosion control treatment (treating the water to make it less likely that lead will dissolve into the water), source water treatment if necessary (removing any lead that is in the water at the time it leaves our treatment facility), and public education.
While this program is being implemented, citizens should take simple steps, like flushing their taps, to protect themselves and their families and reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water. Since lead enters drinking water primarily through household plumbing, homes that contain brass fixtures or lead solder to join copper pipes, or that receive their water from a service line made of lead are at the highest risk.
Lead in drinking water, although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning can significantly increase a person’s total lead exposure, particularly the exposure of infants who drink baby formulas and concentrated juices that are mixed with water. The USEPA estimates that drinking water can make up 20 percent or more of a person’s total exposure to lead.
Lead is a common, natural metal found throughout the environment. Before experts knew it was dangerous, lead was used in many products, for example, gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes and fixtures, glass, and certain types of pottery, porcelain, and pewter. Today, lead can be found in air, soil household dust, food and drinking water.
Lead poses a significant risk to health if too much of it enters the body. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. Lead is particularly dangerous for children. Amounts of lead that won’t hurt adults can slow down the normal mental and physical development of growing bodies. In addition, a child at play often comes into contact with sources of lead contamination-like dirt and dust- that rarely affect an adult. It is important, therefore, to wash children’s hands and toys often and to try to make sure they only put food in their mouths.
Lead is unusual among drinking water contaminants in that it seldom occurs naturally in water supplies like rivers and lakes. Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder, brass and chrome plated brass faucets, and lead pipes. In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder containing more than 0.2% lead, and restricted the lead content of faucets, pipes and other plumbing materials to 8.0%.
When water stands in lead pipes or plumbing, systems containing lead for several hours or more, the lead may dissolve into drinking water. This means the first water drawn from the tap in the morning, or later in the afternoon after returning from work or school, can contain fairly high levels of lead.
Steps You Can Take in the Home to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water
Despite our best efforts mentioned earlier to control water corrosivity and remove lead from the water supply, lead levels in some homes or buildings can be high. You should take the following precautions, especially if the water will be consumed by young children or pregnant women.
1. Flush your system. Let the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone unused for more than six hours. The longer water resides in a home’s plumbing, the more lead it may contain. Flushing the tap means running the cold water faucet until the water gets noticeably colder, usually about 15-30 seconds. If the home has a lead service line to the water main, flush the water for a longer time, perhaps one minute, before drinking. Although toilet flushing or showering flushes water through a portion of the homes plumbing system, homeowners still need to flush the water in each faucet before using it for drinking or cooking. Flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive measure to protect a family’s health. To conserve water, homeowners can fill a couple of bottles for drinking water after flushing the tap, and whenever possible use the “first flush” water to wash their dishes or water their plants.
Letting the water flow before using it may not lessen the risk from lead if you live in a high-rise building. This is because high-rise plumbing systems have more and sometimes larger pipes than smaller buildings. Renters should ask their landlord for help in locating the source of the lead and for advice on reducing the lead level.
2. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking. Citizens should not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than cold water. Always draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove or in the microwave oven.
3. Remove loose lead solder and debris from the plumbing materials installed in newly constructed homes, or homes in which the plumbing has recently been replaced. To do this, remove the faucet strainers from all taps and run the water for three to five minutes. Thereafter, periodically remove the strainers and flush out any debris that has accumulated over time.
4. Have your water tested. If you are still concerned, you may want to have your water tested. Several local laboratories can test drinking water including: Titan Drilling at 845-586-4009; E-Center at 607-746-8626 or Phoenix Environmental Labs at 860-812-0270. Testing is the only way to determine if you have lead in your water because you cannot see, taste or smell lead in drinking water.
You may wish to have two samples analyzed. The first should be a first draw tap sample. Draw one liter of water that has stood motionless in the plumbing system for at least six hours. The second should be a flush sample. After the first draw sample has been taken, allow the water to run for 30-60 seconds. Draw another one liter sample. If the first draw exceeds the action level of 15 ppb or 0.015 mg/L, but the flush sample meets the action level, then flushing your system as described above will be effective in reducing your lead exposure. If both samples exceed the action level, then you can take the steps described below. For more information on having your water tested, please call the contact number at the top of this bulletin, or call the State Health Department (Oneonta) at 607-432-3911.
5. Identify and replace lead materials with lead-free ones. If a homeowner has copper pipes jointed with lead solder that has been installed illegally since it was banned in 1986, they should notify the plumber who did the work. Request that he or she replace the lead solder with lead-free solder. Lead solder looks dull gray, and when scratched with a key looks shiny. In addition, notify the local code enforcement office at 607-326-7643 about the violation.
6. Determine whether or not the service line that connects your home or apartment building to the water main is made out of lead. To determine this, homeowners can either hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line or contact the plumbing contractor who installed the line. Identify the plumbing contractor by checking the record of building permits, which should be maintained in the files of the code enforcement office listed above. A licensed plumber can at the same time check to see if a home’s plumbing contains lead solder, lead pipes, or pipe fittings that contain lead. The contact number at the top of this bulletin can be called about materials located in the distribution system.
If the service line that connects a dwelling to the water main contributes more than 15 ppb to drinking water, after the required corrosion control treatment program is in place, then the water provider is required to replace the line. If the line is only partially controlled by the water provider, information will be provided to the homeowner on how to replace their portion of the service line. The water provider will offer to replace that portion of the line at the homeowner’s expense and take a follow-up tap water sample within 14 days of the replacement. Acceptable replacement alternatives include copper, steel, iron, and plastic pipes.
7. Have an electrician check home wiring. If grounding wires from the electrical system are attached to water pipes, corrosion may be greater. If citizens find this to be the case, they should ask a licensed electrician or check local electrical codes to determine if their wiring can be grounded elsewhere. Consumers should NOT attempt to change the wiring themselves because improper grounding can cause electrical shock and fire hazards.
The steps described above will reduce the lead concentrations in most household’s tap water. If, however, a water test indicates that drinking water still contains lead concentrations in excess of 15 ppb after flushing, or after the water provider has completed its actions to minimize lead levels, citizens may want to purchase or lease a home treatment device or purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Home treatment devices are limited in that each unit treats only the water that flows from the faucet to which it is connected, and all of the devices require periodic maintenance and replacement. Devices such as reverse osmosis systems or distillers can effectively remove lead from drinking water. Some activated carbon filers may reduce lead levels at the tap; however, all lead reduction claims should be investigated. Homeowners planning to purchase a home treatment device must check the actual performance of a specific home treatment device before and after installing the unit.
For More Information
There are a variety of sources who can provide additional information about lead poisoning. A family doctor, pediatrician, or clinic can perform a blood test for lead and provide more information about the health effects of lead. State and local government agencies that can be contacted include:
The water system at 607-326-7641 can provide information about the community’s water supply and a list of local laboratories that have been certified by USEPA for testing water quality;
The code enforcement office, at 607-326-7643 can provide information about building permit records that may contain the name of plumbing contractors that plumbed an individual’s home; and
The Delaware County Public Health Nursing Office at 607-746-3166 or the State Health Department (Oneonta) at 607-432-3911 can provide information about the health effects of lead and how to have a child’s blood tested.
The sampling program was conducted to meet the requirements of a new standard for lead in drinking water. Questions about lead in your drinking water or how Roxbury Water District is carrying out the requirements of the lead regulation can be directed to Mike Jonkers at 518-231-2713 or Philip Nikolaus at 607-326-3141.