Keystone Builder - Nov/Dec 2006

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I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

Your comprehensive guide to understanding the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy and its effect on you and your business.

6 President’s Message

30 Member Spotlight

Plenty of work remains following bustling year.

Developer Larry Simon of LTS Builders aims to make northeast Pennsylvania “Wall Street West.”

8

Builder Briefs

Update on issues important to the industry.

33 Caught in the Web

11 Public Speaking

PBA web site consumer section is the go-to place for your customers.

Help improve builders’ image through effective public speaking.

34 Homeowner Ed Teach your customers about proper well maintenance.

26 Three Rivers Builders Show A photo review of the Three Rivers Builders Show, held Sept. 28-29 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Member Insider Member news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A On the hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B Exploring Energy Tip Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . C Insurance guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Gaining an edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D

Keystone Builder

Volume 3 • Issue 2 • November/December 2006

14

Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Series

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7

Builder Briefs

New codes take effect at the end of the year The state Department of Labor and Industry announced in September the 2006 construction codes will replace the 2003 version of the codes Dec. 31. Completion of contracts dating prior to Dec. 31 should be done under the 2003 codes. Visit the PBA web site at www. pabuilders.org to buy discounted 2006 editions of the Uniform Construction Code.

15th annual Housing and Land Development Conference set for January The annual Housing and Land Development Conference produced by the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center is always popular with builders across the state for the quality of information it provides. This year’s event will be a two-day affair: day one of the conference will focus on technical issues related to the delivery of houses; day two will explore planning, design and regulatory issues affecting the land-development industry in Pennsylvania. The event is planned for Jan. 17-18, 2007, in Harrisburg.

Study finds shortage of affordable housing for rural Pennsylvania Rural Pennsylvania faces a crisis of affordable housing, according to a study by experts at Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The study, backed by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, said zoning, “nimbyism” and land-use regulation contribute to the problem. Additionally, housing costs rose faster than household income, especially in central and northeast Pennsylvania, where housing costs grew at twice the rate of household income over a 10-year period.

Researchers suggested reducing paperwork for private interests like builders, government agencies and new homebuyers among its recommendations to address the problem.

Court denies township fire sprinkler ordinance PBA prevailed in a court battle to protect the uniformity of the state’s construction code, as a court upheld a state Department of Labor and Industry decision. The Chester County Court of Common Pleas ruled in late August to strike down a Schuylkill Township ordinance that would have required automatic fire sprinklers in all new homes and, under certain circumstances, homes undergoing renovations.

PBA members support the safety offered by the Uniform Construction Code and oppose needless local mandates that exceed the code. The association supports the decision in that it helps control housing costs while allowing homebuyers to use their own discretion regarding fire sprinklers. Township officials may appeal the court decision.

Please contact your field service director if you are aware of a township passing an ordinance to exceed the UCC requirements. V

8

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

Construction industry awaits changes to wetlands regulation Two federal agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers must revise regulations and the permitting process in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The court, divided 5-4, ruled June 19 that the corps exceeded its authority provided under the Clean Water Act with what was termed the “Philadelphia Ditch Rule.”

The agencies must now update their policies to more clearly define what authority they indeed have for making jurisdictional determinations about wetlands and other bodies of water. While it’s unclear how long the process may take, its effect will be limited in Pennsylvania. The state Department of Environmental Protection controls wetlands-related regulations. Businesses in other states where federal agencies control wetlands regulation may experience permitting delays. V

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Strober Building Supply MORRISVILLE, PA (800) 234-2581

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To find our other locations, visit us at www.strober.com

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I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

PUBLIC SPEAKING Continued from page 11

is to speak from your heart rather than to merely read from a page.

4. Don’t memorize your speech.

Use your bullet points to keep your thoughts on track.

When the famous British leader Winston Churchill was beginning his political career, he always memorized his speeches until one day, when he forgot his lines.

He tried to start over, but still the words wouldn’t come. From that day forward, Churchill spoke from bullet points, and he became the powerful speaker we remember today, leading Great Britain through World War II. Be like Churchill and speak from the heart. Let’s your dynamic personality show through in your speaking — something that can never happen with a memorized speech.

5. The first minute of your speech is key to success.

If there’s any part of my speeches I know inside and out, it’s my introduction. If you are timid and indecisive in that first 60 seconds, your nerves will worsen and your audience will lose confi-

12

dence in you as a polished speaker. But, if you nail your introduction, you will relax and perform better throughout your speech. Plus, you’ll hold your audience’s interest from your very first words.

6. Don’t just spew out information.

Tell stories from your life that bring the subject alive.

Let me give you an example. If you’re asked to speak about affordable workforce housing, you could explain the bureaucratic hurdles that often block such projects. Or you could tick through the economic barriers that serve as disincentives. Or a better approach would be that you could tell a story about how you worked through these issues to build affordable housing, ending by relating how happy the families were that moved into those residences. Jesus talked in parables because people listen to, and remember, stories. Follow that example.

7. Release excess nervous energy and let the rest empower your talk.

Even the best entertainers get nervous before shows. But they channel that energy to make their presentations more dynamic and high-powered.

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

Too much nervous energy, however, can bring physical symptoms like dry mouth and hand shakes. Let it out with simple exercises like squeezing a rubber ball or standing on your toes and reaching for the sky. For me, the best exercise is to scrunch the muscles in your face for 10 seconds and then open your mouth and eyes as wide as you can. Repeat this several times. This relaxes your facial muscles and helps your speak more clearly.

Knowledge is power, but practice is critical ingredient These public speaking tips will help you improve your public speaking. But they won’t help if you don’t practice them. To improve, you have to look for opportunities to practice at your local, at church, at the Rotary Club and elsewhere. The best public speakers make their performances look effortless. But that can be deceptive. They are as good as they are because they practiced public speaking and were persistent in their efforts. V

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I 13

Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Series

Addressing concerns with the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy

by Nikki Brand ver time, the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem has suffered, primarily from excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) and sediments. Much of the problem stems from Pennsylvania’s rich farming heritage, as agricultural sources contribute more nutrients and sediments than any other sources.

Roughly half of Pennsylvania’s total land area is located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Pennsylvania makes up about 35 percent of the total land area covered by the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. The state Department of Environmental Protection has offered its solutions through the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy, which continues its focus on point sources.

PBA members have taken a keen interest because sewage treatment plants – the primary point sources – face expensive improvements to comply with the strategy. Builders fear that limited capacity for sewerage treatment will

O

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quash growth and development within the watershed.

Because part of the solution to restore the health of the bay may have implications on how Pennsylvania’s builders manage their construction projects, PBA has joined other interested parties to discuss with the Department of Environmental Protection some reasonable changes to the strategy.

New York, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia and the Environmental Protection Agency entered an agreement in 1983 with the Chesapeake Bay Commission to protect and restore the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay was placed on the federal “impaired waters” list in 2000, which placed strict federal limits on pollutants its tributaries contribute to the bay. That year, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, states included in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the District of Columbia and the EPA signed a new agreement to try to avoid the federal

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

Inside the Series How does the strategy affect … . . . . . . . . . 18 Bargaining chips . . . . . . . . . 22 Eutrophication affects aquatic life . . . . . . . . 22 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Solutions: Farmers hold the keys to the most cost-effective strategies. . . 24 EPA limits by achieving water quality improvements by 2010.

Proposed changes PBA is also concerned that development will be stifled by limits on sewage treatment plants. This summer, the de-

How land use contributes to the bay’s woes

Nitrogen partment implemented a “nutrient credit trading program” that will allow people to buy and sell “nutrient credits.” A nutrient credit is defined as “one pound of nitrogen or phosphorus eliminated from discharge into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.” When farmers, landowners or builders take steps to prevent nutrientrich runoff, they can sell a credit to a party in need. There are still some aspects of this credit trading process that have yet to be worked out.

Keith Ashley, environmental and regulatory specialist at PBA, said that the association has suggested the department write into the strategy that when developers start a long-term project that will be completed over several years, they should only have to pay for the credits they need for the current phase of the development.

“We don’t know if enough credits are going to be generated,” Ashley said.

“Under this program, farmers don’t see a big incentive for them financially to sell credits.” He said it’s somewhat bureaucratic to have someone come out to inspect whether credits should be awarded to certain conservation measures that have been taken to control nutrient contributions.

Hugh Archer, president of Mavickar Environmental Consultants, said the nutrient trading program may not help some of the concerned parties because purchasing the credits might not be cost-effective.

John Brosious, deputy director of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, said he and others have wondered how the worth of a credit will be determined. PMAA represents most of Penn-

Phosphorous

Sediments

sylvania’s 184 sewage treatment plants in the watershed controlled by municipal authorities. Brosious said cost of credits to support a project may be so high that some plants may choose to spend millions of dollars to make improvements to their facilities instead.

“The plants may need credits for more than one year, but the environment can change without notice, and credits the plant bought from farmers one year may not be available the next year,” he said.

PMAA has proposed a new plant improvement plan to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which asks for an extended deadline. The new schedule calls for a series of three deadlines that will end in 2015. Under PMAA’s proposal, plants contributing the most nutrients would be addressed first and plants contributing lower amounts of nutrients would have a longer time frame.

Brosious said the projected cost to making changes to the sewage plants is estimated to be between $650 million and $1 billion, and the plants may not be able to get approval to their changes in the short time period they would have if the deadline stayed at 2010.

Operators of treatment plants must assess the assigned nutrient limits in relation to the number of homes they are designed to serve and determine what improvements are needed. “Plants need to get approval, draw plans and start construction, and if they serve more than one municipalities, many won’t be able to complete all of these steps in the three-tofive-year time frame,” Brosious said. The approval process may take more time than permitted under the strategy.

He also said PMAA has suggested different nutrient limits to the department that will reduce contributions of phosphorus and nitrogen to the waterways but still allow the plants accept new sewage customers.

Remaining questions “Some of the questions the DEP doesn’t seem to be answering are, even if the point sources control their contributions, what about future construction? What about growth?” Archer said.

He said the DEP needs to start making timely decisions because builders who have already purchased land or started projects are in a holding pattern, waiting to hear how they should proceed. This is costing the builders money, and the cost will also affect the homeowners or business owners who hired them.

Brosious said that several questions still remain concerning reducing nutrient and sediment contributions to the bay. As shown in the charts above, agriculture is the largest contributor, but it’s wastewater treatment that faces expensive mandates.

Funding has become a big concern as well. “States like Maryland and Virginia have quite a bit of funding, and Maryland has only about 66 plants to upgrade,” Brosious said. “Virginia has several million dollars available to meet their sewage treatment requirements.”

He said funding may be needed for communities that need to filter stormwater runoff. He said PMAA, PBA and other interested parties continue to move forward with their research and discussions with the department.

Series continues on Page 18

November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

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16

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November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

I 17

How does the strategy affect …

Farmers. Not obligated to participate, farmers hold the key to reducing the greatest sources of excessive nutrients, animal wastes and fertilizer runoff. To encourage more farmers to participate, the department must provide better financial incentives and cut the “red tape” of the cumbersome approval process.

Individual on-lot septic systems.

While the strategy doesn’t require any limits for nutrients released by septic systems, it allows builders to earn 25 pounds of nutrient credits for switching homes from septic systems to public sewer systems. Because of limits on public systems,

the strategy may make septic systems a cost-effective solution in some areas.

Community on-lot systems. Systems producing 10,000 gallons per day or more are subject to nutrient limits assigned by the department. With no nutrient limits for systems under this size, small community systems that serve fewer than 40 homes may prove a viable solution for developers.

Package treatment plants. Today’s technology prevents package treatment plants from removing all nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater, forcing developers planning a package plant to

CHOOSE

acquire nutrient credits to offset the nutrients released.

Public or private sewage treatment plants. The department will set Continued on Page 20

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I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

Haven Homes Inc. 570 962 2111 • fax 570 962 3181 www.havenhomes.com • email: info@havenhomes.com 554 Eagle Valley Road • Route 150 • P.O. Box 178 Beech Creek, PA 16822

MEMBERINSIDER November/December 2006

Member news

3%$ PHPEHU WHVWL¿HV LQGXVWU\ RSSRVLWLRQ WR FDUERQ PRQR[LGH detector requirement Frank Thompson of Sweetwater Builders in Pittsburgh testified Sept. 12 in Hershey, laying out the building industry’s opposition to state-mandated carbon monoxide detectors.

Rep. John Payne, R-Dauphin, introduced House Bill 1677 that would require detectors in new homes, college residences and additions to homes (under certain circumstances). For several years, industry experts have continued to reject carbon monoxide detector requirements from the International Residential Code. Carbon monoxide detectors are unreliable and may provide a false sense of security, according to safety experts.

PBA needs your help to make Premier Partners successful PBA Premier Partners helps the association and the industry by attracting sponsorship funding to support member services and continue advocacy on housing issues.

The Premier Partners program needs the support of PBA members to make the program successful by referring potential leads from companies with which they do business. Both the member and the local association will benefit if the member refers a company to Bill Lapitsky and the company signs on as a partner.

Contact Bill at (800) 692-7339, ext. 3030, or by e-mail at blapitsky@pabuilders.org.

CNN report: Construction industry suffers most fatalities In 2005, falls and other work-related accidents killed 1,186 construction workers, making it the deadliest industry in total fatalities.

Of the total, 126 were attributed to homebuilding and remodeling.

About half the fatalities were classified as specialty contractors, including residential and commercial subcontractors. In Pennsylvania, 39 and 49 construction-related deaths were reported in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

CNN called construction the 10th most dangerous industry, with 23 fatalities per 100,000 workers. In comparison, fishing (118 per 100,000) and logging (93 per 100,000) report higher fatality rates. V

)RUEHV UDQNV 3HQQV\OYDQLD SRRUO\ IRU EXVLQHVV RSSRUWXQLWLHV Pennsylvania faired poorly in Forbes magazine’s first-ever ranking of the climate for business in each state. The study scored each state for regulatory climate, quality of life, economic prospects, business costs, labor and growth prospects.

Pennsylvania’s ranked 44th for growth prospects, leading to its overall ranking of 41. Virginia, Texas and North Carolina earned the top three rankings, respectively.

3%$ PHPEHUVKLS DYDLODEOH WR HPSOR\HHV RI PHPEHU ¿UPV PBA membership has been opened to thousands of professional staff and workers in the construction trades, as the association has created a new affiliate member category. Affiliate membership allows employees of current PBA members to access many PBA member benefits for only $25 per year. Benefits will include a subscription to PBA’s Keystone Builder magazine, access to member-only sections of the PBA web site, and eligibility for service on PBA committees and task forces in nonleadership positions. PBA members are encouraged to tell their employees about this new professional development opportunity.

For more information, contact the PBA at (800) 692-7339, or visit the association web site at www.pabuilders.org.

Associates Council invitation The Associates Council is sending an invitation to all local associations to remind their associate members to consider worthwhile participation in the council. Not only does this group provide a wonderful opportunity for networking with other leaders in the association, but also its work on the Premier Partner program is providing PBA with a valuable new revenue source for supporting its work and the health of the housing industry.

Associates Council members take a keen sense of pride in their efforts to protect and promote the residential construction industry in Pennsylvania. The Associates Council has a breakfast meeting on the Saturday of every board meeting weekend. For more information, please contact members Mary Pucciarella or Rob Jones through PBA, or PBA staff member Scott Elliott at (800) 692-7339, ext. 3010. V

Member Insider • Keystone Builder

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A

Exploring Energy Tip Sheet

Tankless water heaters Are the benefits worth it, or is it a wash?

by Nikki Brand ankless water heaters do not store water in a tank, but circulate water through a series of burners or electric coils that heat the water as it passes through. The system can save homeowners money on their energy bills and provide an endless supply of water; however, it might not provide enough hot water needed at a given time.

Blake Martin, residential new construction plumbing manager for Haller Enterprises in Lititz, has installed tankless water heaters and has noticed a few problems clients are encountering. Martin said parts are not readily available — they always must be ordered — causing a wait time for delivery. He also said that homes with hard water, of which there are many in York and Lancaster counties where he works, must have the coils on the tank cleaned yearly.

“One of the selling points of the water heaters is that they save so much money over a year, but a service call costs $300 or more,” Martin said. “There is also an issue that the highest gallon-per-minute flow is eight gallons, where Whirlpool has a 14-18 gallons-per-minute flow.”

When discussing the option of installing a tankless water heater with clients, builders should consider these benefits and disadvantages:

T

PROS u The units are smaller than conventional water heaters. u The units save energy because they don’t heat and reheat water throughout the day. u The units provide an endless supply of hot water. u Electric, natural gas and propane-powered models available.

CONS u Gas-fired tankless water heaters do require venting and often require larger flues than those needed for conventional gas water heaters. u Tankless units can be more difficult to install. u The output water temperature of most tankless units is dependent upon both the flow and the temperature of incoming water, which can vary greatly from one season to another. u Homeowners may need to run the water from a faucet for a while before it gets warm. u The upfront and maintenance costs of tankless water heaters are higher than those of traditional water heaters. u The supply of hot water may temporarily run out if the flow of water surpasses the unit's ability to heat it. V

Protect your company with proper insurance

H

omebuilders and remodelors must carry proper insurance coverage to meet legal requirements and to protect their interests.

Property insurance You need to insure your office contents and computers on a replacement-cost basis. How much do you need if there is a fire or theft?

Inland marine While inland marine insurance covers property in transit, it also includes builders’ risk insurance, covering construction or renovation work in progress. Homebuilders and remodelors should cover their interest in a project with builders’ risk or installation floaters. Policies can include both materials and labor. You also need special off-premises coverage for tools, equipment and materials while traveling between job sites or in temporary storage.

General liability This coverage protects you against bodily injury or property damage to a third party. Newly constructed homes can become an attractive nuisance for children especially, as they may play on the job site after work hours. Nails, wood splinters, heights and a variety of other perils can cause injury. Homebuilders and contractor are often responsible for this type of claim.

Automobile You should buy at least $1 million auto liability coverage. For newer vehicles, you will need comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible to suit your needs. Many contractors also need to add “hired and non-owned liability” if you rent or borrow vehicles.

Workers’ compensation Workers’ compensation covers you and your employees for medical bills, lost wages and occupational disease if they are injured on the job. PBA offers a workers’ compensation program to help members get competitive pricing for coverage they need to meet state requirements.

Disability Business owners should buy disability insurance for themselves because workers’ compensation may not apply to them (usually just their employees). PBA offers supplemental insurance that allows employees to buy their own disability coverage through Aflac at no cost to the employer.

Umbrella liability Many business owners buy additional coverage to supplement general and auto liability. Umbrella policies, usually sold in increments of $1 million, provide this type of additional liability protection.

Challenge your insurance agent and ask a lot of questions. If you need information on a PBA endorsed insurance agent near you, give us a call. We will have someone contact you immediately.

— Article provided by E.K. McConkey & Co. V Member Insider • Keystone Builder

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November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

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CHESAPEAKE Continued from page 18

limits for â&#x20AC;&#x153;signiďŹ cantâ&#x20AC;? (400,000 gallons per day or more) dischargers of treated wastewater. Systems that exceed their limits will need to buy nutrient credits or upgrade and retroďŹ t their sewage treatment equipment. Due to the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new limits, treatment plants may have far less capacity for adding new households than the number of customers they were designed to serve.

Developers within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Business will continue as usual until treatment plants reach the capacity allowed by nutrient limits. Plants near capacity may purchase credits, whose

cost will be factored into buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tap-in fees, or builders may be required to purchase credits on their own. Builders may also earn credits by incorporating buffers near streams in their developments.

Developers outside the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Builders outside the watershed region are not initially affected, but department ofďŹ cials announced that nutrient reduction will eventually extend to all of Pennsylvania.

Sewage ratepayers. Many municipal authorities and other system operators will be forced to complete costly upgrades and retroďŹ tting projects to reduce

The area of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. nutrients. With state funding limited, customers served by systems needing the most signiďŹ cant improvements may see their rates double or triple.

Series continues on Page 22

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I Keystone Builder â&#x20AC;˘ November/December 2006

$EALER )NQUIRIES 7ELCOME

November/December 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Keystone Builder

I 21

Bargaining chips Nutrient trading program may help with future growth

T

he costs and constraints of adhering to the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy have left some people wondering if it will stifle growth in the states that must follow the requirements. This summer, the Department of Environmental Protection implemented a “nutrient credit trading program” that will allow people to buy and sell “nutrient credits,” with the hope of providing assistance for future growth.

A nutrient credit is defined as “one pound of nitrogen or phosphorus eliminated from discharge into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.” The plan permits an individual to purchase nutrient

credits and apply those credits toward sewage planning approvals, “offsetting” new nutrient contributions of an equivalent amount. The DEP is maintaining a web site that lists the availability of nutrient credits and contact information to purchase those credits.

Farmers and other landowners can use techniques to manage nutrient-rich water runoff to generate credits based on the annual reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus, in pounds, that enters nearby waterways. Builders may earn credits by making improvements such as buffer zones made of hedges along creeks where plants absorb nutrients. These buffer

zones will prevent nutrient runoff from getting into water that would eventually reach the bay. Credits listed on the DEP web site are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Builders can purchase credits on the web site or by private firms who act as brokers for farmers or other land owners. Current estimates of the cost to purchase one credit range from $4 to $20.

The expected price of credits may vary considerably as methods of generating credits will also vary.

For more information about the nutrient credit trading program, visit www.dep. state.pa.us/river/river_trading.htm.

Eutrophication affects aquatic life Excess nutrients cause health problems for life in Bay and tributaries

E

utrophication is a process that results from accumulation of nutrients in lakes or other water bodies.

Eutrophication is a natural process, but can be greatly accelerated by human activities that increase the rate at which nutrients enter the water. Putting limits on the amount of nutrients that enter the waterways feeding the Chesapeake Bay because of human activities is the goal of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy. Nitrogen, in particular, from runoff causes aquatic life to die.

Nitrogen from such sources as the runoff of farm fertilizer and wastewater 22

treatment plants has stimulated population growth of algae blooms, of microscopic plants called phytoplankton, or algae. Algae blooms cloud the water and block sunlight, causing underwater grasses to die. Because these grasses provide food and shelter for aquatic creatures, spawning and nursery habitat is destroyed and waterfowl have less to eat when grasses die off. A second problem is that when algae dies and sinks to the bottom of the water, the decomposition process removes oxygen from the water.

Low dissolved oxygen levels in the waterways have become more widespread

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

since the 1950s, and are lasting longer and spreading farther throughout the system.

Low dissolved oxygen levels, called hypoxia, can impair growth, reproduction and stress living resources, making aquatic life vulnerable to disease. Water with no oxygen, called anoxic, can kill aquatic animals.

Hypoxic and anoxic levels change during the course of the year. Dissolved oxygen levels in the bottom areas of the bay begin to decline in March, becoming hypoxic in May, and not returning to healthy levels until October or November.

Deep water is not the only area affected by excess nutrients. Shallow water areas

are often poorly ďŹ&#x201A;ushed and stay nutrient enriched, causing algae blooms. When the algae die and decompose, it removes oxygen from the water. Fish and crabs can die in these shallow areas too. When low dissolved oxygen levels in tributaries donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kill ďŹ sh, they reduce suitable habitat and can increase inter- and intra-species competition, predation, potential transmission of disease and general increased stress. As of July, 40 percent of the bay has too little oxygen and discussions continue to move ahead on how to reduce nutrients from entering the bay.

Glossary algae blooms: due to eutrophication, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can build up in a body of water and increase the growth of algae. Algae are an important food source for aquatic life, but algae blooms may result in an unbalanced food web or contribute to low dissolved oxygen conditions.

Blue Baby Syndrome: a pathological condition, called methemoglobinemia, in which the bloodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity for oxygen

transport is reduced, resulting in bluish skin discoloration in infants. Ingestion of water contaminated with nitrates or certain other substances is one of its causes. dead zones: areas of a waterway that have too little oxygen to support a healthy ecosystem. Forty percent of the Chesapeake Bay is considered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;dead zone,â&#x20AC;? and this has caused such problems as the death of ďŹ sh and crabs. eutrophication: the accumulation of nutrients in a lake or landlocked body of water. This occurs naturally over many years but has recently been accelerated by fertilizer runoff from farms and sewage input. Algae blooms result and their decay removes dissolved oxygen, eliminating aerobic organisms such as ďŹ sh, and may cause accumulation of sulphide in the water. nitrogen: a common, typically colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that constitutes 78 percent of Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s atmosphereand is a part of all living tissues and important for plant growth. It bonds with oxygen to form the compounds nitrates or nitrites. Nitrates, which are needed for plant growth and used in fertilizers, can be washed through a watershed into streams or rivers where large amounts can act as a pollutant.

nonpoint source: sediments or chemicals that enter a body of water in a diffuse manner, such as runoff from farms or urban areas, rather than from a speciďŹ c point, such as a pipe. phosphorus: a natural element present in organic compounds in plants and animals. Phosphorous naturally occus in several forms, such as phosphorus acid â&#x20AC;&#x201D; commonly known as orthophosphate â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which is found in manure and sewage and can be washed into waterways. Polyphosphates, often present in household detergents, are another common source of phosphorous entering wastewater. The presence of excess levels of phosphate is the primary factor governing the extent of eutrophication. point source: chemicals that enter a body of water from a speciďŹ c point, such discharge from a wastewater treatment plant. riparian barrier: a barrier situated near a waterway that is made of such items as hedges, serving the purposed of trapping sediment or nutrients, moderating water temperatures, providing food and cover and moderating cumulative watershed effects.

Series continues on Page 24

Copper Development Association

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Dale L. Powell REGIONAL MANAGER

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia

P.O. Box 6687 Harrisburg, PA 17112-0687 Phone: 717-533-0353 Fax: 717-533-1688 E-mail: dpowell@cda.copper.org CDA is the information, education and technical development arm of the copper, brass and bronze industry in the United States.

November/December 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Keystone Builder

I 23

Expand Your Line, 1VKZMI[M 8ZWÅ\[ With Vinyl Window Wells

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The Forest Homes’ system will allow you to complete projects on time and within budget. The relationship between Forest Homes and our builders is based on trust and understanding. We believe our system is the best value available in home building today.

Become part of the Forest Homes’ team!

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(570) 374-0131 Rte. 522, RD #1, Box 131 K Selinsgrove, PA 17870 E-mail: info@foresthomes.com

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Vendors at the Three Rivers Builders Show offered a wide range of products including lumber, brick, siding and cabinets. Several vendors were at the show demonstrating their window products.

Industry professionals attend Three Rivers Builders Show

N

early 1,800 people attended this year’s Three Rivers Builders Show, which featured 210 vendors displaying the latest technology building products and services.

Everyone attending the show commented on its professional appearance, which was especially impressive considering this was its first year as a show jointly produced by the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, PBA and the National Association of Home Builders. The show ran Sept. 28 and 29.

Continued on page 28

A company representative with Masterwork Paint and Decorating Centers in Pittsburgh discusses product options with two customers. The firm’s products include paint, wall coverings, window treatments and flooring.

26

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

Bill Lapitsky (right), Builder Services Inc., presents a check for $500 to Dion McMullen, president of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.

Lapitsky rewards local members and their local associations for referring businesses who become PBA Premier Partners.

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November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

I 27

THREE RIVERS Continued from page 26 Exhibitors at the show offered opportunities for hands-on experience with their products. Service providers, such as financial institutions and marketing firms, also were on hand to discuss their capabilities.

Above: Insulright, doing work in western Pennsylvania and Ohio, presented a full-size display demonstrating the characteristics of its spray foam insulation.

Several booths offering insulation and energy efficiency products competed for the attention of show attendees.

Pella Window and Door and Lezzer Lumber were two of the more than 200 vendors who had a presence in the Three Rivers Builders Show’s exhibition hall, located in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.

Jim Eichenlaub (left), government affairs director for the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, and PBA member Jim Gronski, York County Builders Association, discuss housing issues at the show.

28

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

ADVERTISEMENT

iÌÌiÀ Õ `iÀ >À iÌ }°V $EAR "UILDER

) LL GET RIGHT TO THE POINT $ON T WASTE TIME MONEY ON NON BUYERS (ERE S ABOUT A THOUSAND BUCKS WORTH OF .O " 3 CONSULTING ADVICE TO HELP YOU SELL MORE FASTER

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ETC ELIMINATING WASTED TIME ENERGY AND MONEY 4HROUGH MY YEARS IN MARKETING ) VE DEVELOPED A SIX STEP FORMULA AND JUST RECENTLY l NE TUNED IT TO WORK BETTER IN 0ENNSYLVANIA S HOUSING MARKET 5SE THIS AS YOUR LITMUS TEST WHENEVER YOU PLAN TO SELL ANYTHING THAT HAS YOUR NAME ON IT 4HE ACRO NYM 4 / 2 1 5 % IS EASY TO REMEMBER

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SPECIl CS LIKE APPLIANCES OR GIFT CARDS 4HERE ARE ABLE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROPERTIES TO SUP THINGS WOMEN WILL GO FOR AND THINGS MEN WILL GO PORT THEIR BUYING DECISION 4HE hHOMEWORKv FOR IT VARIES &OR EXAMPLE YOUNGER MEN GO NUTS COMPONENT OF THIS IS EASILY DELEGATED TO OTHERS FOR THE LARGE SCREEN 46S 2EASONABLE LIMITATIONS AT LOW OR ZERO COST 3IMPLE AND %ASY 3TEPS OF SHOULD BE PUT ON THESE OFFERS .OT WEASEL CLAUSES 4 / 2 1 5 % -ARKETING 0UT THE SIMPLE STEPS AND NOT BECAUSE OF 4 / 2 1 5 % -ARKETING TO IT S BAD ECONOMICS USE IN YOUR BUSINESS AND IT WILL BE TO OFFER THEM BUT h4HE PEOPLE AT 2ANDOLPH -ILLER WORTH A LOT MORE THAN THE

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November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

I 29

Member Spotlight

LTS Builders: Will this builder make northeast Pennsylvania “Wall Street West”?

D

eveloper Larry Simon of LTS Builders has always been a man with a big vision. These days, he is often heard quoting Copernicus, “If you give me a large enough fulcrum, I can move the world.”

Simon doesn’t really want to move the whole world.

But he does want to move Wall Street. And his fulcrum is pretty large: Sept. 11, 2001.

In becoming the first builder to lead in the development of “Wall Street West,” Simon is pioneering the relocation of tens of thousands of high-paying financial service jobs to Northeastern Pennsylvania. “My ‘Wall Street West’ project is the only project in the United States fully compliant with the Bush Administration’s criteria for business continuity. My Penn Regional Business Center gives wings to the administration’s plans to protect the American economy from collapse if there is a second major terrorist attack on New York.”

Simon points out that 75 percent of America’s leading financial institutions are all based within a few blocks of each other in Manhattan. “A wellplanned attack could be catastrophic to our national economy without a project like the PRBC to provide for quick recovery,” he said.

Turning a vision into a reality How did the largest builder of residential homes in northeastern Pennsylvania become the new oracle of Wall Street West?

“I wasn’t able to serve my country in the military because of a back injury,” recalls Simon. “I was long looking for a way I could give back to the country, and when Sept. 11 hit, I found the answer. This project allows me to take advantage of my lifelong experience as a builder to provide a solution to a critical problem facing the nation — the risk of financial ruin in the event of a second, better-planned terrorist attack.”

Simon’s vision is for a new “Wall Street West” in eastern Pennsylvania — far enough away to be outside of the blast zone and close enough to be linked by fiber optic cable that allows for “mirroring” of Wall Street transactions, thus preserving business continuity operations and the nation’s financial infrastructure.

Simon’s site does not share New York’s power grid, employment base or watershed. In fact, the site is already served by two power companies and will soon provide for two fiber optic paths, making it unique in its compliance with the SEC recommendations.

The proposed project will have a multi-billion dollar impact on the economies of Monroe County, northeastern Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, according to an economic impact study conducted by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, a regional economic development organization.

Simon is taking the first step in turning the vision into a reality with the construction of the $124-million Penn Regional Business Center, a 280,000-square-foot “Class A” office building located two miles north of Interstate Continued on page 32

30

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

“Your Source For Floors” Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic Hardwood • Laminates • Area Rugs

Residential ~ Commercial Rainbow Plaza Rt 209, Brodheadsville, PA 18322 (570) 992-5660 • Fax: (570) 992-5790

November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

I 31

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Continued from page 30

80 in Smithfield Township. It is the first phase of several to come.

Now in the approval stages, construction is due to begin in 2007.

While skeptics might dismiss such a grand vision, those who know Simon believe that a man who went from hammering nails to becoming the region’s largest builder of new custom residential homes has the determination and tenacity to realize the federal administration’s vision for a secure America.

Leading the way in new housing design Development of the region as a center of leading financial service companies means that there will be a demand for a range of housing choices. Chief executive officers and secretaries alike will be looking for quality housing designed to suit their tastes and their budgets. Simon’s LTS Builders is committed to building environmentally-friendly, walk-able communities that are designed to preserve the ecological integrity and natural beauty of the region. Simon is committed to preserving the quality of life that drew him to the region 30 years ago and is proud to be leading on the introduction of “smart growth” building principles.

LTS has built nearly 9,000 homes in more than 350 communities, contributing about $1 billion to the region’s economy since its inception 30 years ago. Simon has also taken the lead in promoting “traditional neighborhood design” in his newest developments. This design concentrates residential construction in a portion of a subdivision, thus creating more walk-able neighborhoods, reserving more property for open space and preserving the land’s natural features.

Indeed, Simon, who describes himself as a “builder by vocation and an environmentalist by career” brings respect for the environment to all his endeavors.

Recognizing that growth in eastern Pennsylvania is inevitable given the population trends, he has been a leader of the “smart growth” movement, calling on public officials and business leaders to adopt principles that allow for increased growth and prosperity at the same time that they maximize preservation of the environment.

The motto of LTS Builders is “building a better tomorrow today.” As he has so amply demonstrated, if there’s anyone who can realize today’s vision for a secure tomorrow of prosperity and abundance, it is Larry Simon. V

P.O. Box 800 Brodheadsville, PA 18322 (570) 992-2888 (610) 381-3319 Fax (570) 992-3983

32

I Keystone Builder • November/December 2006

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Homeowner Ed

Teach your customers about proper well maintenance

by Nikki Brand uilders are forced to drill wells for many new Pennsylvania homes in areas where public water is unavailable. They can help new homeowners protect their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety by teaching them about proper well upkeep.

Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension, reports more than 3 million people in Pennsylvania get their water from a private well system.

People with private wells are responsible for routine maintenance, water testing and solving water quality and quantity problems. Contaminants in water can cause such problems as illnesses, laundry problems (like stained clothing), an unsavory taste and unpleasant odors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most important thing homeowners should do is test their well,â&#x20AC;? said Stephanie Clemens, state coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Master Well Owner Network. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They should do a total coliform bacteria test yearly. This is an indicator that the water has the potential for disease-causing bacteria. Other tests should be based on the area they live in, such

B

as near a gas station, near agriculture or close to a lot of septic systems.â&#x20AC;?

Clemens recommends homeowners buy a sanitary well cap, which is inexpensive.

She said the well casing should extend 8 inches to 1 foot above the ground and that the ground should slope away from the well head on all sides. Homeowners should also test for acidity (pH) and total dissolved solids every three years.

Clemens recommends that homeowners use certiďŹ ed laboratories for testing. These labs can help the homeowner compare test results to state or federal drinking water standards. Homeowners can inspect their own wells annually, but the extension ofďŹ ce recommends having a professional inspection of the well every 10 years. Each countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extension education ofďŹ ce can help homeowners locate a certiďŹ ed lab and well inspector. Clemens said there are volunteers in most of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s counties who have completed training to become Master Well Owners and can assist homeowners with inspections and answer questions.

The Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Ex-

tension offers these tips for maintaining a well: u Keep the area around the well clean and make sure it is always accessible. u Limit use of fertilizers or pesticides near the well. u Be aware of local activities that may impact the well water. u Visually inspect the well casing for cracks, holes or corrosion. u Replace a standard well cap with a sanitary well cap to keep out insects, small mammals and other surface contaminants. u Check the wiring on the pump to make sure that it is secured in an electric conduit pipe. u If no measures have been taken to prevent backďŹ&#x201A;ow, contact a plumbing supplier to purchase backďŹ&#x201A;ow prevention devices, which are inexpensive. u Keep a record of well installation, maintenance, inspections, repairs and water tests. This log will note changes over time and help in the diagnosis of problems.

For more information, visit http://mwon. cas.psu.edu. V

HOUSING M AT T E R S.

People are in the balance.

XXX QIGB PSH Edward G. Rendell, Governor â&#x20AC;˘ Brian A. Hudson, Sr., Executive Director

34

I Keystone Builder â&#x20AC;˘ November/December 2006

LP SmartSide Siding: Strong enough to outperform fiber cement.

Strong enough for BlueLinx.

LP SmartSide engineered wood siding is used to passing tests: It tested to be up to twice as strong, lighter and better at resisting moisture than fiber cement. And now, it’s made the grade with BlueLinx, which means increased availability. LP SmartSide siding. It’s for anyone who wants their work to earn high marks.

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LP and SmartSide are registered trademarks of Louisiana Pacific Corporation. BLUELINX and the BLUELINX design are trademarks and registered servicemarks of BlueLinx Corporation. ©2006 BlueLinx Corporation. All rights reserved.

November/December 2006 • Keystone Builder

I 35