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Houston Lack of a Comment Period for Cosmetic Cleaning BMPs
PWNA HQ posted a topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
The following information is at Storm Water Program Litigation . April 2004: EPA Guidance on the Ninth Circuit Court Decision for MS4s [PDF Format] - This memo provides interim guidance on implementing the Stormwater Phase II program for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in light of the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Environmental Defense Center, et. al. v. EPA, September 15, 2003). The guidance covers several issues related to the implementation of the MS4 program, including public availability of NOIs, opportunities for public hearings, and review of NOIs by permitting authorities. Houston did not give the industry a chance to comment on their BMPs before implementation. -
For more information or to schedule an interview: Contact: Robert Hinderliter Environmental Chairman PWNA & ***** 817-529-6601; Cell: 817-366-3041 robert.hinderliter@powerwash.com August 15, 2011 Mobile Power Washing Associations Unite to Develop A Best Management Practices Model, Workshop and Ordinance For Immediate Release – The Power Washers of North America (www.pwna.org) and United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (www.*****.org ) have joined together to develop a model cosmetic mobile power washing best management practices (BMPs), workshop, and ordinance based on the EPA’s model ordinance. PWNA is making this information available free to regulation authorities for use in developing their own models to comply with their MS4 NPDES permits for Phase I and Phase II. “The BMPs and model workshop are based on over 15 years of enforcement history, working with regulators around the country,” said Robert Hinderliter, Environmental Chairman for the PWNA and *****. “We have placed emphasis on being reasonable, rational, and logical, which has proven to result in the highest level of compliance – meaning minimum contaminates in the storm drains – and with almost no cost or enforcement effort, a very important element in this time of limited budgets.” A CD/DVD is now available from Power Washers of North America. The ordinance can be downloaded from www.pwna.org, www.*****.org, or by email request to robert.hinderliter@powerwash.com. To learn more, visit the PWNA website at www.pwna.org, email at info@pwna.org, or call at 1-800-393-7962.
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This letter is written by Mike Hilborn, PWNA Executive Director. It was reviewed and commented on by the PWNA Board of Directors. This letter has been approved for distribution by the PWNA Board of Directors (BOD from this point). This letter is intended to explain the BOD intentions behind the Environmental Best Management Practices (from this point BMPs) and why they are important for members of PWNA and the industry at large. My goal is to explain what the BMPs are and what they are not. Let me begin that neither the BOD nor I saw that the voting on the BMPs would create such a response.The response was surprising, disappointing, and encouraging all at the same time. Let me address each of these: · Surprising - we post things almost everyday with little or no notice. The BMPs that were voted on was part of the process to make the BMPs official so that we could use those BMPs as part of an Environmental Certification course currently being developed. Education is one of the "pillars" of the PWNA and is one of the ways we bring real value to our members. Also, these BMPs have been around the PWNA for many years. These BMPs are not new, just reformatted to be easier trained and understood. Nothing new. · Disappointing - the things that were said about people who volunteer their time and talents to make our industry better is always disturbing to read and reflects poorly on our industry. · Encouraging - it is positive to see such interest in this topic. The BMPs are a work in progress and the more help we can get the better. Typically, these sorts of things are worked on by only 1 or 2 dedicated people and then approved by a group. The BOD welcomes and appreciates the input and comments from everyone to make these BMPs the best they can be for all involved. Let me explain what the BMPs are: · An educational tool - to be used as part of an Environmental Certification course. For me personally, I have spent all of my time on residential services like wood restoration, roof cleaning and house washing. I recently began commercial exterior cleaning and fleet washing and I had no idea where to begin as it relates to the Clean Water Act (CWA from this point). I found the current PWNA BMPs difficult to understand and they left me with many questions. However, I didn't know where to begin without them. The PWNA is leading this important topic. · A resource for your employees - we wanted to have a document that could be part of every members operation, if they chose. Take these BMPs and use them as they are or use them to start developing your own company BMPs based on the services you provide and the geography you serve. They are a living and open document that can be modified and applied by anyone that wants them. · Protection - having BMPs and being Water Reclaimer Certified can be used to demonstrate to local regulators and municipalities that you are a trained professional. They will know that you are doing what you can to protect our lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. The PWNA is here to protect our members and help them to be more profitable. You may not agree, and that's fine, but that is what the BOD believes. · Helping keep our waters clean - Some cities have not developed their own BMPs, others have. Part of phase 2 of the EPA (as I understand it) requires cities to develop their own BMPs. If all of us can do the work for them by writing or at least influencing the writing of their BMPs, better for your city, better for you the contractor and better for the environment. The services each of us as contractors perform is to keep things clean and to protect the health and safety of our customers. No one is more interested in protecting the environment than those of us in the power washing industry. Let me tell you what the BMPs are not (based on some of the points I read on the bulletin boards): · The PWNA is not going to bring, or shop, the BMPs to municipalities, city leaders or roll them out across the country. That was never mentioned as our plan and I don't know where that came from. Second, we don't have the money or resources for such an undertaking. · These BMPs aren't designed to be the answer for every power washer, in every part of the country, for every possible cleaning situation or challenge. They are a guide. They are a resource to develop BMPs specific to your operation. · They will not solve the Houston problem. These BMPs are written to comply with the CWA. What is happening in Houston is not about the CWA. As you can read toward the beginning of the BMP document "If your discharge does not reach the waters of the United States, then there are no requirements under the Clean Water Act." · The BMPs are not applicable to residential services such as house washing, roof cleaning or deck cleaning unless wash water will reach a storm drain. If the water doesn't hit the storm drain, these BMPs do not apply. · The BMPs are not about enriching anyone. To be on the BOD, 50% or more of your revenue must come from contract cleaning. Michael Hinderliter had to leave the Board when he bought Delux from Robert and the new bylaws were passed. Although Robert Hinderliter is the Environmental Chairman, he is not one of the Board of Directors. The BMPs are about education and guidance. We aren't suggesting anyone buy a particular type of equipment or to buy any equipment at all. It is up to the individual contractor as to how he or she will meet the requirements of the CWA. · We are not submitting these BMPs to the EPA on April 15th or any other date. We are not submitting these BMPs to any government authority. They will be available on the PWNA website to anyone who wants to read them. We are asking for member comments to be returned by April 15th to keep the process moving. · The BMPs don't suggest that we are polluters. If I'm mistaken, please email which line or lines of the draft you are referring to and the correction or corrections will be made. It is the position of the BOD that our industry support the Clean Water Act and the PWNA will support rules that are practical, reasonable and economically feasible to protect our lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. If we find municipalities that are overreaching or are unreasonable, we will do what we can to address those cities (this is where we need everyone to be a member, my only plug). Power washing contractors are parents, sportsmen and sportswomen who want to leave our world better than we inherited it. I would like to believe that few of us would disagree. The BOD would like to get member comments as described in a previous post. Please submit by email, fax or USPS your comments by April 15th. If you have any questions, please call me directly at 612-868-7312. My email address is mike.hilborn@pwna.org. If I did not explain our intentions to your satisfaction or I need to answer questions not answered here, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you directly. Thank you. Sincerely, Mike Hilborn and the Board of Directors of the PWNA
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Register for the PWNA Convention before September 1, 2011 and receive $50 off your registration and $25 off each additional representative you bring. For more information including the Skid Giveaway, schedule of events, and prices, please go to 2011 Annual Convention in Nashville, TN | The PWNA.
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The PWNA is excited to announce special guest Linda Ruth Tosetti to the upcoming convention. Linda is the granddaughter of the baseball legend Babe Ruth. She will present recognition plaques to various people who have gone above and beyond in the Power Washing Industry. She lectures about her grandfather,George Herman "Babe" Ruth,at numerous universities and schools. She has been honored by being inducted into the Latino American International Sports Hall Of Fame,in 2009 in Laredo Texas. She has been a guest speaker at places such as The Society of America Baseball Research, the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown NY, the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore Maryland,and more. "Linda has been a presenter of the Babe Ruth Post Season MVP Award that is given annually at the NY Sports Writers Dinner, held in New York City. Linda Ruth Tosetti has also been a Contributor to Fox Channel News,ESPN, the Chicago Sun-Times, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Washington Times and has been an honored guest at Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park and various important sporting venues and events throughout America. She is considered a leading authority on the life and times of her fabled grandfather from an intimate family point of view."
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The PWNA Board of Directors has received and accepted Robert Hinderliter's resignation, effective August 29, 2011, as our Environmental Chairman. We would like to thank Robert for his years of service and dedication in this position.
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Robert asked me to let everyone know that he is in the Grand Canyon and has been unable to get service. He will respond to the posts as soon as he's able.
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August 31, 2011 deadline for early bird special
PWNA HQ posted a topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
Don't miss out on the early bird special for the PWNA Convention. Register by August 31, 2011 and receive $50 off the first company representative and $25 off each additional representative. Check out the website for details at http://www.thepwna.org/annualconvention2011.php or contact headquarters at 1-800-393-7962 or info@pwna.org. -
Message to PWNA Members from President Eric Clark
PWNA HQ posted a topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
All went well in Houston. I was onsite with Robert and Michael Hinderliter, and the PWNA videotaped the entire event again (PWNA has videotaped every Houston Workshop). I was told by other participants, as well by Michael and Robert, that it was a much smaller turnout then the most recent past meeting. There were some very good specific questions asked from the audience and a majority of those questions were answered with specifics from the city officials. The overall feeling from the audience that I spoke to felt that the city was much more open to working with contractors to ensure everyone is on the same page and in compliance with discharge concerns on customer’s property and city owned property than in past meetings. I feel that the overall outcome of the meeting was very positive and I am happy to see that Houston is more receptive to work with and educate the power wash contractors to ensure that everything is in compliance and not forcing needs of additional equipment and permits to be in compliance, as was the direction we felt it was heading from past City of Houston meetings. Thank You Houston. I’m very happy to be a part of creating environmental awareness and education for all fellow contractors to be learning from and working with today, and tomorrow. Eric Clark PWNA President -
2011 Convention Early Bird Special
PWNA HQ replied to PWNA HQ's topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
You must be present to win! -
The PWNA would like to thank Olympic Power Wash Services for their donation of time and equipment for the April 30, 2011 cleaning of the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Shriner's Hospital survives off donations for revenue and upkeep by people such as Drew and Jennifer Anderson of Olympic Power Wash Services. To learn more about them go to www.olympicpowerwashservices.com
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This year's convention courses include Dry Ice Blasting Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, and Social Media, Power Washing 101, plus all PWNA Certification courses and Seal N Lock's Paving Stone Certification. You can find the complete schedule and register at 2011 Annual Convention in Nashville, TN | The PWNA.
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2011 Convention Early Bird Special
PWNA HQ replied to PWNA HQ's topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
I replied to this yesterday but I don't see the post on here. I will try again. Yes, everyone that attends has to pay and that will automatically give them a chance to win. -
News from Power Washers of North America News from Power Washers of North America
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2011 Convention Early Bird Special
PWNA HQ replied to PWNA HQ's topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
Yes! Each person that registers will receive one ticket with their registration. Attendees will have additional chances to get more tickets as well. Attendees must be present at the time of the drawing in order to win. -
[ATTACH]17436[/ATTACH] To register for this event, please go to 2011 Annual Convention in Nashville, TN | The PWNA or contact PWNA HQ's at 1-800-393-7962. 2011 Convention Detailed Schedule.pdf
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PWNA Convention in Nasvhille, TN - October 20-22!
PWNA HQ posted a topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
The PWNA Convention will be here before you know it. We have an exciting schedule of events along with a skid giveaway. The skid is donated from Hydro Tek with components donated from Kohler Motors, Wayne Burners, and Cat Pumps. Hydro Tek SC 35006KG SKID List Price $9,995 Check out additional details on the convention at 2011 Annual Convention in Nashville, TN | The PWNA. Also, register for the PWNA Convention before September 1, 2011 and receive an early bird special of $50.00 off your registration fee. Please contact Jackie at PWNA Headquarters at 1-800-393-7962 or by email to info@pwna.org with any questions. -
Please note the PWNA's new mailing address and fax number: PO Box 270634 St. Paul, MN 55127 651-762-2961 These changes are effective immediately.
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PWNA Address and fax number change
PWNA HQ replied to PWNA HQ's topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
Thanks Ron! I have a ton of pictures of her on Facebook if you want to check them out. -
Please note the PWNA's new mailing address and fax number: PO Box 270634 St. Paul, MN 55127 651-762-2961 These changes are effective immediately.
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This letter has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Power Washers of North America. For the foreseeable future the PWNA will only be posting on The Grime Scene's PWNA section. It is the opinion of the board of directors that it is important that our industry behave in a way that is professional, uplifting, and encouraging. Healthy disagreement and debate is the foundation of finding the best way forward and making our industry all it can be. However, when respectful disagreement and debate collapses into personal attacks, name calling and worse, it reflects poorly on all of us. Negative comments stifle creative thinking and prevents new and alternative ideas from being shared. When someone is not willing to post their ideas because of the response they may receive, the system is no longer working. Our industry is moving into a political landscape that will put all of our businesses at risk. We must meet this challenge with a healthy and positive Clear Voice for Our Industry. The following are the rules of the game if the PWNA is to post on The Grime Scene: · Disagreement is fine. However, when you disagree it is to be respectful while encouraging the person you disagree with. If this is violated the person making the post will have an opportunity to rewrite the post or the post will be purged. · Negative responses with no other purpose than to be negative will be purged. Do not post unless you have a helpful alternative or input. · Any name calling, personal attacks, accusations or lying will be purged. · If the same person continues to violate the rules, they will be prevented from posting in the future. The PWNA follows a code of ethics: CODE OF ETHICS As a member of PWNA, I believe in fair and honorable practices and pledge to maintain the highest ethical standards in my business, and I obligate myself and my employees to work by the following Code of Ethics: I will, at all times, conduct my business in a fair and honorable manner. I pledge to represent our products and services as they actually are, to do what I promise and to promise only what I reasonably can do, to compete fairly with others on the basis of the merit of my products and services, and to refrain from making false or misleading statements about my competitors or their products or services. I commit to help any and all fellow PWNA members in the furtherance of industry knowledge. I promise to comply, both in spirit and letter, with all rules and regulations prescribed by law and by government agencies for the health, safety and well-being of my employees, the public, and the environment. I further pledge to perform all services within any Standards and through the use of any Best Management Practices adopted by PWNA This letter will be reposted from time to time as necessary. Thank you. Mike Hilborn PWNA Executive Director
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Stay on top of what is happening with the PWNA using the following methods: • Our Water Works Newsletter • Frequent posts on the Grime Scene bulletin board PWNA News, Events, and Information • Our daily blog on the PWNA website • Our posting of the monthly agenda for the Board of Directors’ meeting on our website • Our posting of the Minutes of the monthly Board of Directors’ meeting • Constant Contact • Facebook and Twitter • New members receive a welcome phone call from a board member • New members receive emails regarding their membership 3, 6, and 9 months after their membership begins • Cleaner Times monthly article which includes a featured PWNA member You can also contact headquarters at 1-800-393-7962. If Jackie is unable to assist you, she will direct you to the person who can.
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Environmental BMPs passed unanimously by the Board of Directors
PWNA HQ posted a topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
The Board of Directors are pleased to announce that the Environmental BMPs have been unanimously approved. A 21 day comment period for PWNA members and non-members resulted in one person submitting changes to the document. Those comments were reviewed by the Environmental Committee and changes were made to the BMPs. During the comment period we received emails, phone calls and text messages supporting the BMPs. The Board of Directors also approved Fort Worth as the Model Ordinance of the PWNA. The next step for the committee is to create a training curriculum around the BMPs and Model Ordinance. The curriculum will include a training guide, a Power Point presentation and certification test. The first Environmental class available to PWNA members and non-members will be taught on Saturday, October 22nd at the PWNA convention. The following is from a previous post regarding the purpose of the Environmental BMPs: What the BMPs are: · An educational tool - to be used as part of an Environmental Certification course. For me personally, I have spent all of my time on residential services like wood restoration, roof cleaning and house washing. I recently began commercial exterior cleaning and fleet washing and I had no idea where to begin as it relates to the Clean Water Act (CWA from this point). I found the current PWNA BMPs difficult to understand and they left me with many questions. However, I didn't know where to begin without them. The PWNA is leading this important topic. · A resource for your employees - we wanted to have a document that could be part of every members operation, if they chose. Take these BMPs and use them as they are or use them to start developing your own company BMPs based on the services you provide and the geography you serve. They are a living and open document that can be modified and applied by anyone that wants them. · Protection - having BMPs and being Water Reclaimer Certified can be used to demonstrate to local regulators and municipalities that you are a trained professional. They will know that you are doing what you can to protect our lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. The PWNA is here to protect our members and help them to be more profitable. You may not agree, and that's fine, but that is what the BOD believe. · Helping keep our waters clean - Some cities have not developed their own BMPs, others have. Part of phase 2 of the EPA (as I understand it) requires cities to develop their own BMPs. If all of us can do the work for them by writing or at least influencing the writing of their BMPs, better for your city, better for you the contractor and better for the environment. The services each of us as contractors perform is to keep things clean and to protect the health and safety of our customers. No one is more interested in protecting the environment than those of us in the power washing industry. What the BMPs are not: · The PWNA is not going to bring, or shop, the BMPs to municipalities, city leaders or roll them out across the country. That was never mentioned as our plan and I don't know where that came from. Second, we don't have the money or resources for such an undertaking. · These BMPs aren't designed to be the answer for every power washer, in every part of the country, for every possible cleaning situation or challenge. They are a guide. They are a resource to develop BMPs specific to your operation. · They will not solve the Houston problem. These BMPs are written to comply with the CWA. What is happening in Houston is not about the CWA. As you can read toward the beginning of the BMP document "If your discharge does not reach the waters of the United States, then there are no requirements under the Clean Water Act." · The BMPs are not applicable to residential services such as house washing, roof cleaning or deck cleaning unless wash water will reach a storm drain. If the water doesn't hit the storm drain, these BMPs do not apply. · The BMPs are not about enriching anyone. To be on the BOD, 50% or more of your revenue must come from contract cleaning. Michael Hinderliter had to leave the Board when he bought Delux from Robert and the new bylaws were passed. Although Robert Hinderliter is the Environmental Chairman, he is not one of the Board of Directors. The BMPs are about education and guidance. We aren't suggesting anyone buy a particular type of equipment or to buy any equipment at all. It is up to the individual contractor as to how he or she will meet the requirements of the CWA. · We are not submitting these BMPs to the EPA on April 15th or any other date. We are not submitting these BMPs to any government authority. They will be available on the PWNA website to anyone who wants to read them. We are asking for member comments to be returned by April 15th to keep the process moving. · The BMPs don't suggest that we are polluters. -
Environmental BMPs passed unanimously by the Board of Directors
PWNA HQ replied to PWNA HQ's topic in PWNA News, Events, and Information
Scott, there will be 2 Power Point presentations developed. The first one will be the training demonstration presentation used for classroom training. The second one will be available to members to bring back to their city so they can educate their local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) people. That presentation will also be used to educate regulators like the Houston regulators. Again, there are no plans to shop these BMPs. However, we want to be ready when called upon. Tony it would be great if someday everyone will have to be certified in water reclamation through the PWNA. I want the members of our organization to write the standards, not some well intentioned bureaucrat. -
I have removed this post. This particular post had not been approved by the Board of Directors. In fact, I reached out to Eric Clark and Paul Horsley before it was posted and they both advised me not to post it. I apologize to both Ron and the Grime Scene community. It won't happen again. Sincerely, Mike Hilborn