Indoor Air Quality Update:
ASHRAE Approves New Document
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) approved a new Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Position Document at their annual meeting.
The new document replaces the previous 1989 Position Statement. "ASHRAE seeks to provide for occupants' well-being and comfort by improving indoor air quality and achieving efficient building operation" said ASHRAE president William Coad, P.E.
The document states that improvements need to begin in the construction phase of every building and that maintenance needs to be done on a continual basis. ASHRAE notes that early occupancy before construction is finished can result in major problems.
ASHRAE Standards 62 and 55 have been the
U.S. guidelines on indoor environmental management for over a decade.
ASHRAE Standard |
Title |
Description |
| 62-1999 |
Ventilation for Acceptable IAQ |
Sets minimum ventilation requirements |
| 55-1992 |
Thermal
Environmental
Conditions |
Specifies the combination of acceptable conditions |
In conclusion, ASHRAE stresses it will continue to improve these standards, promote their acceptance and support research. ASHRAE recommends:
- Public and private support for research on IAQ and its health effects.
- Government support for education and implementation programs.
For more information go to: www.ashrae.org.
New "Get Tough" Campaign for
Major Violators of Environmental Rules
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced tougher enforcement of environmental violations. This announcement came about after DENR compiled and gathered information and data on the agency's enforcement efforts for the year 2000. A pertinent finding of the report established that over $5.5 million in penalties was assessed for the year but only $1.75 million was collected. The reduction was due to:
- Initial fines being reduced on appeal
- Informal negotiations reducing the original penalty
- Fines unpaid due to bankruptcies
- Enforcement hampered by lack of inspections
DENR has established "Truth in Penalties" guidelines. These guidelines will ensure that serious violations are met with tough action, and they will establish a penalty structure that is clear, understandable and consistent, according to DENR Secretary Bill Ross.
Under the new guidelines, penalties will be strongly enforced and the public will have access to the penalty process. Each regulatory division will carefully go over their enforcement program and make necessary changes. "We will focus particular attention on how each program handles violations that involve willful or egregious conduct to make sure our enforcement actions are consistent and have an adequate deterrent effect," Ross said.
The 2001 annual report will be issued by June 2002.
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