Samuel Aludo of BTEA on advisory panel and building water system testing

Good afternoon.

Thank you, Chair Shulman, for the opportunity to testify.

My name is Samuel Aludo, member of Relations Director for the Building Trade Employers Association, former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, President and CEO of the BTA.

Regret she couldn't be here today.

The BTA is an umbrella organization of New York's construction industry, representing 24 member associations, more than 1,200 contractors who build and maintain New York's building and infrastructure.

And today's testimony comes at a somber moment with 11 New Yorkers who lost their lives to Legionnaire's disease, and our recommendations are designed to make New Yorkers safer.

First, we support MCA of New York's recommendation for an advisory board or panel, and we ask that they examine two things, the volume and types of chemicals introduced into these systems, particularly

chlorine and bromine, since excessive levels cause corrosion and pitting in which the disease thrives, and how also green building mandates from the city and state are contributing to the stagnation

of water, which creates biofilm and which never reached the temperatures needed to kill bacteria, and contractors should be on this panel.

Sometimes these kinds of boards leave off contractors, which is problematic.

Second, we urge the council to ensure agencies'staff fulfill the city mandates to conduct inspections, review registrations, and process sign-offs.

New York City must ensure that age

He's providing vital public health and safety services can attract and retain the staff levels required to do so.

Third, we support the reintroduction of Intro 434 of 2024 to expand the testing of existing.

Cooling towers, but also the entire building's water system, where bacteria frequently grows.

Potable water is not currently tested, yet research has found that Legionella grows as well.

It needs to be reviewed and inspected.

Any reintro of the bill should also carry amendments that I believe the Plumbing Foundation has laid out, including mandatory risk management assessments, addressing dead legs and stagnant water, a defined testing interval, and clear qualification standards.

Can you summarize?

Yeah, yeah.

I also support MCA's amendments on Intro 1006, which they've submitted as well.

That's all.

Thank you.

Next.