In This Section:
Public Comment Needed Now On Controversial Bay Area Exhaust Proposal
Trans Fat's In The Chicago Fire, Again
California Offers Incentives For Solar Power
Hong Kong Promotes New Rule With 'Smoke-Free' Days
This issue's Economic Report Sponsor: Scotsman Ice Systems/Enodis |
Industry Report Sponsor: Wood Stone Corp.
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Public Comment Needed Now On Controversial Bay Area Exhaust Proposal
A rule proposed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in California would soon require, among other things, newly defined "high efficiency" grease filters (not to be confused with conventional filters referred to as "high efficiency") on all Type I hoods that don't already feature fixed extractors or removable cartridge filters.
The proposed standard, known as Regulation 6, Rule 2, is drawing heavy fire from many industry ventilation experts who urge operators to file written statements and, most importantly, attend upcoming public-comment workshops. Without energetic in-person opposition, critics say, the rule could be passed as written. Worse, it could set a precedent for other municipalities.
Workshops are being held Nov. 14 and 15. The first day, Tuesday, workshops will be at the BAAQMD San Francisco district office 9-11 a.m., and at San Jose State University Student Union Building, San Jose, 3-5 p.m. Wednesday's workshops take place at the Elihu Harris State Building in Oakland from 10 a.m. to noon, and at the Foley Cultural Center in Vallejo from 3-5 p.m.
Among the proposal's flaws, opponents say, the rule requires expensive capital investment where it's not needed. It mandates for all Type I hoods—even those serving no more than a fryer or an oven—a specialized type of filter that originally was developed to solve severe emissions problems over such things as underfired charbroilers. Another aspect of the challenge: Such highly restrictive filtration drops duct pressure significantly, with impact on fan function, air balancing, etc.
And then there's confusion about terminology. Most operators believe their filters, commonly rated at 80% or 90% efficiency under outdated and grossly inaccurate test methods, are "high efficiency." But they aren't, and they won't meet the new standard.
For more information, go to the following links at the National Restaurant Association's Web site:
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Trans Fat's In The Chicago Fire, Again
This one's not a facilities issue, but it might be a big headache for your operations and menu teams. A Chicago alderman last week proposed a measure that would require foodservice operators with more than $20 million in gross annual revenues to label menu items with information about trans fat content. He noted the federal government requires similar labeling on packaged foods, and he said foodservice patrons deserve the same kind of information. Labels would appear on French fry cartons, fast-food wrappers, etc., and table-service restaurants would have to provide similar notices.
The measure was presented as an addition to legislation introduced by the same alderman in June. That proposal set strict limits on the amount of trans fats used in preparation by restaurant companies with more than $20 million in annual revenues.
California Offers Incentives For Solar Power
The California Solar Initiative is offering cash incentives to help you install solar power on your units. Right now, the initiative is paying $2.50/watt for solar systems, which can cover up to 30% of the installation cost of a typical roof array. Adding on a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 can bring installation cost down even more, to about 50%.
Next year, the initiative will pay an upfront cash rebate on systems under 100kW, based on expected performance. Performance ratings are based on intricate calculations involving equipment ratings, location, and factors such as installation angle, shade, etc. The incentive decreases gradually from 2007 to '17.
Anyone who's a customer of Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric is eligible for the rebate program. If you plan to install a system that's 30kW or larger, you can contact your California electric utility directly about rebates. If you're thinking of a smaller system for your stores, visit the California Energy Commission's "Emerging Renewables Program" web site.
For more information, go to www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov.
Hong Kong Promotes New Rule With 'Smoke-Free' Days
Hong Kong's legislative council has passed a new ordinance that bans smoking in restaurants, bars, schools, hospitals, offices and other public places. The new rule, an amendment to anti-smoking legislation first passed in 1999, goes into effect on Jan. 1.
The ordinance even bans outdoor smoking in the vicinity of hospitals and schools as well as bus and subway stops, train depots and escalators. Smoking is still allowed in parks and at beaches in designated areas. Exempt are nightclubs, mahjong parlors, bathhouses, massage parlors and certain bars and clubs. Those establishments have until Jan. 1, 2009, to clean up their act.
To raise awareness of the new ordinance and promote the smoking ban, the Hong Kong health department's Smoke-Free Restaurants Working Group is holding "smoke-free" days in restaurants. More than 200 restaurants committed to participate in the first one on Oct. 29. Restaurants put up no-smoking posters and staff members wore badges and handed out pamphlets to patrons. Upcoming smoke-free days are Nov. 29 and Dec. 29. Customers can vote for one of three slogans the health department will use when the ordinance takes effect.
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