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No Time Of Day
The article on the thermal storage system at Orlando Convention
Center could confuse designers and owners who could benefit
from chilled water thermal energy storage (ENR 8/19 p. 13).
John Andrepont’s conclusion that the installation of
the TES coupled with a reduction of installed chiller capacity
results in a net first-cost saving is correct. In fact, most
of the systems I have analyzed are first-cost effective. Richard
Kooy’s comment as to the operating-cost savings is also
correct, but the information is unnecessary and confusing.
Since the installation costs less than a full-sized chiller
plant, potential operating savings need not be considered.
If time-of-day savings must be considered in determining the
feasibility of using storage, the benefit is marginal.
Laborer's Apprenticeships
Your article, "Laborers Open a Charter School,"
was an informative and important look at an innovative approach
to introducing construction careers to a new generation of
workers (ENR 9/9 p. 34).
But the article erroneously states that "laborers have
a mandate from members to become an apprenticeable craft by
2004." In fact, the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Bureau
of Apprenticeship Training recognized laborer as an apprenticeable
craft in 1994. Our members, with a variety of specialized
skills, are extremely proud of that long-overdue recognition.
At our 2001 convention, our union did mandate apprenticeship
for new members and the institution of a mandatory apprenticeship
program in each of our local construction unions by 2004.
This is an ambitious effort that will improve the skills of
our members, aid our efforts to increase market share and
benefit contractors as well. It will increase opportunities
and earnings for laborers and contractors and underscore what
the Dept. of Labor determined in 1994.
There's A Lot In A Name
Your editorial on the repair and reconstruction of the Pentagon
wing damaged in the 9/11 terrorist attack was timely and well
written except for one thing. You referred to the attackers
as "Islamic" terrorists (ENR 9/9 p. 2). Please know
that there is nothing Islamic about terrorism and nothing
terroristic about Islam.
Throughout human history virtually every major religion has
been used by extremists and violent people to foment death
and destruction in order to further their own narrow agendas.
But we generally do not equate the religion thus abused, and
by implication the overwhelming majority of its peacefully
coexisting adherents, with those acts of murder and mayhem.
So should it be with Islam and Muslims who now form a significant
part of the American mosaic as peaceful and patriotic citizens
of this great country. To do otherwise would be to risk divisiveness
when the need of our time is healing, harmony and unity among
fellow citizens.
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