#swimming pool consultant in Houston

[simontonpoolconsultants]

Affordable Swimming Pool Construction in Houston

Simonton Pool Consultants provides affordable swimming pool construction in Houston. Our team is experts in creating unique swimming pools that meet your budget and vision. Contact Simonton Pool Consultants today and take the first step toward making your backyard an unforgettable Swimming pool!

[skaddy111]

Exceptional Pool Construction with Ultra Custom Pools

When it comes to creating a stunning swimming pool that enhances your outdoor living space, Ultra Custom Pools is the name to trust. As a leading provider in the industry, we specialize in crafting custom pools tailored to meet your unique vision and needs. Our expertise extends across a broad range of services, including pool building, deck construction, and patio installation. Whether you're searching for a pool builder in Houston, TX, or need custom pools in Cypress, we are here to turn your dream into a reality.

Premier Pool Builder in Houston, TX

As a renowned pool builder in Houston, TX, Ultra Custom Pools has earned a reputation for excellence in the swimming pool construction industry. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality pool designs that perfectly align with your lifestyle and preferences. We understand that every client has unique needs, which is why we offer personalized solutions to ensure your pool project exceeds expectations.

Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship sets us apart from other swimming pool companies in Houston, TX. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we work closely with you to ensure every detail is carefully considered and executed. Whether you envision a modern, sleek pool or a more traditional design, our expertise ensures a flawless result that enhances your outdoor space.

Expert Pool Builder in Cypress, TX

In addition to our services in Houston, we are also a leading pool builder in Cypress, TX. Cypress residents trust Ultra Custom Pools for their custom pool needs due to our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Our team is well-versed in the latest pool design trends and technologies, allowing us to create stunning and functional pools that perfectly suit the Cypress lifestyle.

We specialize in Cypress custom pools, offering a range of design options to fit your preferences and budget. Whether you're looking for a serene retreat or a pool that’s perfect for entertaining, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our focus on precision and attention to detail ensures that every pool we build is a true work of art.

Comprehensive Deck Builders and Patio Installation

At Ultra Custom Pools, we understand that a swimming pool is just one part of creating the perfect outdoor environment. That's why we also offer expert deck builders and patio installation services. Our team is skilled in designing and constructing beautiful decks and patios that complement your pool and enhance your outdoor living area.

When searching for patios near me, look no further than Ultra Custom Pools. Our patio designs are crafted to provide both style and functionality, ensuring that your outdoor space is as inviting and comfortable as it is beautiful. From elegant stone patios to modern deck designs, we provide a range of options to suit your taste and needs.

Houston Area Pool Builders You Can Trust

As one of the top Houston area pool builders, Ultra Custom Pools has extensive experience in delivering exceptional pool construction services throughout the region. Our reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We work with you every step of the way, from design to construction, ensuring that your new pool meets your highest standards.

Our team of swimming pool contractors in Houston is dedicated to providing reliable and efficient service, ensuring that your pool project is completed on time and within budget. We pride ourselves on our transparent communication and our ability to handle every aspect of pool construction with expertise and professionalism.

Premier Swimming Pool Construction in Houston

When it comes to swimming pool construction in Houston, Ultra Custom Pools is your go-to expert. We offer a full range of services, including design, excavation, installation, and finishing touches. Our goal is to create a swimming pool that not only meets your aesthetic preferences but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Our team of swimming pool builders in Houston is skilled in all aspects of pool construction, from selecting the best materials to ensuring precise installation. We use the latest technologies and techniques to deliver high-quality results that stand the test of time. Whether you're interested in a classic pool design or a contemporary style, we have the expertise to make your vision a reality.

Expert Pool Builders in Woodlands and Beyond

For residents in The Woodlands, Ultra Custom Pools is the preferred choice for top-notch pool construction. As leading pool builders in The Woodlands, we offer customized solutions that cater to the unique needs of this community. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and high-quality results, ensuring that your new pool enhances your outdoor space.

Additionally, we serve clients in College Station and Manvel, TX as well. Our expertise in these areas reflects our commitment to providing outstanding pool building services across a wide range of locations. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated pool design in College Station or a stylish pool in Manvel, TX, we have the skills and experience to meet your needs.

Contact Ultra Custom Pools Today

If you're ready to transform your outdoor space with a beautiful custom pool, look no further than Ultra Custom Pools. Whether you need a pool builder in Houston, TX, are interested in Cypress custom pools, or require expert services in College Station or Manvel, TX, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about how we can turn your dream pool into a reality.

Conclusion

At Ultra Custom Pools, we are dedicated to providing exceptional pool construction services tailored to your unique needs. From being a top pool builder in Houston, TX, to offering expert services in Cypress, The Woodlands, College Station, and Manvel, TX, our team is committed to delivering high-quality results that enhance your outdoor living space. With our expertise in deck building, patio installation, and swimming pool construction, we are your trusted partner for creating the perfect pool environment. Reach out to us today and discover how we can bring your vision to life with precision and excellence

[dkaufmandevelopment]

Southern Comforts Lure Built-To-Rent Developers: The Sunbelt's Housing Revolution

Discover why the South is the epicenter of BTR construction and how developers are capitalizing on this trend.

The build-to-rent (BTR) phenomenon is reshaping the housing landscape, and its heart beats strongest in the Sunbelt. From Texas to Florida, developers are seizing the opportunity to create single-family rental communities that blend comfort, affordability, and lifestyle. Let's dive into the Southern comforts that are drawing both tenants and investors into this thriving market.

The BTR Surge

The National Association of Home Builders estimates that approximately 10% of new housing construction nationwide will be offered as BTR product. But it's in the South where the movement truly thrives. RealPage Analytics reports that over 113,000 BTR units were under construction in early November 2023, with a staggering 41% of them rising in the Southern states. Compare that to the Western U.S. (29%), the Midwest (13%), and the Northeast (2%), and it's clear: the South is where the action is.

What's Driving the Growth?

Several factors fuel the BTR surge. First, the high cost of single-family homes nudges renters toward more affordable options. Second, interest and mortgage rates play a role, making ownership less appealing. Third, the lack of savings among young families starting out pushes them toward rentals. But there's more to the story.

Population Migration Patterns

The South has been a magnet for population growth long before the pandemic. Job opportunities, warmer climates, and spacious living draw people in. Less-dense communities and outdoor amenities seal the deal. It's no surprise that the 9th annual Build-to-Rent Forum (East) chose Nashville—the capital of the New South—as its stage.

Meet the Players

Greystar’s Summerwell: Charleston-based Greystar entered the BTR sector with a bang. Their dedicated BTR brand, Summerwell, caters to renters seeking single-family lifestyles. Think yards, garages, and privacy, plus amenities like swimming pools, lazy rivers, and tennis courts. Summerwell communities dot the Sunbelt, from Texas to Florida.

Landmark Properties: Atlanta-headquartered Landmark broke ground on its first BTR developments last year. Their projects—like The Everstead at Conroe (Houston, Texas) and The Everstead at Madison (Huntsville, Alabama)—embrace the Southern spirit. Landmark knows what the South wants.

RangeWater Real Estate: With over $6.62 billion in total capitalization, Atlanta-based RangeWater is all about BTR. Their Storia brand graces more than 1,030 single-family and townhome units across the Sunbelt. Professionally managed communities? Check. Southern appeal? Absolutely.

The BeltLine Connection

RangeWater's conventional BTR and hybrid BTR/multifamily concepts have found a home along the Atlanta BeltLine. It's where innovation meets Southern hospitality, and renters find their slice of comfort.

The Sunbelt's BTR revolution is in full swing. Whether you're an investor eyeing returns or a tenant seeking a lifestyle upgrade, the South beckons. Welcome home! 🏡🌞

To delve deeper into the world of Build-to-Rent (BTR), visit Kaufman Real Estate & Consulting’s BTR page. There, you’ll find valuable insights, information, and resources about BTR townhome communities. Whether you’re an investor, a potential tenant, or simply curious, this resource will provide you with a wealth of knowledge! 🏡🔑 www.kaufmanrealestateandconsulting.com

[tmtinsurance]

How Much Is Homeowners Insurance In Houston?

Are you a homeowner in Houston, Texas, and wondering how much homeowners insurance will cost you? You're not alone. Homeowners insurance is an essential investment that provides financial protection against potential risks and damages to your property. We will explore the factors that influence the cost of homeowners insurance in Houston and provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

1. Introduction

Homeownership is a significant milestone, and protecting your investment should be a top priority. Homeowners insurance in Houston provides coverage for various risks, including property damage, theft, liability, and personal belongings. However, the cost of homeowners insurance can vary depending on multiple factors. Let's delve deeper into understanding these factors and how they impact the insurance premiums in Houston.

2. Importance of Homeowners Insurance in Houston

Homeowners insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events that could cause damage to your property. It provides coverage for repairing or rebuilding your home, replacing personal belongings, and even liability protection if someone gets injured on your property. Without insurance, you could face significant financial burdens and potential loss if disaster strikes.

3. Factors Affecting Homeowners Insurance Costs

- Location and Risk Factors

The location of your home plays a crucial role in determining the cost of homeowners insurance in Houston. Houston is prone to certain risks such as hurricanes, flooding, and windstorms, which can impact insurance rates. Insurance companies assess the risk level associated with your location and adjust the premiums accordingly.

- Property Value and Rebuilding Costs

The value of your property, including the land and structure, influences the insurance cost. Higher property values and rebuilding costs usually translate into higher premiums. It's essential to accurately estimate the cost of rebuilding your home in case of a total loss to ensure adequate coverage.

- Deductible Amount

The deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your insurance premiums. However, it's crucial to choose a deductible that you can comfortably afford in the event of a claim.

- Coverage Limits

The coverage limits of your homeowners insurance policy determine the maximum amount the insurer will pay for a covered loss. Higher coverage limits result in higher premiums. It's important to evaluate your property's value and assess your coverage needs to determine appropriate limits.

- Home Features and Age

Certain home features, such as swimming pools or trampolines, can increase the risk of accidents, leading to higher premiums. Additionally, older homes may have outdated electrical systems or plumbing, increasing the likelihood of claims. The age and condition of your home can impact the cost of insurance.

- Claims History

If you have a history of filing insurance claims, it can affect your insurance premiums. Multiple claims or a significant claim can label you as a higher-risk homeowner, leading to increased costs. Maintaining a claims-free record can help keep your premiums lower.

- Credit Score

Believe it or not, your credit score can impact your homeowners insurance rates. Insurance companies often consider credit scores when determining the premiums. Maintaining a good credit score can help you secure better rates.

4. How to Calculate Homeowners Insurance Costs

Calculating homeowners insurance costs requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some steps to help you estimate the cost:

- Research and Compare Quotes

Reach out to multiple insurance providers and request quotes based on your property details and coverage needs. Comparing quotes will give you an idea of the price range and help you identify competitive rates.

- Consult with Insurance Agents

Speaking with insurance agents who specialize in homeowners insurance in Houston can provide valuable insights. They can assess your specific situation, address any concerns, and guide you towards appropriate coverage options.

- Assess Your Property and Coverage Needs

Evaluate your property's value, including the structure, personal belongings, and any additional structures like garages or sheds. Consider your coverage needs based on the potential risks you may face in your area.

- Choose the Right Deductible and Coverage Limits

Select a deductible and coverage limits that align with your budget and risk tolerance. Remember to strike a balance between affordability and adequate coverage.

5. Tips to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance in Houston

While homeowners insurance is necessary, there are ways to save on premiums without compromising on coverage. Here are some money-saving tips:

- Improve Home Security

Installing security features like alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and deadbolt locks can reduce the risk of theft and vandalism. Insurance companies may offer discounts for such security measures.

- Bundle Insurance Policies

Consider bundling your homeowners insurance with other policies, such as auto insurance, to qualify for multi-policy discounts.

- Increase Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premiums. However, ensure that you have enough savings to cover the deductible amount in case of a claim.

- Maintain a Good Credit Score

Aim to maintain a good credit score as it can positively impact your insurance rates. Pay bills on time, keep credit utilization low, and monitor your credit report regularly.

- Regularly Review and Update Your Policy

Periodically review your policy to ensure it still meets your needs. Update coverage limits if necessary and discuss any changes with your insurance provider.

6. Conclusion

Homeowners insurance is a crucial investment to safeguard your home and finances. Understanding the factors that influence insurance costs in Houston can help you make informed decisions when purchasing a policy. Consider the location, property value, deductible, coverage limits, home features, claims history, and credit score to determine the best coverage for your needs. Remember to compare quotes, consult with experts, and explore money-saving strategies to find affordable options without compromising on protection.

[hakesbros]

Homes For Sale San Antonio Tx

Live in an excellent house with out the headache and long-term dedication of owning. Well, at first I didn’t consider it, but that’s the way in which it turned out. I had him clarify homes for sale san antonio that to me, as a result of I thought ‘how may somebody bid on a property and not physically examine it themselves earlier than making an offer?

San Antonio has much to supply for all types of recent home patrons and Ashton Woods is among the premier home builders within the space. Whether you are on the lookout for one thing lively and near the bustle of metropolis life or a peaceful retreat, there's a San Antonio new development community waiting home builders in san antonio for you to call it home. At Southglen small town dwelling meets up to date sophistication. In this beautiful community of exceptionally designed homes, residents can jog alongside picturesque climbing trails, swim in the community pool or play on the playscape. Nearby, family-run outlets, galleries and eateries line historic streets and simple pleasures abound.

A friendly, southern Texan city, it’s bursting with taste, style, and vitality. It has a unbelievable location, being just a few hour drive from Austin, Houston, or the attractive Gulf of Mexico beaches. That mentioned, there’s plenty to occupy your time throughout the metropolis limits.

There are several actions that could trigger this block together with submitting a sure word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed knowledge. HomeLight is dedicated to making our web site accessible and user pleasant to all. While we are continuously working to improve, we welcome your feedback and accommodation requests. If you're having issue accessing or navigating our website home builders in san antonio, or if you have any recommendations to enhance accessibility, please e-mail our group. Whenever you're prepared, a HomeLight Home Consultant is on the market to stroll you through your choices, reply your questions, and help you make extra knowledgeable decisions about your personal home.

Houston Realtors Information Service, Inc. and ZeroDown assume no responsibility for typographical errors, misprints or misinformation. This property itemizing is obtainable with out respect to any protected classes in accordance with the legislation. San Antonio, formally the City of San Antonio, is the seventh most populated metropolis within the United States of America and the second most populated metropolis within the state of Texas, with a inhabitants of 1,409,019.

[enthusiasticsobrietyabuse]

Bob Meehan - Times Advocate: Sunday, August 26, 1984

The story of a con man who helps kids kick drugs

Robert Meehan describes himself as a hippie, a rebel, a former heroin addict and a con man. There is no one better qualified, in his mind, to help teenagers get off drugs.

Meehan is the director of a Valley Center drug-rehabilitation program for young drug abusers called SLIC - Sober Live-In Center - Ranch. The former director of a major Houston-based drug rehabilitation program, Meehan has won high praise from clients and their parents, who have included comedians Carol Burnett and Tim Conway.

Despite that praise, however, Meehan's methods have attracted considerable controversy. He left the Houston Palmer Drug program in 1980, after television reports questioned the accuracy of the program's vaunted success rate and Meehan's possible conflict of interest in receiving a lucrative hospital consulting fee.

Meehan's problems did not end when he left Houston, however.

The county has declared SLIC Ranch to be in violation of zoning ordinances, and the state has threatened to close it down unless Meehan gets proper license to run a drug-treatment program. The county has also questioned SLIC's ties to a burgeoning self-help drug program called Freeway that has a satellite programs throughout San Diego County.

SLIC, which charges $4,000 a month and caters mainly to children of affluent parents, has also prompted concerns among drug-counseling professionals. Some worry that the cost of the program is excessive and that it relies heavily on non-professional counselors to provide treatment. They also express concern that Meehan could exert undue influence over his impressionable young charges.

Meehan established SLIC Ranch in 1981 as a privately-funded live-in center for young drug abusers requiring daily counseling to overcome their habits. Between 10 and 16 young people live in a rambling ranch-style house, supervised by Meehan and recovered drug-abusers who have gone through the SLIC program themselves.

While two professional psychologists are associated with the program, the emphasis is on former drug addicts and recovered alcoholics whose counseling approach is: "I've been there before." Meehan himself is a former heroin addict and recovered alcoholic.

Meehan, who wears his hair shoulder-length and sports tight designer jeans and a gold chain necklace, both dresses and acts hip - partly, he says, to gain the trust of his young clients.

"They say, 'Wow, look at this crazy old hippie,'" said Meehan, who does not care to modernize his image.

"I'm still a rebel. I'm still a hippie. I don't know how to change. I love the cause. I feel like I've got as righteous a cause as the Vietnam War."

Meehan said he can understand how parents bringing their kids to SLIC might be leery of him, given his appearance.

"I don't know if I'd trust me," he said, laughing. "But beneath this hair is a red neck. I'm a Republican. Voted for Reagan."

But when he talks about drugs, Meehan speaks in a voice that teenagers can understand.

"It's the Cheech-and-Chong generation," Meehan is fond of saying to his clients. "They're committing suicide on the installment plan."

Meehan often harps on the comedy team of Cheech and Chong, whose trademark is overindulgence in marijuana. In sharp contrast to some health professionals, Meehan regards marijuana as one of the most dangerous drugs used by teenagers.

"Marijuana is the most insidious chemical in society today," because it affects the mind, Meehan said. "I'd rather the kids were shooting heroin."

Meehan's message and his style often prompt adulation from the young people in his care.

"He has the answer to everything," said 16-year-old girl from La Jolla who said she was having trouble getting along with her mother, who had recently remarried. "He has love. It's like one big family. We work together and play together, and it's fun. And Bob's our big daddy."

Meehan, 41, the son of an Irish policeman, grew up in Baltimore. He said he started taking drugs at age 12.

He became an alcoholic and a heroin addict, spending four years in state and federal prisons for drug convictions. While in a Texas jail, Meehan was befriended by an Episcopalian priest. Upon his release he became the janitor for the Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston.

The priest urged Meehan to stay off drugs by counseling some of the local kids with drug problems of their own. Meehan said that at the time he was "a crazy kid with a 'hellatious' ego and visions of grandeur" and too flattered to turn down the offer.

The informal, self-help group began in 1972 with six members. It grew to become the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, which, according to Meehan, has had 30,000 participants. Meehan described it as "the most powerful drug program in the world."

It was closely modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous program, with recovered abusers helping their peers.

Palmer garnered national publicity in the late 1970s, when actress Carol Burnett sent her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, there for treatment. Burnett was so impressed with her daughter's improvement that she and her husband accompanied Meehan on the "Phil Donahue Show" and other television shows to tout the program's success.

But Meehan's claims that his program had a cure rate of 75 percent to 80 percent attracted some sharp scrutiny.

In January 1980, CBS' "60 Minutes" TV program broadcast a piece on Palmer. According to a transcript of the broadcast, Meehan conceded under repeated questioning by Dan Rather that he did not have documentation to support his alleged success rate.

Rather also questioned Meehan's $50,000 annual consulting fee from a Houston hospital to which Palmer routinely sent young drug addicts for costly medical treatment. Meehan said during the interview that he saw no conflict of interest.

Meehan was also asked about his power to "persuade" some of the program's vulnerable young clients.

"I have that power," Meehan said. "I certainly do. I've been a con all my life. Just now I'm using it in a good way, see."

Following the "60 Minutes" piece, Meehan was asked to leave Palmer. In retrospect, Meehan now says, he could have prevented his firing by paying more attention to program details.

"I wasn't doing a damn thing wrong," he said. "I didn't mind the store. I was naive."

Meehan came to San Diego to work for Contemporary Health Inc., which was consulting with Center City Hospital, now Harborview Hospital, to establish a drug-abuse program. But his work for the hospital was short-lived.

"My methods are very unorthodox," Meehan said. "I was always fighting the staff."

While working for the hospital, however, Meehan helped establish a self-help counseling program called Freeway. It was modeled directly after Palmer and named after a rock music group formed at Palmer to entertain the kids in the program.

Freeway was started in 1982 by Jac Coupe, a former Palmer counselor, and by other Palmer employees who has left Texas after Meehan's departure. It now has centers in Coronado, Point Loma, Solana Beach and the newest one in Fallbrook.

The program, whose services are free, is funded in each community by local civic groups and churches. It is open to people 13 to 25 seeking help for drug and alcohol problems.

Participants are encouraged to attend weekly group-counseling sessions and to follow a 12-step program to achieve sobriety. Those who are severely addicted are referred for hospital treatment. In some cases, however, Freeway counselors conclude that a young person needs more intensive counseling - at SLIC Ranch.

Those who go to SLIC for a typical one-month stay range in age from 13 to 24, with the average age about 16. Most are psychologically - not physically - addicted to drugs. They have come to get free of dependence on marijuana, alcohol, speed and LSD.

Pat, a 19-year-old Rancho Santa Fe youth, realized he needed help when he mugged a woman to get money for his $600-a-week cocaine habit. John, a 21-year-old alcoholic from Clairemont, had tried a variety of alcohol treatment programs with no success.

SLIC participants live in a spacious ranch house, set among the oaks and hills of Valley Center, with a garden and pond-shaped swimming pool. They share bedrooms dormitory-style, with three or four to a room.

The participants are required to prepare their own meals to their own tastes, and there are no planned menus. Cereal and hot dogs are staples.

The rules prohibit drugs, alcohol, sex and violence. However, smoking, which is allowed, is prevalent.

"We don't care about cigarettes, diets and vitamin intake," Meehan said.

Participants spend most of their days in counseling. During their free time they are allowed to lounge by the pool and play rock music, much to the dismay of the neighbors. Occasional field trips are taken to Disneyland and other amusement centers.

SLIC residents are supervised by a staff of six, most former SLIC residents themselves. At least one staff person is on duty 24 hours a day.

One of the supervisors, Jackie Moors, 26 got off drugs a year ago after going through the SLIC program. Moors, who started doing drugs at age 10 and progressed until she was shooting up crystal methamphetamine, credits SLIC with turning her life around.

"The next stop would have been either jail or death" without SLIC, she said. The program worked, she said, because "people really cared about me." Her young son stays with her at the ranch.

Meehan said one goal of the center is to show residents "how to have more fun sober" than on drugs or alcohol.

Every weekday SLIC residents are transported by van to a rented house in Escondido, where they spend six hours in therapy and discussion.

The sessions are directed by Meehan and by Peter Sterman, a psychological assistant, who cannot practice without supervision of a licensed psychologist. His supervisor is Dr. Carl E. Morgan of San Diego.

In the evenings and on weekends, the residents are often taken to meetings of Freeway or Alcoholics Anonymous.

Last month the state notified Meehan that the center was operating without a license and threatened to close it down unless the center meets state standards required for a so-called residential-care license.

SLIC has been operating without a license because Meehan has successfully dodged the requirements, according to Tom Hersant, director of the San Diego office of the state's Community Care Licensing Division.

He told state officials that the ranch was operating not as a residential-care center providing therapy to live-in clients, but as a "boarding house," with the boarders receiving their counseling off the ranch in an Escondido house.

Meehan told the Times-Advocate that he attempted to avoid licensing to keep costs down.

Last month state investigators who has been suspicious of the arrangement finally confront SLIC officials.

"They told us, 'All right, already. We do provide therapy,'" Hersant said. "Suddenly now they're 'fessing up that they offer therapy."

State officials informed Meehan that a license would be needed.

To obtain a license the center would have to meet fire safety standards, provide a medical checkup for new clients to insure they are getting the appropriate treatment, and keep records evaluating the clients' progress. SLIC would no longer be allowed, as it does now, to mix clients younger than 18 with those older than 18.

Please see Ranch, page B2

Meehan has insisted that the licensing requirements are minor. He said he would comply, though he feels that the regulations would bring too much formality to the relaxed way he runs the program.

Not only must the ranch be licensed, but the counseling program run at the Escondido house must obtain a separate license to offer drug counseling. Once a facility is licensed, the state inspects it once a year to insure that standards are met.

Hersant said SLIC has agreed to apply for the two licenses. The licensing approval usually takes 90 days. If no licenses are obtained, he said, the state will move to shut SLIC down.

Meehan said he plans to meet the state requirements, but he dislikes the paperwork.

"I will comply to whatever extent I have to, to help young people," he said. "At the same time, I just want to do my thing."

Meehan said his problems with the state occurred because of negative publicity generated by the ranch's landlord, Clayton Blehm, an Escondido accountant. Blehm was sentenced in June to one year in jail for zoning violations at the Valley Center property that included adding illegal structures around the ranch. He is out on bail awaiting an appeal.

Blehm has also been cited by county zoning officials for allowing SLIC to move in without getting a major use permit - required to run a treatment center in a rural-residential area. The zoning investigations were prompted by complaints from neighbors, some of whom said that a drug treatment center did not belong in their quiet neighborhood and that they were repeatedly disturbed by loud music.

Last year SLIC and Freeway were the subject of an "informal investigation" by the county Division of Drug Programs. The investigation was prompted partly by complaints from a San Diego city schools official concerned that Freeway encouraged some young persons to stay away from school for one to three months to avoid their drug-using friends.

The report concluded that the complaint was the result of lack of communication between the school district and Freeway and that the two should work out an understanding.

The county investigation was also prompted by concerns about SLIC's relationship with Freeway.

"On the surface," the report said, "one might question the referral relationship, since both program directors hold a personal acquaintance that foes back to the Palmer Drug Abuse Program in Houston. However, DDP has no documentation information to suggest there is any impropriety or conflict of interest in the referral process."

Meehan said he has no break-down on where SLIC clients come from, but that many are referred by Freeway. He said SLIC and Freeway have no financial arrangements, because that would be unethical.

"There can't be," he said. "There's absolutely no financial arrangement either way."

Meehan urges all SLIC residents to attend Freeway counseling sessions after they leave the ranch. That is critical to staying sober, according to Meehan.

"If we can't hook a kid into Freeway," he said, "his chances are less than 60 percent of making it."

Some who go through the SLIC program are advised to live with "Freeway families" for several months, rather than with their own families. Meehan defended the practice for some clients, contending they would fall back into bad habits at home.

Asked whether continued reliance on Freeway would hurt a client's chances of becoming independent, Meehan said, "It's a very safe group of friends to have. I don't know if it's an unhealthy dependency."

According to Meehan, 90 percent of those who have gone through the SLIC program in the past 18 months have remained sober or off drugs after they left. He said that figure comes from undocumented reports from Freeway officials. "I hate statistics," he said.

Despite its concerns, the County Division of Drug programs concluded that there was "no documentable evidence" to prevent the county from recommending SLIC and Freeway as treatment centers.

At the time of the investigation, Meehan was serving the first year of a three-year term on the county's Advisory Committee on Drug Abuse. The 11-member volunteer committee helps county officials select drug-treatment programs to receive county money.

Freeway centers, which are privately funded, are generally located in affluent regions of the county.

"They're in the ones that can pay for it," Meehan said. "They have raised the money."

Parents in those communities can also afford to send their children to SLIC. The $4,000-a-month cost of attending SLIC has raised eyebrows among professional drug counselors.

By comparison, the county-funded McAllister Institute of Training and Education in El Cajon charges about $720 a month to treat women with drug problems.

Jessica Lewis, program director for Community Resources and Self-Help Inc., which has a county contract to treat drug abusers in San Diego, said the program has never referred anyone to SLIC. Lewis said her program's clients cannot afford Meehan's program.

"His target audience is kids from families that are financially successful," she said. "He's earning big bucks. More power to him. He has a mindset of big business and the heartset of helping people. I don't question his sincerity."

During his "60 Minutes" interview four years ago, Meehan said he was worth more than the $100,000 he was then making. He would not say in a recent interview how much he makes running SLIC.

Meehan, who lives in Rancho Bernardo, said that despite the $4,000-a-month per-person SLIC Ranch fee, he is not getting rich.

"Where that profit is, I haven't seen it yet," he said. "I make enough to pay my bills and save $100 a month."

Some health professionals were reluctant to speak candidly about Meehan's program. One noted that Meehan, because he sits on the county advisory committee, wields influence over the finances of many local treatment programs.

Nevertheless, some drug-treatment experts expressed reluctance to refer clients to SLIC because of its reliance on non-professional counselors. After sitting on a panel discussion with Meehan, Greg Baer, head nurse of the substance-abuse unit at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital in Chula Vista, he said he would not recommend Meehan's program for anyone.

"I just question his ability to be therapeutic," said Baer, whose program also treats adolescents for as much as $10,200 a month. "The people we deal with need a therapeutic approach from people who are knowledgeable... you need to have knowledge of what you're doing and not just go with a gut feeling."

Baer criticized SLIC's exclusion of the families of young drug abusers from its treatment program.

"If Johnny is going to return home, you have to discuss how this is going to be done... Otherwise you are doomed for failure," he said.

Some professional counselors said they worry about Meehan's influence over young people. Lewis said it is important for an organization such as SLIC, which treats emotionally-dependent people, to be accountable to a licensing or watchdog agency. Otherwise, she said, clients can be exploited.

"It's a pain in the neck," she said, "but I'm prepared to answer to those (licensing) people. There are enough people looking over our shoulder to make sure our clients are safe."

John Adam, a licensed psychologist in Coronado who has monitored SLIC Ranch and Freeway for more than a year, said he is concerned about the unorthodox nature of the counseling. Adam said the adulation that SLIC participants feel toward Meehan resembles hero worship.

"Any time you depend on the charisma of a leader, you fear that results will fade with time or distance from the guru," he said.

Meehan said he knows that he has tremendous influence on this young charges, but he tries to use that to good purposes.

"I'd like to think I'd become one of their local heroes instead of Cheech and Chong," he said.

But he acknowledged that his relationship with the clients could lead to problems.

"Yeah, it scares me," he said. "You get into a real guru (situation). This is where cults can begin."

"I have an advantage, though, because they're here only 30 days. I cut them loose emotionally when they leave here."

[jessekeyes12]

Developer Jesse Keyes turns unconventional into bold statement

If there was ever a case of a building perfectly mirroring its developer, it would be One Seventh and Jesse Keyes. Both are angular, ultra-chic, smart and aggressive. Both are also making their emphatic debut on the New York architecture and style worlds.

Built on a 45-degree angle at the juncture of four different streets where Seventh Ave. South meets Varick and Carmine Sts., One Seventh resembles a hulking helm of a slick, futuristic boat or space-age flying machine. Six stories tall with just four units, the corner building shaped in an angular prism has a façade of manganese ironspot brick and Solarban 80 double-paned glass.

 The side of the building on Seventh Ave. South that parallels the rush of autos making their way to Tribeca or the Holland Tunnel has bold racing stripes and competing slabs of vertical windows. On the mellower Carmine St., Juliet balconies face the local cafes, old-time Spanish restaurants and bootleg record stores. One Seventh blends seamlessly with its intersection and has gainied total community board support.

 "No developer would take a chance on this site, which was operated as a gas station since the 1920s and unused for almost a decade," says Keyes, 35, an investor in the swank Goldbar and a partner in La Esquina, one of New York's hippest eateries. "They said it was too small or that the shape wouldn't work. I saw it as an opportunity. We took design risks with this project that architects generally do with museums and public spaces."

 Designed by Rogers Marvel Architects, the same firm recently awarded the Governors Island commission, One Seventh is allegedly the world's first full-floor triangular residence. To make the project work financially, Keyes' development firm REcappartners worked with zoning attorneys Charles Rizzo & Associates to help get a variance to build higher than the allowed three floors. On top of the building, Keyes built a penthouse duplex with two outdoor terraces, both of which lean toward the corner angle.

"The question we had to answer was, how does one live in a triangle," says Keyes, who plays a hand in every design decision. "When I picture who is going to live here, I see an investment banker with an artist inside or an artist with a lot of money. I see the banker sitting totally naked in a chaise longue at the apex of the 45-degree angle, looking out at the cars driving down Seventh Ave., on the phone with his friends, thinking: 'How am I going to own this town tonight?'"

With hardly any marketing, they have two offers for the four units. One from a banker, the other from the son of a Spanish film producer. Prudential Douglas Elliman's Kevin King, a two-year agent who happens to be the long-time maitre d' at Balthazar, heads up sales. The three 1,371-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath apartments are listed for $1,995,000. The 2,106-square-foot, three-floor penthouse with 961 square feet of outdoor space costs $4.45 million.

"We're waiting till the units are completely finished until we formally sell the apartments," says King. "A finished product will show how unique this project is and assure we get what it's worth."

Jesse Keyes comes from both sides of the tracks. His parents were hippies. His mother, a lesbian, split from his father but stayed in Redwood City, Calif., supporting her two children as a gardener. As Jesse puts it, they lived on the "wrong side of the tracks." Ironically, she tended gardens near Jesse's father's estate in Woodside, Calif.

"Mom was a real hippie, and dad was a pseudo-hippie," says Keyes, who was called "Blanquito," or little white boy by his Pueblo Mexican barrio neighbors. "Half the time I was in my poor Mexican 'hood with my mom and the other half with a swimming pool, Mercedes, Porsches and horses with my dad."

Keyes talks openly about his desire but inability to communicate with his Spanish-speaking neighbors. He talks openly about almost everything, especially his drive to never stop learning or moving.

"There's a point where you grow up in suburbia that you say I'm either going to get stuck in this for the rest of my life or do something fascinating or interesting," he says. "I was visiting a friend in Mexico City when I was 17 years old. We were in his family's penthouse and I was looking over the slums of the city, whose people needed major help at the time. I thought to myself, we as capitalists need to do better for these people. It was then that I knew I needed to focus on this for the rest of my life."

For Keyes, that meant Princeton, a year in Spain to learn the language, a Fulbright Fellowship and a master's in architecture in Catalonia, a Kinne Fellowship in the Dominican Republic, a job with the prestigious Boston Consultant Group, a master's in real estate from Columbia University, a doctoral candidacy and teaching fellow at Rutgers University in Urban Planning, and roles in the Gore and Kerry presidential campaigns.

"My father is good friends with Gore from St. Albans," says Keyes, whose great-grandfather on his father's side was Democratic Senator Morris Sheppard from Texas who championed Prohibition and women's rights. "My goal was eventually to work in Housing and Urban Development [HUD]. After those two losses, I planned to teach and research through my 30s. But academia, especially in our current political climate, was not as fulfilling as I thought. Building strong architectural projects is a way to make my mark and some money. Eventually, I will get back into affordable housing and giving back in some way."

Keyes' next project is already a major coup for him and New York. Working with Habita, a Mexican group known globally for designing and operating some of the world's chicest boutique hotels, Keyes will open a Mexican-themed, mixed-use hotel and condo project in a location below Houston St. on the East Side. Mexican architect Enrique Norton, who designed One York on Canal St. in New York and the Guggenheim in Guatemala, is an equity partner in the project.

"I want to make a unique statement and be part of the next big place," says Keyes, whose groomed beard and middle-parted hair give him the look of Al Pacino in "Serpico." "You hope it doesn't become something like what happened in the Meatpacking District, which had little thought and planning and became oversaturated with the same product, bars and restaurants. There should be mixed use there. And the Hotel Gansevoort is a mistake. I don't know how they got that built."

Slightly controlling, obsessive about details, and intellectually strategic, Keyes even wrote the copy for the One Seventh marketing materials. (I haven't met a developer yet who does that.) He prefers to focus on one project at a time as opposed to stretching himself thin and losing touch with the day-to-day decisions that these high-design projects demand.

"Scalability will be hard because for each project I'm looking for a specific art and message," says Keyes. "In any case, when you get bigger you lose control over certain levers, and I don't want that to happen."

Still, according to Thaddeus Briner, the architect for One Seventh, formerly of Rogers Marvel (and I.M. Pei's firm) and now on his own, Keyes is a very good client. "This was a dream project," says Briner. "It combined a really challenging site with an extremely progressive client. Those don't come along very often."

Resource :   https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/developer-jesse-keyes-turns-unconventional-bold-statement-article-1.339485

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Pool Company Cypress - If you’re looking for new ideas for your swimming pool, you’ve come to the right place. We have experienced swimming pool design consultants with 21 industry design awards. The pools we build are the most energy-efficient and low maintenance pools available in Houston. We use Paramount’s automatic in-floor cleaning system, which helps keep your pool always swim-ready. All our pools come with a 99% cleanliness guarantee.

[houstontexaslawinfo]

Summer Visitation Basics for a Divorced Parent in Texas

If you want to related guideline confidentiality Texas Child Law experience, So you can better suggestions in Summer Visitation Basics for a Divorced Parent in Texas

Divorce Lawyers in Houston: With the official start of summer having just passed us by it is an appropriate time to discuss the sometimes misunderstood topic of summertime visitation in Texas for divorced parents. As our kids complete the school year and begin to contemplate days full of swimming pools and staying up late, if their parents are divorced a not always fun dance is about to begin.

How their parents handle themselves can have a tremendous effect on if the kids’ summer is an enjoyable one or not. Let’s discuss how summer visitation works in Texas.

Standard Possession Order Summer Visitation

The main determining factor in the number of days a parent has with their child in the summer is the distance that they live from one another. For the parent with whom the child does not primarily reside, a weekday visit on Thursdays during the school year is something that they lose as compared to a parent that does live within 100 miles of their child.

The reason that parents that live over 100 miles from the child do not have a Thursday visitation period from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. is logistical- having that parent drive at least 200 miles round trip every Thursday is not reasonable. During the summers those Thursday visits cease.

For weekend visitation, the time on a Friday that the parent needs to pick up their child for the weekend may change from after school lets out on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

This means that instead of being able to return your kids to school on Monday morning, the parent must return the child to their ex-spouse’s residence at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The loss of an overnight visit every other week is something that is not particularly welcomed This is not always the case, so if you are a divorced parent you will need to consult your Final Decree of Divorce to verify how it works in your situation.

Extended periods of summer visitation under a Standard Possession Order

April 1ST

The other big change in the summer under a Standard Possession Order in Texas must do with extended periods of possession. If you are the parent with whom the child does not reside with primarily you know that by April 1st of each year it is your responsibility to communicate in writing your intention to take advantage of a 30-day period of extended summertime visitation.

If you fail to send in the requisite notice your Divorce Decree provides that your default period of possession of your child will be from July 1st to July 30th.

April 15TH

On the other hand, if you are the parent with whom the child resides with primarily you have two decisions to make associated with your own time with your child during the summer. By April 15th, you must choose a weekend during the other parent’s extended period of visitation.

Also, by this date or with at least two weeks’ notice you may also elect a regularly scheduled 1st, 3rd or 5th weekend not during the elected extended summer period that they take away the weekend from the other parent. In this way, the “primary” parent has an extended period of uninterrupted period of possession to go on a short vacation or other activity with the children.

When does the summertime visitation period stop?

Family Lawyer Houston: Under a standard possession order the periods of visitation must be completed two Sundays prior to the beginning of the Fall semester of school. Children are creatures of habit, and in order to get them back into a routine the State legislature wants to allow them a week to get used to going to bed and waking up early.

A note on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is treated the same way as Mother’s Day, the only difference is that Father’s Day falls during the summer while Mother’s Day falls during the school year. Father’s Day weekend trumps any other weekend plans or selections of the mother. Dad will always get to see his child on Father’s Day weekend.

Providing Notice of Your Summer Visitation Intentions

As parents, you are relying on the other parent to provide notice during the April 1 to April 15 time period of when your ex-spouse intends to take advantage of their allotted summertime possession opportunities. It is important that this notice is timely received so both parents can prepare for how their time will be spent during a fairly significant chunk of time.

To provide proper notice each parent should review their Final Decree of Divorce to learn how their court orders read. If a parent must provide notice in writing, should it be done by email, text message or a co-parenting website like Our Family Wizard? Know well in advance what your decree requires and you can save yourself a lot of trouble. What sort of trouble, you may be asking? Read on to find out.

Consequences for failing to abide by your Divorce Decree

If you fail to follow the terms of your divorce decree you risk finding yourself back in court having to deal with an enforcement suit brought by your former spouse. An enforcement suit is a means by which your ex-spouse can seek the court’s assistance in having you abide by what your divorce decree orders you to do.

For example, if your ex-spouse notifies you in writing, with the correct amount of advance notice that they intend to see your child on a certain weekend during your 30-day period of extended visitation you need to make sure that your child sees their other parent. If you withhold the child or otherwise disrupt the weekend an enforcement can potentially be filed against you.

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is here to help with Summer Visitation Questions

Divorce Lawyers Houston: If you have a question regarding the time you can see your child in the summer, or if your ex-spouse has not complied with your divorce decree regarding summer visitation do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. Our Houston divorce attorneys are ready and able to assist you and your family in addressing these issues directly ... Continue Reading

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Important Information on Custom Pools

Many homeowners are in love with custom swimming pools because they are naturally attractive. With the help of pool builders, you can have a customized pool in your home. For the beauty of your lake make sure that there are a thing like a waterfall, illuminations and also some landscaping. It is essential to do some investigations on pool construction companies so that you can be sure of what you are about to go for.  It is good to have an idea on the kind of pool you want around your compound so that it can be tranquil when it comes to consulting pool builders.   You can decide by checking some of the already build pools around your area of residence. If you want to find a variety of pool builder you can consider searching on the internet. It is good to understand that working with a pool construction companies is the best thing ever because the pool builders are usually well vetted. If you find your preferred pool construction company it is good to make sure that they have all it takes to build a pool like the best tools and equipment. For the pool builder to be able to use the advanced tools and equipment they must be professionals. Gather more information here, just keep on reading. For you to have the most beautiful pool consider picking a pool construction company with a builder who has been constructing pools for an extended period of times. Experience also matters a lot when it comes to coming up with the new design of the pool. The pool builders should also be able to show you some of the pools they have done so that you can see if you can make a decision from there. They should also be able to check your compound so that they can advise of the best dimension for your pool and the best design. It is good to have a financial plan because constructing a custom pool comes with a price.   It is good to understand that the cost usually depends on the types of a pool you also want the dimensions. It is essential to compare some pool construction companies so that you land on the one you can comfortably pay. If you want to work with a pool construction company make sure that it shows your registration documents. It is an advantage to hiring pool builders who can inspect your pool regularly at a fee. If you want to have the best-customized pool consider a pool construction company with many referrals. See more details from Houston synthetic turf and pool construction services.

[lawinformation]

Summer Visitation Basics for a Divorced Parent in Texas

On the off chance that you have require a best reasonable Law encounter, Summer Visitation Basics for a Divorced Parent in Texas with the immense procedure!

Divorce Attorneys Houston – With the official start of summer having just passed us by it is an appropriate time to discuss the sometimes misunderstood topic of summertime visitation in Texas for divorced parents. As our kids complete the school year and begin to contemplate days full of swimming pools and staying up late, if their parents are divorced a not always fun dance is about to begin.

How their parents handle themselves can have a tremendous effect on if the kids’ summer is an enjoyable one or not. Let’s discuss how summer visitation works in Texas.

STANDARD POSSESSION ORDER SUMMER VISITATION

The main determining factor in the number of days a parent has with their child in the summer is the distance that they live from one another. For the parent with whom the child does not primarily reside, a weekday visit on Thursdays during the school year is something that they lose as compared to a parent that does live within 100 miles of their child.

The reason that parents that live over 100 miles from the child do not have a Thursday visitation period from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. is logistical- having that parent drive at least 200 miles round trip every Thursday is not reasonable. During the summers those Thursday visits cease.

For weekend visitation, the time on a Friday that the parent needs to pick up their child for the weekend may change from after school lets out on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

This means that instead of being able to return your kids to school on Monday morning, the parent must return the child to their ex-spouse’s residence at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The loss of an overnight visit every other week is something that is not particularly welcomed This is not always the case, so if you are a divorced parent you will need to consult your Final Decree of Divorce to verify how it works in your situation.

EXTENDED PERIODS OF SUMMER VISITATION UNDER A STANDARD POSSESSION ORDER

April 1ST

Divorce Attorney in Houston – The other big change in the summer under a Standard Possession Order in Texas must do with extended periods of possession. If you are the parent with whom the child does not reside with primarily you know that by April 1st of each year it is your responsibility to communicate in writing your intention to take advantage of a 30-day period of extended summertime visitation.

If you fail to send in the requisite notice your Divorce Decree provides that your default period of possession of your child will be from July 1st to July 30th.

April 15TH

On the other hand, if you are the parent with whom the child resides with primarily you have two decisions to make associated with your own time with your child during the summer. By April 15th, you must choose a weekend during the other parent’s extended period of visitation.

Also, by this date or with at least two weeks’ notice you may also elect a regularly scheduled 1st, 3rd or 5th weekend not during the elected extended summer period that they take away the weekend from the other parent. In this way, the “primary” parent has an extended period of uninterrupted period of possession to go on a short vacation or other activity with the children.

WHEN DOES THE SUMMERTIME VISITATION PERIOD STOP?

Under a standard possession order the periods of visitation must be completed two Sundays prior to the beginning of the Fall semester of school. Children are creatures of habit, and in order to get them back into a routine the State legislature wants to allow them a week to get used to going to bed and waking up early.

A NOTE ON FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day is treated the same way as Mother’s Day, the only difference is that Father’s Day falls during the summer while Mother’s Day falls during the school year. Father’s Day weekend trumps any other weekend plans or selections of the mother. Dad will always get to see his child on Father’s Day weekend.

PROVIDING NOTICE OF YOUR SUMMER VISITATION INTENTIONS

Houston Family Attorney – As parents, you are relying on the other parent to provide notice during the April 1 to April 15 time period of when your ex-spouse intends to take advantage of their allotted summertime possession opportunities. It is important that this notice is timely received so both parents can prepare for how their time will be spent during a fairly significant chunk of time.

To provide proper notice each parent should review their Final Decree of Divorce to learn how their court orders read. If a parent must provide notice in writing, should it be done by email, text message or a co-parenting website like Our Family Wizard? Know well in advance what your decree requires and you can save yourself a lot of trouble. What sort of trouble, you may be asking? Read on to find out.

CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILING TO ABIDE BY YOUR DIVORCE DECREE

If you fail to follow the terms of your divorce decree you risk finding yourself back in court having to deal with an enforcement suit brought by your former spouse. An enforcement suit is a means by which your ex-spouse can seek the court’s assistance in having you abide by what your divorce decree orders you to do.

For example, if your ex-spouse notifies you in writing, with the correct amount of advance notice that they intend to see your child on a certain weekend during your 30-day period of extended visitation you need to make sure that your child sees their other parent. If you withhold the child or otherwise disrupt the weekend an enforcement can potentially be filed against you.

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan is here to help with Summer Visitation Questions

If you have a question … Continue Reading

[queerpyracy]

Keeping the waste from North Carolina’s hog industry out of the state’s waterways requires a complex set of steps.

The confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) that house most of the state’s 9.5 million hogsstore the animals’ waste in large, open-air lagoons that together hold enough fluid to fill 15,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. To prevent the lagoons from overflowing, the farm operations periodically dispose of the waste by spraying it onto nearby fields of feed crops, where it helps fertilize the soil. Or that’s the idea. But sometimes, the sludge from these facilities isn’t fit for spraying.

The state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires that hog farms provide a sample of the sludge—which contains feces, urine, and the water used to flush the barns—to the agency’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) within 60 days of applying it to spray fields with industrial sprinklers.

The state tests the samples for nitrogen and phosphorous as well as two heavy metals—zinc and copper, and the results determine how much sludge the operator can spray onto the land without overburdening the soil, creating runoff, and contaminating the groundwater and rivers. If levels are too high, the DWR may prohibit spraying entirely.

Now, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating the work of a watershed technician in the eastern part of the state who appears to have submitted samples that underrepresented the toxin levels in the pits—by more than 140,000 percent in one case.

In late March, Billy W. Houston, a 35-year Duplin County watershed technician working as a private consultant at the same job, submitted waste samples from 55 hog lagoons on 35 farms in two counties. The tests showed that the samples contained toxin levels substantially lower than those that showed up when the state retested the same lagoons less than a month later.

Will Hendrick, staff attorney for the Waterkeeper Alliance and manager of the North Carolina Pure Farms, Pure Waters campaign, said at first glance, the similarity of the toxin levels in the samples Houston submitted suggests they were collected from one or a few facilities and then passed off as if they’d been collected from the full 55 lagoons in question.

“But what I can say confidently,” he continued, “is there are significant disparities between what was submitted [by Houston] and what was actually in the lagoons as confirmed in an agency investigation.”

Hendrick does not think Houston is “a rogue bad actor—a single non-representative consultant,” he said, rather that the situation is representative of larger flaws in how the state manages the hog industry’s waste. “If there’s anything we know about the swine industry in North Carolina,” he said, it’s that it “tries to cut costs when it comes to waste management. That’s why it continues to employ this archaic technology instead of environmentally superior alternatives.”

Houston did not respond to a request for comment.

[Continue Reading]

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