Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

In response to an urgent need for low-cost, dignified, and quick-to-construct housing in sub-Saharan Africa brought on by accelerating rates of urbanization, the Bergen, Norway-based building tech startup Othalo is simultaneously seeking to tackle another pressing issue by incorporating the global surfeit of plastic waste into affordable new dwellings.

The patent-pending technology to manufacture building systems using recycled plastic waste developed by Othalo has caught the attention of UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, which marked World Habitat Day 2020 earlier this month in part by announcing a partnership with Othalo. The plan is to further develop the technology and complete three housing prototypes built from 100 percent recycled plastic waste within the next 18 months before moving to the mass production stage. There is only one technology in the world today that can do something real about Africas housing deficiency and the plastic waste problem, and that is Othalo, said Vincent Kitio of UN-Habitats Urban Energy division in a recent press statement.

The three pilot dwellings will be constructed in the rapidly growing cities of Nairobi, Kenya, Dakar, Senegal, and Yaound, the capital of Cameroon, using componentsroofing, flooring, wall partitions, etc.that have been manufactured in an Estonian factory. Following the pilot phase, a factory is planned to be built in Kenya.

The partnership comes after four years of research and development of the technology by Othalo founder Frank Cato Lahti, working alongside SINTEF, a 70-year-old independent research organization in Trondheim, Norway, and experts at the University of Troms. To help further realize Lahtis vision of mass-producing much-needed housing out of plastic waste for UN-Habitat-spearheaded developments in Africa, Othalo has teamed with Norwegian entrepreneur Silje Vallestad and Belgian-born architect and pre-BIG Bjarke Ingels partner Julien de Smedt of JDS Architects.

From the sounds of it, the team has their work cut out for them. As described by Othalo, 160 million new housing units are needed now to lift people out of slums on the outskirts of African cities and into sturdily-built, and considerably-designed homes. (Roughly 60 percent of people living in Africas urban areas live in unsafe and unsanitary informal settlements that lack basic infrastructure, per UN-Habitat). That number is expected to increase to 360 million homes within the next 30 years. Traditional building methods, described by the startup as being neither efficient, economical, nor sufficiently sustainable to succeed simply arent viable considering the urgency at hand.

Othalos tech-based solution makes use out locally-sourced waste plastic, which theres certainly no shortage of. As noted by UN-Habitat, from 1990 to 2017 African countries imported roughly 230 metric tons of waste plastic, with the bulk of it winding up in dump sites. One 645-square-foot Othalo home involves the upcycling of eight tons of plastic waste according to the startup. This may seem like a lot but, again, theres plenty of the material to go around.

Like the sourcing of waste plastic, Othalo aims to keep the manufacturing of housing components local to spur new economic opportunities. Vallestad describes Othalos vision as being like a Kinder Egg, serving three-gifts-in one: affordable quality houses for the one billion who live in slums, large-volume recycling of plastic and job creation.

Othalo imagines that the technology can have a wide range of applications beyond housing that it hopes to eventually expand into including mobile storage units for food and medical supplies, refugee shelters, and larger modular buildings like schools and hospitals. Design renderings of Othalos housing developments being planned with UN-Habitat depict boxy, stacked apartment blocks made of interlocking modules accented by splashes of color, shaded outdoor terraces, and social spaces, and irregularly shaped windows. Climatically appropriate, playful, and responsive to and respectful of local customs and traditions, the Othalo housing system is intended to be safe and accessible to all.

In thinking new environments we will set our focus towards the co-creation of living conditions in direct partnership with the local communities and end users, said de Smedt in a statement. What we find particularly uplifting in our approach as a company and as architects is the desire to bridge the manufacturing world with the one of the local crafts and culture.

Visit link:
Norwegian startup Othalo eyes plastic waste recycling to solve the housing crisis - The Architect's Newspaper

In the upcoming research study on the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market by Future Market Insights (FMI) is a valuable source of information for market players vying to establish a strong foothold in the current Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market landscape. The detailed assessment of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market offers domestic as well as international market players a clear picture of the prospective growth opportunities in various geographies.

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a slowdown in business activities of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market. With the help of our upcoming report, market players can gain important insights on alternative strategies that can help in revenue generation. Learn which countries are flourishing amidst the Coronavirus era and how your product offerings can reach the right target consumer. The leading factors that are likely to impact the growth of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market over the assessment period are thoroughly analyzed in the report.

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Various Segments of the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals Market Evaluated in the Report:

On the basis of application process, the global air duct cleaning chemicals market can be segmented as:

On the basis of application, the global air duct cleaning chemicals market can be segmented as:

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis chapter of the report sheds light on the major developments of the prominent players operating in the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market. The report provides information related to the recent mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic alliances within the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market. Further, the pricing, sales, promotional, and marketing strategies of each company are enclosed in the report.

Prominent players profiled in the report:

In-depth Analysis on How Businesses Can Bounce Back from COVID-19 Crisis https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/353033

Important queries addressed in the report:

Crucial data that can be drawn from the Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals market report:

About Us:

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends.

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Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals Market to Suffer Slight Decline in 2020, Efforts to Mitigate Coronavirus-related Disruptions Ramp Up - The Think Curiouser

NORRISTOWN Montgomery County Commissioners authorized more than $2.7 million worth of contracts last week as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues, and the county prepares for an unprecedented voting turnout in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Of the seven new and amended agreements that were presented during last Thursdays Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting, the contract between the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety and Motorola Solutions Inc., of Chicago, tops the list as the most expensive, coming in at a whopping $1,991,234.40.

The nearly $2 million agreement covers the upgrade of over-the-air management of all APX subscriber radios on the new public radio system used by public safety staff, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, the contract states.

This radio system upgrade will eliminate the person-to-person, or person-to-device, contact that is necessary to make radio programming changes, the contract states.

A $450,000 contract with multiple providers covers temporary staffing services required to answer the high volume of telephone calls related to the 2020 general election.

The six-figure contract is between the countys Office of Voter Services and the following firms.

As for the potential for high volume of calls, the countys voter services office cited the relocation of polling places and increased requests for mail-in ballots.

A previously approved contract between the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and INX Indoor Air Quality, of Exton was amended during last weeks meeting.

Officials authorized another $189,040 for the suburban company to provide for air duct cleaning services for the prisons heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system as the services and equipment [were] determined to be necessary outside of the original estimated project costs, according to the contract amendment.

The contract figure now stands at $494,040.

A $43,471 agreement between the countys IT department and New Era Technology of Islandia, N.Y., provides for additional SIP core licenses for the countys remote workforce.

The commissioners approved several contracts dealing with the Montgomery County Office of Health and Human Services.

An additional $15,000 was authorized for influenza vaccination scheduling services. The initial agreement between the county health department and HMFDF Inc. dba Solv Health, of San Francisco, is now valued at $42,000.

A $25,398 agreement with Safeware Inc., of Lanham, Md., covers disposable gloves for health workers at the countys area COVID-19 testing sites. According to the contracts, the gloves were made available through a U.S. Communities Cooperative Contract

Additionally, a $12,000 contract with TJ Billing Company of Lafayette Hill provides for insurance claim submission services for COVID[-19] tests for the [Montgomery County] Office of Public Health.

According to the contract, the rates must not exceed $6.75 for new tests and $8.20 for previous tests, and the amendment provides for set-up with eight insurance carriers to enable electronic billing.

The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 29.

Read more here:
Montgomery County approves $2.7M in contracts related to pandemic and election - The Reporter

OAK FOREST, IL An early voting kick off event will take place at the Oak Forest City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave. on Monday, Oct. 19. The event begins at 8 a.m.

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6th) is hosting the suburban Cook early voting kick-off event, with Mayor Henry Kuspa, Dana London from Cook County Clerk's office, Karen Wingfield-Bond, Clerk-Village of Lynwood, and Joan Klarich from the League of Women Voters Palos Orland League.

"The most fundamental right in a democracy is the right to vote." Miller said. "Let us not forget that not all citizens were afforded that right in this country, rather it took decades of struggle to attain that right, and we must never take it for granted."

"I'm reminded of the late great Civil Rights Leader, Voting Rights Champion and Congressman John Lewis who said, 'The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it,'" Miller said.

For inquiries and to confirm attendance, email:

Continue reading here:
Stroll To The Polls Event At Oak Forest City Hall - Oak Forest, IL Patch

3. Damp Mop and DustAccording to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the act of dusting can actually make allergies worse, since the cloud of dust stirred up can make sufferers sneeze, and get stuffy noses and watery or red, itchy eyes. To avoid dust and the tiny dust mites that feed off of it, avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in bedrooms. If youre the sufferer, wear an N95 mask while youre cleaning (and for a couple hours after, while the dust settles); if a family member is sensitive to dust, its best to ask them to leave for the few hours it takes to clean the house. Get rid of unnecessary clutter, which is a dust magnet, and dampen your microfiber dusting cloth before swiping it across a surface, so that youre not circulating the dust.4. Test Your Air Quality

Air quality testers use laser beams and electrochemical sensors to determine pollutants in the air. While noted tech-testing site Wirecutter cautions against investing in a pricey air quality monitor since these devices only report and dont remedy the problem, the sites product testers allow that it can still be helpful to have a finer assessment of your homes air quality than just looking up your neighborhood AQI. The Temtop M10 monitor is a sleek little cube thats relatively affordable at $80 and detects particles in the air, volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde. One user said she had the monitor in a nearby room when she opened a bottle of nail polish and the HCHO (formaldehyde) and TVOC (total volatile organic compounds) numbers skyrocketed and didnt go down for hours.

You track in pollutants on your shoes, and your home is a veritable soup of dead skin cells, animal dander and whatever wafts in the windows from nearby roadways, according to Todd Nelson at Studio City Vacuum and Sewing. Theres no point in having any air purifier if youre just moving dust around with your vacuum, he says, so he recommends skipping the bagless models because almost all of them spew dust. Look for a model that has a HEPA filter, in addition to other filters (i.e., charcoal for odors), such as a Miele model that uses its cloth dust bags as filters. While the expense of a high-end vacuum might be daunting (Miele, for example, ranges from $400 to $1,500), refurbished models are often available at licensed retailers for half the cost of a new model.

Read more from the original source:
6 Way to Improve Your Home Air Quality (And 1 Solution Thats a Waste of Time) - PureWow

Vote yes on OOB Question 1

To the editor,

For a town in which I was born, and one where Ill spend my golden years walking the beaches and drinking coffee and enjoying lively discussions at the Ocean Park Sub and Grocery, I am deeply committed to preserving a safe and prosperous Old Orchard Beach for generations to come. That is why Im voting YES on Question 1.

Question 1 will bond $23.5 million so that we can finally fix our aging wastewater system. As a Planning Board member, I know first-hand that our system is not capable of growing with us. There have been a number of new developments in town that weve approved, but we could not put them on the current sewer system because of capacity issues. These developments have had to install private septic tanks to process their waste, which is not ideal.

We can no longer put off the inevitable long-term repairs required to keep the wastewater system functional. Its impossible to find replacement parts; the odor is terrible and we need to expand capacity. These are all things weve needed to do for 20 years.

I volunteer with the State of Maines Healthy Beaches organization, testing water quality to make sure that we are continually meeting State of Maine standards water quality standards. It is critical that we protect our watershed and our beaches to provide a safe environment for our residents, businesses and guests to enjoy. We risk our future if we dont invest in it today. Please join me in voting YES on Question 1 this November. We may never get this opportunity again.

David WalkerOld Orchard Beach

Re-elect Susan Deschambault, SD 32

To the editor,

With the turmoil created by the pandemic, economic recession, and current political climate, re-electing Susan Deschambault to the SD 32 seat in the Maine State Senate is essential. Senator Deschambault consistently represents the needs of our community at the state level, and her record of success speaks to her leadership.

Senator Deschambault cares about fixing our health care system which we need now more than ever. She has worked to lower the cost of prescription drugs, ensured Mainers cannot be denied health care coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and believes that no one should be thrown into poverty because of unexpected illness.

Senator Deschambault cares about community safety a conversation that requires experienced leadership to navigate. Not only was she Biddefords first-ever female police commissioner, she also worked for the Department of Corrections as a social worker for more than 40 years. This breadth of experience in criminal justice, rehabilitation, and community support is essential to tackling the questions of safety and security for all that face us anew today.

To tackle the complex issues ahead, we must re-elect Susan Deschambault to the Maine State Senate. I hope you will join me in voting for Susan Deschambault to represent Maine SD 32.

Stephanie EdwardsBiddeford

To the editor,

As a middle school teacher with over 20 years of experience, one of the great joys of my career is witnessing former students become successful, contributing members of their community. This is why I was elated to get word that one of my former students, Joshua Parks, was running for the School Board in Saco. As a student, I found Josh passionate about learning and invested in his school. His witty sense of humor and overall respect for his peers and teachers made him a favorite to all that associated with him. It is because of these skills that he developed early in his schooling, that I was not surprised to hear that he was voted as president of the Student Senate while attending Southern Maine Community College. Josh is, and always has been, someone that looks out for people and wants what is best for his community. I couldnt be happier that he is running for school board and will be encouraging my friends and family to vote for Joshua Parks in the upcoming election on Nov. 3.

Robert LePauloueThornton Academy Middle School teacher

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Letters to the editor Oct. 15 - Portland Press Herald - pressherald.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Mount Vernon will receive sealed bids for FUEL, required for the year 2021, with an option to renew the contract for a second year at the same cost, all in accordance with plans and specifications, now on file in the Office of the Safety-Service Director. Bids must be received on or before 11:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020. The bid specs may be picked up from the Safety-Service Directors Office at 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon, OH. (Also available electronically upon request to safetyservice@mountvernonohio.org) All bids must be sealed and plainly marked FUEL BID on the outside envelope, and delivered to the Safety-Service Directors Office.

Each bid must contain the full name of every person or company interested in same, and be accompanied by a bond in the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) to the satisfaction of the Director, or a certified check on some solvent bank as a guaranty that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and its performance properly secured.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding. Should any bid be rejected such check will be forthwith returned to the bidder and should any bid be accepted, such check will be returned upon the proper execution and securing of the contract.

Richard Dzik

Safety Service Director

October 14 & 21, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that on the 2nd of November, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Clinton Township House, 350 Johnson Ave, Mount Vernon, Ohio there will be a public hearing at the request of Theophilus Properties LLC to rezone 13130 Pleasant Valley Road.

Jennifer Hubbard,

Fiscal Officer

October 14, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that on the 9th of November, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Clinton Township House, 350 Johnson Ave, Mount Vernon, Ohio there will be a public hearing at the request of Ronald Ross LLC, to rezone 13298 New Delaware Rd.

Jennifer Hubbard,

Fiscal Officer

October 14, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Mount Vernon will receive sealed bids forLime (Water Department), Sodium, Chlorite, Water Meters, Waterline Repairs/Supplies; required for the year2021, all in accordance with plans and specifications, now on file in the Office of the Safety-Service Director. Bids must be received on or before 11:00 a.m. onTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020, when they will be publicly opened. The bid specifications may be picked up from the Safety-Service Directors Office at 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon, OH. (Also available electronically upon request tosafetyservice@mount

vernonohio.org) All bids must be sealed and plainly marked on the outside envelope with the name of the item upon which you are bidding and delivered to the Safety-Service Directors Office located in City Hall at 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.

Each bid must contain the full name of every person or company interested in same, and be accompanied by a bond in the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) to the satisfaction of the Director, or a certified check on some solvent bank as a guaranty that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and its performance properly secured.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding. Should any bid be rejected such check will be forthwith returned to the bidder and should any bid be accepted, such check will be returned upon the proper execution and securing of the contract.

Richard Dzik

Safety Service Director

October 14 & 21, 2020

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, KNOX COUNTY, OHIO DIVISION OF

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Case No.20DC05-0101

Hon. Judge Richard Wetzel

LACEY N. LIPTAK

164 Grand Ridge Road

Howard, Ohio 43028

DOB: 11/14/1992

Plaintiff,

vs.

CHRISTOPHER LIPTAK

DOB: 01/31/1991,

Defendant,

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

TAKE NOTICE:Christopher Liptak whose last known address was 700 Melvin Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 and whose present address cannot be ascertained, will take notice that Lacey N. Liptak, Plaintiff, has filed a Complaint against him in the Knox County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, Case Number 20DC05-0101.

Further take notice, the Answer date will be DECEMBER 9, 2020.

Christy Milligan Station

Clerk of Courts

Knox County Court of

Common Pleas

117 East High Street, Suite 201 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

JOHN S. DILTS, (#0040883)

Attorney for Lacey N. Liptak

28 South Park Street

Mansfield, Ohio 44902

(419) 525-0777 Telephone

(419) 525-0150 Facsimile

September 30, 2020 & October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2020 & November 4 & 11, 2020

Happy Ads

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Creta and Joe Berger

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Please be aware!

Our Shoppers Mart

Deadline has changed!!!

Please have your ad scheduled by

Wednesday 2:00 PM

Personals

Single, hard-working, Christian man, 41, seeks a Christian lady 28-40, who is ready to be a companion and helpmate.

Send reply to Drawer # 99611,

c/o the Mount Vernon News,

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Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Business Opportunities

- Perfect spot forFOOD TRAILER LOCATION

- Extra large adjoining shed for

storage

- City water

- Frontage on Harcourt Road

Corner parcel lot with asphalt parking. Electric is accessible, $300 a month.

Call 614-620-4321.

*****NOTICE*****

Investigate before you invest. Call the Ohio Division of Securities BEFORE purchasing an investment. Call the Divisions Investor Protection Hotline at 800-788-1194 to learn if the investment is properly registered and if the seller is properly licensed.

This notice is a public service of the Mount Vernon News.

Mortgage/Loans

LENDING OPPORTUNITIES

**********NOTICE***********

Borrow Smart. Contact the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions Office of Consumer Affairs BEFORE you refinance your home or obtain a loan. BEWARE of requests for any large advance payment of fees or insurance. Call the Office of Consumer Affairs toll free at 1-866-278-0003 to learn if the mortgage broker or lender is properly licensed. This notice is a public service announcement ofThe Mount Vernon News.

Help Wanted

SUBWAY of Mount Vernon

and Centerburg is

NOW HIRING ALL SHIFTS.

Please complete an application by visitingwww.subway.com, click on CAREERS and then LOCAL RESTAURANT JOBS, select UNITED STATES and finally click on APPLY NOW. Use the 43050 or 43011 zip code to apply at any of our locations. No calls please.

Knox County Park District (O.R.C. 1545) is accepting resumes for a part-time (no benefits but PERS) for an Operations Manager. Position maintains Park District parks, trails, bike trails and river accesses. Work requires mowers, chainsaws, hand and power tools, trash removal and more. This job is physically demanding and requires work outdoors in all weather conditions. Must have valid Ohio Driver license and clean record, submit to a background check, drug screening and medical physical. HS diploma or GED required, 6 months related experience preferred, and agree to complete a pesticide applicators license within one year of employment. Send resumes to: Knox County Park District, OM Position, PO Box 509, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. Deadline must be postmarked by October 16, 2020. NO WALK-IN APPLICANTS OR PHONE CALLS.

AREA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, INC.

Administrative Specialist

The Administrative Specialist performs detail-oriented administrative functions and support to the Foundation. The successful candidate will demonstrate exemplary interpersonal and organizational skills. Furthermore, they will demonstrate excellent follow-through, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, flexibility and discretion with sensitive information. A high degree of professionalism is also required.

For more information visit:

http://www.knoxadf.com

Let Mancan scare up a

new job for you!

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Oct. 14, 2020 Classified Ads - Mount Vernon News

Living in a toxin-free environment is essential to peoples mental and physical health. Being exposed to chemicals from pollution in soil, air, and water has wide ranging health effects including acute asthma symptoms, hormone disruption, decreased mental ability, and cancer. A U.S. national environmental quality index determined that there are over 30 more cases of cancer in counties with poor environmental quality than in counties with the least exposure to toxins in the air, water, and soil (approximately a seven percent increase).[1]

In addition to being a health issue, a toxin-free environment is also a quality-of-life issue with equity implications. Across the United States, low-income communities and communities of color are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins. Facilities using toxic substances that can pollute the soil, air, and water are often located in low-income, non-white neighborhoods.[2] The demographics are similar for neighborhoods containing hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal plants.[3] Additionally, studies have shown that within cities, low-income neighborhoods are exposed to higher levels of air pollution from highways and factories, putting residents at higher risk for acute asthma attacks and other illnesses.[4]

In an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranking of environmental pollution in metropolitan areas in the United States, called the Risk Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI), the District of Columbia ranks 576 out of 2,357 localities.[5] D.C. is a dense urban environment. As such, every ward in the District has some exposure to chemicals that are released by daily activities including personal transportation, household behavior, and commercial activity. However, given the Districts RSEI ranking in the top quartile of counties, we wondered what environmental hazards exist here? Where in the city are these hazards concentrated? What does that mean for the health and health equity of District residents?

A survey of the Districts environmental hazards, their locations, and their impacts follows, examining soil contamination, air pollution, and water pollution. Overall, we have found that residents of Wards 4, 5, and 6 are disproportionately exposed to chemicals in the soil, air, and water from sources outside of daily activity.[6]

In the District, as in the rest of the United States, there is contaminated land due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out, or improperly managed. Soil contamination can happen if hazardous chemicals are spilled or improperly disposed of, as well as if contaminated soil migrates to uncontaminated areas. Contamination can occur if chemicals are not stored properly, during the application of fertilizers or pesticides, and through chemical and industrial processes. People then can be exposed to chemicals by breathing in contaminated dust, touching contaminated soil, or eating food grown in contaminated soil, in turn impacting their health.

The most common element polluting soil in D.C. is leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs). These tanks often hold petroleum and sewage, which contain bacteria and chemicals that are harmful to human health. Brownfields, or sites where future use is affected by environmental contamination, are the next most common soil contaminant contributors, and are concentrated in parts of the city where there has been significant development in recent years. More brownfields may be found in the future as more properties around the city are redeveloped. Superfund sites represent the lowest number of soil contamination sites in the District and are largely driven by dry cleaners. The majority of superfund sites are located in Wards 4 and 6.

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are tanks and underground piping connected to tanks, with at least ten percent of the container volume below ground. They can hold toxic materials including but not limited to hazardous waste, regulated substances, septic materials, wastewater, oil, and gasoline (petroleum). USTs are a potential hazard if they contain toxic chemicals that leak into the soil and groundwater. Congress began regulating USTs in 1984, creating protocols for tank installation, design, corrective action, and closure to minimize tank leaks. As of 2005, USTs are inspected every three years to identify leaks and other potential issues.[7] Since 1987, officials have identified 1847 leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) in the District, the majority of which have been cleaned up and had their leaks corrected.

D.C.s underground storage tanks are regulated locally by the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program. DOEE has identified leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) and engaged in cleanup efforts to protect against adverse effects of petroleum, petroleum related products, and hazardous materials.

DOEE has established standards for chemical levels in order to protect the health and safety of District residents. The department tests soil for many chemicals found in oil, gas, and hazardous materials including total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), gasoline range organics, and diesel range organics. Additionally, groundwater is tested for many chemicals including lead, benzene, and toluene.[8] The health effects of these chemicals require more study and are dependent on the amount and type (skin, air, water, etc.) of exposure.

Nonetheless, some health effects of chemical exposure are known. Lead exposure can cause damage to childrens developing nervous system resulting in IQ loss and impacts on learning, memory, behavior, and growth; kidney (renal) effects in adults; anemia; reproductive disorders; and neurological impairments. Studied health disorders related to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) include skin and eye irritation, breathing and neurologic problems, and stress. TPHs impact mental health and induce physical and physiological effects, and are potentially toxic to genetic, immune, and endocrine systems. The long-term effects of TPHs in humans are not fully understood yet and certain symptoms may persist for years after exposure.[9] TPHs and Benzene have also been linked to cancer in medical studies.[10] At present, there is not enough data to determine if Ethylbenzene and Xylenes, other chemicals found in petroleum, cause cancer.

Since 1987, the District has registered 1847 leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs). The good news is most of these sites have now been cleaned up. As of 2020, only 130 of those 1847 tanks have not completed cleanup and are still currently active, potentially damaging and contaminating nearby soil and groundwater. While LUSTs have been remediated and cleaned up in every ward in the District, a higher proportion of Ward 2 LUSTs have been cleaned up and resolved than LUSTs in other wards. While Ward 2 held 18.9 percent of leaking underground storage tanks over the last 30 years,[11] it currently accounts for 8.46 percent of active leaking sites (11/130).

A brownfield is a property where development and reuse of land are hindered by previous contamination by hazardous substances. The District employs voluntary cleanup programs (VCP) to incentivize the cleanup of brownfields by owners or developers who did not cause the contamination. Brownfields, or sites contaminated by hazardous substances, are eligible for voluntary cleanup programs if they are not listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys National Priority List and are not the subject of a current cleanup action by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Environmental Health Administration.

When a community has questions about a site, or a site is up for redevelopment, an environmental site assessment is conducted by DOEE to understand the environmental conditions of the property and determine if there are potential threats to the environment or human health. These assessments include reviewing records of the property, visually inspecting the site, sampling and testing the soil and groundwater, and developing plans for cleanup such that the property meets the Districts environmental standards. Because an assessment is initiated by community concern or redevelopment, known brownfields may be more highly concentrated in areas with intense development. This means additional brownfields may exist that have not yet been identified.

The majority of identified brownfields in the District, both cleaned up and active, are located in Ward 6. Of the active sites, or sites that have not yet completed cleanup, the most sites are located in Wards 6, 7, and 5, in respective order.

A superfund site is another example of land with soil contamination due to hazardous and improperly managed chemicals. Superfund sites differ from brownfields in that the cleanup of superfund sites involves coordination with the EPA. Often, superfund sites are on the National Priorities List (NPL), a list of the nations worst hazard sites. These sites can include manufacturing facilities, military activity, dry cleaners, and landfills. Common contaminants found at superfund sites include lead, asbestos, dioxin, and radiation.[12] Health effects of these chemicals include cancer, lung disease, neurological effects, and endocrine disruption. The EPA cleans up these contaminated sites or funds local governments to do the cleanup.

There are 29 superfund sites in D.C., and none of them are on the national priority list, which means the EPA does not include them among the nations most hazardous waste sites. While we do not know the chemicals released for all, we know that 9 of 20 are associated with dry cleaners, one is a gardening center, one site is associated with a mercury spill that happened at Ballou High School in 2003, one is a medical facility, one is the result of a protest march to the EPA headquarters when protestors left drums filled with contaminated water, one is a previous landfill which is now a part of the National Park System, and others have to do with previous land use (such as the munitions plant in Navy Yard).

We also know the location of the sites that the EPA is actively cleaning up. The majority of superfund sites in the District are located in Wards 4 and 6 (with six sites each), while Wards 3 and 5 have the fewest sites (two each).

In addition to contaminated soil, residents of the District are also exposed to air pollution: mainly ozone and particulate matter. Air pollution affects residents ability to breathe and can exacerbate asthma prevalence and symptoms in both children and adults. Known harmful chemicals for which levels are tested under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) include ground-level ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, lead, and carbon monoxide.

Ward 1 has the highest concentration of ozone, largely driven by vehicle exhaust. Ward 7 has the highest levels of particulate matter (known as PM 2.5).

Health impacts of these chemicals can include inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing, acute asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases, and aggravated heart (cardiovascular) diseases. Specifically:

Air pollution has been connected to mental, neurological, and respiratory health. The Center for Disease Controls (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey shows that D.C.s child and adult asthma rates of lifetime prevalence are significantly higher than the national averages.[13] When data is disaggregated by race, it is revealed that white children in the District have lifetime rates of 6.5 percent while Black children have asthma rates of 23 percent.[14] Besides having disparate rates of asthma, there are also disparate rates of acute asthma attacks in D.C., resulting in emergency room visits. While there are many causes of asthma including poverty, stress, and other health conditions, neighborhoods with higher percentages of Black residents have more air pollution than neighborhoods with majority white residents.

There are five main locations where air pollution data is collected by DOEE, located at Takoma Recreation Center, McMillan Reservoir, Hains Point, River Terrace Site, and Anacostia Freeway.[15] Not every site collects the same information, but generally information is collected on ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The District stopped monitoring lead in 2016 because levels were consistently below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). D.C. levels for all other pollutants have gone down over time and are currently within all NAAQS with the exception of ozone. Nonetheless, even air pollution levels within acceptable safety standards can adversely affect health.

The largest air pollution challenge in the District is ozone, for which D.C. and surrounding counties in Virginia and Maryland receive a marginal nonattainment designation, meaning we are within 11 parts per billion (ppb) of the standard for which air is safe for sensitive populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Transportation, especially exhaust from personal motor vehicles, is a leading creator of ground-level ozone.

The monitoring site at McMillan Reservoir, located near Howard University, had the highest average concentrations of ozone and sulfur dioxide in 2019. This site, in 2019, also had the most days of ozone at dangerous levels (5 days) and particulate matter (PM 2.5) at dangerous levels (2 days). Particulate matter above dangerous levels[16] was also observed at both of Ward 7s monitoring sites for at least one day in 2019. The two sites in Ward 7, located at the Anacostia Freeway and River Terrace, both had higher averages of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide than the other monitoring sites in the District.

COVID-19 has changed the volume of commuter traffic coming into the District, affecting the amount of air pollution. So far in 2020, there have been no days where the concentration of ozone reached dangerous levels. However, patterns have largely remained the same for differences in averages across sites from 2019 to 2020. The average levels of particulate matter and ozone for 2020 are shown below.

Air quality is worsened by urban heat islands, as heat and pollution can work in conjunction to make breathing challenging. As previously documented by the D.C. Policy Center, the District has uneven heat distribution, with the city center experiencing the most heat and least vegetation and neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park having the most trees and coolest temperatures. Increased pollution in the center and east sections of the city, coupled with increased heat from the built environment, worsens air quality for residents and has the potential to trigger acute asthma attacks.[17]

Water in the District is contaminated by waste released into the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and overflow from the combined sewer and rainwater systems. Bodies of water in the District have been deemed impaired for human and aquatic life due to high levels of bacteria (E. coli), high pH, low levels of dissolved oxygen, and high turbidity (the degree to which the water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particulates). There are several permit holders in the District that are allowed to release waste into the water. These sources of contamination are concentrated in the Anacostia River just as air and soil pollution are more concentrated in the southeast portion of the city than the northwest.

DC Water, the Districts water and sewer authority, collects wastewater in both separate and combined pipes. Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) pipes cover about a third of D.C., draining rainwater and storm overflow into the same sewer pipes that collect liquid from toilets, tubs, and sinks. These CSOs overflow in times of heavy, prolonged rain, letting the excess flow enter directly into the Districts rivers and creeks, namely into the Anacostia River, Rock Creek Park, and Potomac River.[18]

For small amounts of rainfall, the overflow from CSOs typically lasts less than 24 hours. However, with over an inch of rain, the effects of CSOs on water quality can persist up to three days.[19] CSOs are a concern in the District as they contain harmful bacteria to people in addition to compounds, like nitrogen, that contribute to low dissolved oxygen levels in water: potentially killing fish.

Rain can thus cause violations of water standards, as fecal coliform bacteria present in sewage mixes with rainwater and flows into Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Anacostia River. Due to flow and location of CSOs, the southeast section of the city is exposed to the most water pollution from the sewer system, while Ward 3 is exposed to none.

Under the Clean Water Act, people and companies are prohibited from polluting in bodies of water. However, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits can be acquired from the EPA to discharge substances into bodies of water (pursuant to safety standards). In the District, there are currently seven companies with active permits. Pollution in the water can include substances such as radioactive material; sand; and chemical, industrial, and agricultural waste.[20]

These permit holders include:

Of the Districts waterways, the Potomac and Anacostia rivers most frequently receive pollution from permit holders in the District (3 current permits each). Most permit holders have been industrial (9 permits), with one permit for wastewater and one for the DC Water and Sewage Authority (Blue Plains). Most of the permits are still active, except for the JFK Center, Navy Yard, Pepco, and the Washington Aqueduct Division.

The District monitored 36 waterbody segments over a period from January 2015 to June 2019 (2020 reporting period), and found that while water quality is improving, bodies of water in the District are still impaired for human health and aquatic life. This impairment is largely due to high levels of bacteria (E. coli), high pH, low levels of dissolved oxygen, and high turbidity (the degree to which the water loses its transparency due to the presence of suspended particulates).

In comparison with the Potomac River, the Anacostia River has higher levels of E. coli bacteria and exceeds standards for dissolved oxygen and turbidity. In the Anacostia watershed, Kingman Lake has the highest number of samples of any in the District exceeding turbidity standards, with as many as 43.16 percent of samples not meeting the District standard.

Rock Creek tributaries exceeded turbidity standards significantly less than Anacostia tributaries, with averages of 4.23 percent and 25.37 percent of samples that did not meet standards, respectively.

Samples from the Potomac River had higher numbers of exceedances of safety standards for pH levels, although exceedances remained less than 6 percent of samples.[21]

Wards 4, 5, and 6 collectively have the most environmental pollution in the District in terms of soil and air exposure. In addition, heavy rains divert sewer water into the Potomac and Anacostia rivers which flow to the southeast of the city, and permit holders can potentially release toxic materials into bodies of water that flow to southeast D.C.

Soil contamination from LUSTS, brownfields, and superfund sites are concentrated in Wards 4, 5, and 6. Additionally, while air monitoring sites in Ward 7 experienced heightened levels of certain chemicals, the monitoring site at McMillian Reservoir (Ward 1) experienced the highest average levels of ground-level ozone in 2019, the only chemical for which D.C. is not within standard limits. As such, the wards in the District with the highest area median income and highest levels of white residents (Ward 3) are the least affected by environmental toxins examined in this report.

Datasets on Superfund sites, air quality monitors, and water pollution permit holders come from the Environmental Protection Agency. Datasets on leaking underground storage containers and voluntary cleanup sites come from the Department of Energy and the Environment. The shapefile containing the combined sewer overflow system comes from the Office of the Chief Technology Officer.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

[1] Percentage based on National Cancer Institute 2011-2015 averages of 439 new cancer cases per year.

Gomez, S. L., Shariff-Marco, S., Cheng, I., & Reynolds, P. (2017). Impact of the environment on cancer: Seeing the forest for the trees. Cancer, 123(15), 2796-2797. doi:10.1002/cncr.30711

Cancer Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics

[2] Collins, M. B., Munoz, I., & Jaja, J. (2016). Linking toxic outliers to environmental justice communities. Environmental Research Letters, 11(1), 015004. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/11/1/015004

[3] Mohai, P., & Saha, R. Which came first, people or pollution? Assessing the disparate siting and post-siting demographic change hypotheses of environmental injustice. (2015, November 18). Retrieved October 12, 2020, from http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/10/11/115008/meta

[4] Gochfeld, M., & Burger, J. (2011, December). Disproportionate exposures in environmental justice and other populations: The importance of outliers. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222496/

[5] This ranking, called the the Risk Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI), is calculated by the EPA for states and counties. It uses a formula that takes into account a given chemicals toxicity to people, as well as the amount of that chemical that is released into the environment. It should be noted that the methodology of the RSEI ranking doesnt distinguish between the number of people that are exposed or the area in which the chemical is released. In other words, the RSEI is not a ranking of the total environmental risk to its population, but instead is based on the initial release of toxins by volume, and not how they work through the environment over time.

Where You Live. (2020, February 11). Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis/where-you-live

[6] While this paper is not an exhaustive list of all sources of toxins in the built environment in the District, it provides ward-level breakdowns of many environmental dangers and their potential side effects.

[7] Learn About Underground Storage Tanks (USTs). (2020, September 29). Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/ust/learn-about-underground-storage-tanks-usts

[8] Concentrations in soil are not to exceed the following amounts: Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) gasoline range organics (GRO) or diesel range organics (DRO) concentrations in soil shall be no greater than one hundred milligrams per kilogram (100 mg/kg); Individual constituent concentrations of BTEX in soil shall not exceed benzene (0.005 mg/kg), toluene (9.6 mg/kg), ethylbenzene (0.04 mg/kg), and total xylenes (3.86 mg/kg). In groundwater, concentrations of chemicals are not to exceed these amounts: Lead, 50 parts per billion (ppb); Benzene, 5 ppb; Toluene, 1,000 ppb; Ethylbenzene, 700 ppb; and Total Xylenes 10,000 ppb.

[9] Kuppusamy, Saranya & Naga Raju, Maddela & Mallavarapu, Megharaj & Kadiyala, Venkateswarlu. (2020). Impact of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons on Human Health. 10.1007/978-3-030-24035-6_6.

[10] Brewer, R., Nagashima, J., Kelley, M., Heskett, M., & Rigby, M. (2013, June 13). Risk-based evaluation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in vapor intrusion studies. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717746/

[11] Of the 1847 LUSTs registered in the District, 1732 of them had addresses listed. This represents approximately 94% of the data. The analysis of total LUST data is based on this 94% sample for which we have addresses.

[12] Contaminants at Superfund Sites. (2018, June 04). Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/superfund/contaminants-superfund-sites

[13] D.C. has a child asthma rate of 16.45 percent versus the United States average of 11.4 percent. The District has an adult asthma rate of 17.7 percent versus the United States average of 14.5 percent.

[14] Table L4: Child Lifetime Asthma Prevalence and Weighted Number by Race and State or Territory: BRFSS 2018. (2020, April 06). Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/brfss/2018/child/tableL4.html

[15] There is one additional air quality monitors located at Verizon Telephone. However, this monitor only collects data on carbon monoxide.

Ambient Air Quality Trends Report 1996-2019. Monitoring and Assessment Branch Air Quality Division, Department of Energy and Environment. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/2020%20Ambient%20Air%20Quality%20Trends%20Report.pdf

[16] PM 2.5 concentrations are considered dangerous when over a daily average of 12.0 g/m3.

[17] High Heat, Air Pollution, Air Quality Create Problems for People with Asthma. (2018, July 17). Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://community.aafa.org/blog/high-heat-air-pollution-air-quality-create-problems-for-people-with-asthma

[18] Diverting overflow into the creeks prevents flooding of private property.

[19] Combined Sewer System. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.dcwater.com/css

[20] NPDES Permit Basics. (2020, August 03). Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-permit-basics

[21] District of Columbia Water Quality Assessment 2020 Integrated Report. Retrieved from https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/publication/attachments/2020%20IR%2006-25-2020.pdf

D.C. Policy Center Fellows are independent writers, and we gladly encourage the expression of a variety of perspectives. The views of our Fellows, published here or elsewhere, do not reflect the views of the D.C. Policy Center.

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The geography of environmental toxins in the District of Columbia - The D.C. Policy Center

By Dan Perkins

Our Beginning: Dan Perkins Construction started as a remodeling company in Massachusetts in 1986. A decade later, when I, Dan, and my wife Pam moved to Michigan, I changed the focus of my company to metal roofing. We settled in Ishpeming, Pams hometown. The city is located in the heart of Michigans Upper Peninsula (UP), the northernmost area of the state between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The UP holds a third of the states land mass and a mere 3% of its population, yet yields most of its snow accumulation.

Awed by the effects of 200-300 of snow on the buildings of the UPeverything from car-size ice dams to collapsed roof structures to the spectacle of people coming home from work and shoveling their roofs, I decided to focus my business on metal roofing with the idea that we could slide the loads off of the roofs before they became problematic.

This was the beginning of an adventure that included instant success and many failures. Our promise of a roof that slid snow was wildly popular and within a year of offering this product, we had 30 employees, slapping down pole barn panels over asphalt roofs as fast as we could cover them. There were some issues. When other contractors saw us taking a big share of the roofing market, a bunch jumped in to compete. But the real challenge came when many of our roofs failed.

Crew member Nick Constantino carefully aligns a metal panel on a steep-pitch roof.

Several rooflines converge in a single point, requiring precise measurements and careful planning.

Growing PainsIt is an eye-opening experience to see what a 10-ton glacier of ice is capable of destroying as it slides down a roof, especially when that roof is 29-gauge pole barn panels. The first things to go are the vent stacks and power masts, which snap like toothpicks or tear right through the eaves. The steel panels on dormers can roll up like the top of a sardine can, skylights can shear right off, leaving living rooms full of sliding snow, and valley panels can tear like paper.

I will never forget the day I sat across from my banker explaining that I had to borrow about $100,000 to do repairs on my existing roofs. And explaining that I needed more money to go to a metal trade show with my crew to get them some training and to buy roll forming equipment to do these roofs properly. He kind of looked at me funny and said something about my debt-to-equity ratio, but somehow found a way to get us through this awkward stage of our growth. Bottom line is, we fixed our messes. We did not run away from the trade, as our competitors did when the technical challenges of this trade confronted us, and this left us as the only players in the metal roofing industry in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in a good portion of northeastern Wisconsin.

In the last 24 years, we have become exceptionally good at on-site metal roofing manufacturing and installation. We have learned how to move stacks to the peak, insulate, and ventilate roof structures to eliminate systemic ice problems, and make a myriad of blind fastened watertight roofing details. We have a solid culture in our crews that take great pride and accountability for our product, and we take incredibly good care of our customers.

This architectural home required the team to utilize every detail in the foremans arsenal, including one that he had to invent specifically for this job.

Metal CraftsmanshipAs metal roofing contractors with an on-site roll forming machine, we are both manufacturers and craftsmen. We are not only accountable for the proper installation of the metal roof, but also for the proper fabrication of its components. This means knowing many things most roofers dont need to know, like how to calculate nominal air flow in your ridge venting and how to spot defects in your steel coil (such as wavy-edge, coil set, and micro-cracking in the paint). We have to assume all of the responsibilities that any product manufacturer typically carries, and it takes time to learn these skills. When installing the product that we have manufactured, we are also responsible for our details and their ability to defend the home from water, ice, and snow.

Over time, we have developed master craftsmen in this trade and they in turn are teaching the next generation of craftsmen what they have learned. Every year we put more emphasis on training so that our foremen can delegate more of the difficult work to crew members. A tear-off and ground clean-up guy is handy when you are doing that kind of work, but when the roof is going on, skilled craftsmen are required.

A Job in Presque Isle, WisconsinRecently we did a job on a small but highly designed home in Presque Isle, Wisconsin, that inspired us to submit this piece for Metal Roofing Magazine. My foreman, Matt Zumpf, noted that he had to use every detail in his library plus one that he had to invent specifically for this job. Here are some of our standard details that we utilized on this job:

Author and Owner Dan Perkins of Dan Perkins Construction.

Crew member Dave Lancour uses snips to create a custom cut.

Custom WorkOur jobs are very fluid. Everything is made to order. On this specific job, we had four valleys that served as diagonal pitch breaks and fed over the panels below. Zumpf designed a custom detail for this so that the valley was traditional on one side but had a reverse hem on the other side and could be cleated over the panels below. He lined up the panel ribs, which made the panels sit on a 45-degree angle to the plane, yet will allow the snow to shed in a continuous trajectory.

The beauty of this trade is the versatility and Old World craftsmanship thats possible when the crew develops its skills. We have been doing this work for 24 years now and we think we are good. There is always more to learn and there are always new people to train, and we are proud of our trade and what we represent to the American workforce.

Read more:
Instant Success (and Many Failures) for Seasoned Roll-Forming Crew - ConstructionMagNet.com - Constructionmagnet.com

While it may not be enough for some shareholders, we think it is good to see the Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (NASDAQ:BECN) share price up 29% in a single quarter. But that doesnt change the fact that the returns over the last three years have been less than pleasing. In fact, the share price is down 35% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return.

View our latest analysis for Beacon Roofing Supply

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term its a weighing machine. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Beacon Roofing Supply has made a profit in the past. However, it made a loss in the last twelve months, suggesting profit may be an unreliable metric at this stage. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

We note that, in three years, revenue has actually grown at a 18% annual rate, so that doesnt seem to be a reason to sell shares. Its probably worth investigating Beacon Roofing Supply further; while we may be missing something on this analysis, there might also be an opportunity.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. You can see what analysts are predicting for Beacon Roofing Supply in this interactive graph of future profit estimates.

Beacon Roofing Supply shareholders gained a total return of 7.7% during the year. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. The silver lining is that the gain was actually better than the average annual return of 0.2% per year over five year. It is possible that returns will improve along with the business fundamentals. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. Weve identified 2 warning signs with Beacon Roofing Supply (at least 1 which is a bit unpleasant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. *Interactive Brokers Rated Lowest Cost Broker by StockBrokers.com Annual Online Review 2020

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If You Had Bought Beacon Roofing Supplys (NASDAQ:BECN) Shares Three Years Ago You Would Be Down 35% - Simply Wall St