NEWS RELEASE

EPA 's Lead Rule for Removing and Renovating

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Re-Cap: NAHB Webinar regarding EPA’s new regulations
on Lead Paint Abatement

Date: February 23, 2010
Group: NAHB Webinar regarding EPA’s new regulations on Lead Paint Abatement

Attended by: Michael Watt, LIBI; EO’s from around the country.

With the April 22, 2010 start date for the EPA’s new rules regarding remodeling and renovations on homes built before 1978 around the corner, the industry is taking a hard look at what is being required and it is not pretty. The EPA currently has a provision in the regulations that provide homeowners with the ability to “opt out” of the requirements. The NAHB reports, however, that the EPA is working to strike this loophole from the requirements. Renters do not have this option.

• Homeowners doing the work themselves are also exempt, and that is not expected to change.
• Contractors doing a job on house built before 1978 must keep records pertaining to the work
• Contractors can access the EPA’s “Compliance Guide to Renovate Right EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program” - A handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel working in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 by copying and pasting this URL into a browser:

http://ehs.ucsc.edu/industrial_hygiene/pubs/lead/EPA%20Small%20Entity%20Compliance%20Guide%202009.pdf.

Actually, it is easier to go to www.google.com, type “renovate right” and “epa’ and then click on the link to “Renovate Right Compliance Guide.”
o Contractors have to provide copies of these guides to their customers.
• NAHB said it is not clear whether these rules apply to builders doing demolition work. They have asked the EPA to make a ruling on this but have not heard back.
• Each firm must be certified and have one certified individual involved in the project. He or she does not necessarily have to be on site, but accessible by phone and nearby.
• There are myriad other rules and regulations. To see other EPA web pages pertaining to this program copy and paste this link into another browser.

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/traincert.htm