Latest EPA Proposed Changes to "Renovate Right" Rules -- Deadline to Provide Feedback July 6th

Posted by Tristan R. Pettit, Esq. in AASEW, Lead-Based Paint, Remodeling / Renovation, Legislation / Comments

ALERT! The latest EPA proposal will require dust sampling and lab testing clearance on many small jobs.  The EPA estimates $160 per room in testing cost.  In WI testing can only be done by state certified risk assessors and the cost is about $240 per room.  So a  repair to a damaged door jamb could cost ten times as much as it does today, and many times more than that if you were a do it yourselfer.

From the Federal Register (Link Below) #2 and #4 are the "gotchas."

Dust wipe testing must be performed after all renovations involving:

     -  Use of a heat gun at temperatures below 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit

     -  Removal or replacement of window or door frames

     -  Scraping 60 ft [2] or more of painted surfaces

     -  Removing more than 40 ft [2] of trim, molding, cabinets, or other fixtures.

Link to the proposed rule in the Federal Register

The 60 day comment period ends July 6th, 2010

Read the comments submitted by the Apartment Association of Southeastern WI and links to the EPA comment page at:

http://www.renovatorrules.com/

Make sure you post some feedback.  This is one of the biggest changes to affect our industry and these changes are huge and will put many contractors (and landlords) out of business.  Fines for violating these new laws can be as much as $32,500 per each violation.