The Contractor Coaching Partnership Blog

Another contractor has been fined by the EPA for violating lead laws. The company is a painting contractor caught working in violation of the law in Hillsboro, Oregon.

On 1/5/2010 I went to the EPA Region 1 headquarters with Industry Expert Shawn McCadden and EMNARI  President Greg Antonoili. We met with EPA Region 1 Manager Nancy Barmakian, John Bryson and Bob Carr. We asked if there is one thing that they recommend we tell contractors they said; documentation, documentation, documentation...

Legitimate, licensed, insured, RRP certified tax paying contractors want the EPA to start enforcing and fining illegal contractors now.

On 12/31/2010 the EPA RRP Certified Renovator deadline ends. All contractors, landlords, property maintenance personnel, sub contractors and those who work for compensation on pre 1978 homes must be certified. Anyone who is not trained must not offer to work or work on pre 1978 homes or they will be subject to fines from the EPA. Current fines are up to $37,500 per day per offense.

Yesterday Shawn McCadden and I attended a workshop presented by Mass. Depart. of Safety and OSHA at the U Mass. The presenters covered OSHA regulations that need to be considered in order to be compliant with RRP lead safe practices. It was very obvious that these agencies will be working closely with each other. Here are  highlights from the workshop; (the post is long, yet contains important details about RRP and OSHA in Mass)

We are constantly hearing complaints from contractors about RRP and losing work to the underground economy. Unfortunately, some would rather just complain and not do anything about it. We all know that government has a history of passing regulations without enough resources for enforcement. This is clearly evident with RRP. This year we have witnessed the lack of awareness by contractors and consumers due to a sub-par advertising campaign. The EPA has acknowledged that they need to improve their efforts in this area and I know personnally that they are doing more now in New England than earlier in the year. I agree it is not enough, however whether we like it or not, it is what it is. They need help to create a level playing field.

Yesterday, the EPA formally announced that they will delay enforcement actions for violations of the RRP Rule certification requirement. The EPA has admitted that their efforts to fully implement the program as written and amended, has failed to produce the desired results.