Will the increased costs of remodeling, due to the EPA RRP Lead Rule, lead to lower real estate values for homes with lead?

The June 18th EPA RRP Enforcement  extension date came to a close on Thursday, 9/30/2010. As you may recall, the EPA determined in June, that it was necessary to allow contractors, property owners and maintenance workers more time to obtain RRP training and certification. Reasons given were lack of accredited trainers, awareness and available classes. The extension called for the EPA to forgo enforcement of the firm certification until 9/30/2010. In addition, the extension stated that contractors must prove that they have signed up for RRP training by 9/30/2010 and that training must be completed on or before 12/31/2010.

While at the Mass DOS/OSHA Workshop at UMass we were told about the enforcement efforts currently underway in Mass. DOS is going out into the field and catching contractors not following the RRP Lead Rule. OSHA inpsectors are instructed to stop by any job they see with violations. 

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.

Again, this week I received numerous calls from contractors on how someone can report RRP violations to the EPA. The recent willingness of contractors seeking avenues to report violators is gaining momentum. Compliant contractors throughout New England and New York are frustrated with the lack of enforcement on non-compliant companies. They tell us that many consumers are opting for companies from the underground contracting.

Last week at the Baltimore Remodeling Show I attended the keynote address presented by Remodeling Industry Expert,  Shawn McCadden. He shared his thoughts and insights about the future of the remodeling industry.

At a recent safety workshop held in Waltham, Mass on 9/17/2010 it was learned that the EPA, DOS and OSHA are going to work together to insure companies comply with regulations of both RRP and OSHA. It was reported that if an EPA or DOS RRP inspector discovers OSHA violations that they would report it to the local OSHA office. Conversely OSHA will do the same reciprocally.

Today we received a call from a Massachusetts painting contractor in Rockport Mass., about a site visit from the Department of Occupational Safety (DOS). On 7/9/2010 the Mass DOS became the enforcer for the RRP Lead Law in the state.

In a recent RRP training in Southampton, New York a contractor yelled out "how am I going to survive when I have to compete against illegal immigrants and the local fireman contractor working illegally". In another training in Mass a painting contractor told us that he is getting killed in his town going up against local teachers and college kids with under the radar side businesses. In another training in Mass, a contractor says he competes against the whole town fire department on half of his window and siding jobs.