RRP fines were published this week by the EPA for 17 companies, 3 in New Hampshire. Enforcement appears to be coming back for the spring season.

Mass DLS (Department of Labor Standards) has updated the state website adding 20 plus more contractors to the RRP violation enforcement list. The DLS is now labeling RRP violations as a category on the list in addition to lead and asbestos. You can view some of the most recent additions since 9/10/2012 below. It is now official that Mass DLS is actively enforcing and fining companies for RRP violations all over the state.

RRP enforcement is well underway for contractors and landlords in Massachusetts. Every month we check the Mass website to follow up on the RRP enforcement activities of the Division of Labor Standards. Last year the DLS said they would enforce the RRP Law even though they do not have a lot of resources to do so. It appears that they are following through on their statements.

With spring right around the corner, Mass contractors who work on pre 1978 homes without their RRP license will find a less lenient DOLS. (RRP Enforcement Agency).

A North Shore, Mass contractor reported that RRP inspectors were out enforcing the Mass RRP Lead Law. The information was shared at the local paint store with other contractors.

In February, Mass DOS promised RRP enforcement of state contractors would increase in the spring.  I informed the DOS officials at the meeting that contractors who stepped up to the plate to be RRP compliant were concerned about a level playing field. Manager Ernie Kelly said contractors who do not take us seriously will be surprised as soon as the winter breaks.

Today we learned that a contractor was caught violating the EPA RRP Lead rules in Brookline, Ma.

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...

The recent Massachusetts takeover (7/9/2010) of the EPA RRP Lead Law is causing widespread headaches and confusion among contractors in the state. We have spoke with many lumberyards and building officials who are not aware of the changes. Many still believe that the EPA Memo of 6/18/2010, delaying enforcement of fines, is still in effect in Massachusetts. This is not the case. When Mass Department of Safety took over the law this nullified the EPA extension in the state. Currently any contractor who works on pre-1978 properties, who is not certified, is non-compliant. This change has caught many with their pants down and exposed to fines and work stoppages if they are caught. I spoke with a lumberyard today and they were under the impression that contractors have until 12/31/2010 to obtain the training. The fact is in Mass contractors must be trained now.

On June 18th, 2010 the EPA posted a memo that delayed enforcement and fines for Firm Certification until 9/30/10 and Certified Renovator Training until 12/31/2010. This memo also stated that untrained contractors performing work on pre-1978 homes must follow and be compliant with the RRP Lead Rule. The content of the memo has caused a significant downturn in the number of contractors signing up for the mandatory training. Many lumberyards have told us that contractors think they have until next year to do training and many contractors are claiming that the law will be reversed. In Massachusetts putting off the training and certification is going to be costly for contractors.