The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to delay enforcement of lead renovation guidelines does not apply in North Carolina, which set its deadline for compliance months ahead of the federal program.
Last week the EPA announced it would extend the time frame for obtaining the required training for lead certification, previously effective in April, until October. The federal regulations known as the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program affect all residences and child-occupied facilities, such as schools and day-cares, built before 1978. The rules apply to individuals and firms compensated for performing renovation, repair, maintenance, painting, pressure washing, window/door replacement, and siding repair or replacement that disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior surface, or 20 square feet of exterior surface containing lead paint. Lead paint testing must be performed and documented by a certified lead renovator before work can begin on a structure built before 1978. If lead paint is present, specific lead-safe work practices must be followed under the direct supervision of a certified lead renovator.
North Carolina, however, obtained the regulatory authority to run the customized Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program and the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program for Renovation, Repair and Painting. The state chose not to follow the EPA’s extension of time for obtaining training and certification. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services developed regulations, certifications and timetables specific to the state and the rules became effective Jan. 1, 2010. According to the state programs’ Web site, the Health Hazards Control Unit “certifies firms and individuals conducting lead-based paint abatement activities and/or renovation activities, accredits training providers and courses, and issues permits for lead-based paint abatement projects that occur in child-occupied facilities and housing built before 1978.” For more information, visit www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead/lhmp.html.
These new regulations affect a significant number of neighborhoods, homes and child-occupied facilities in Guilford County. Representatives of the Greensboro Builders Association have been working diligently with regulators, contractors and homeowners to communicate the new regulations and alleviate some of the confusion.
Many companies still need to obtain the required certifications. To protect themselves, owners of homes and facilities built before 1978 should inquire about an organization’s or individual’s status as a North Carolina-certified lead renovator before hiring them for home renovation, repair or maintenance projects.
Ed Butler is a North Carolina-certified lead renovator and is president of Brickwood Builders Inc., a certified lead renovation firm in Greensboro. A licensed general contractor, he is also the current chairman of the Greensboro Builders Association’s Remodelers Council. Butler may be reached at 852-7400.
