EPA Lead Rule: Affecting Remediation, Renovation and Remolding Projects in Chicago

In April 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed a rule that will significantly impact the remediation, renovation and remodeling industry. The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) changes how contractors can work on certain buildings constructed before 1978.

Effective April 2010, work done on a house or child occupied facility built before 1978 rule may apply regardless of who owns the facility or who is paying for the work.

The RRP requires two separate certifications and specific training.

Certified Firm: The actual company that performs the work must be a Certified Firm. This is a relatively simple administrative process.

Certified Renovator: The Certified Renovator is a named individual who works for a Certified Firm. A Certified Renovator must be assigned to each project and must be present on the job site for certain specific phases of the job. A Certified Renovator may not delegate these specific responsibilities to a non-certified person. The Certified Renovator is also responsible for training all non-certified workers who will be doing actual work on the project. However, non-certified workers may not perform the specific duties required of the Certified Renovator.

EPA's RRP website (www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm) has more information on the rule. The site also has a handbook to help contractors understand the RRP. Called the Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right, this document guides you through the RRP without having to read the actual regulation.