WDMA critical of possible EPA lead rule expansion
The Window and Door Manufacturers Association recently submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the EPA’s proposed rule to expand its current lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule….
The Window and Door Manufacturers Association recently submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the EPA's proposed rule to expand its current lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.
The EPA is considering whether to establish additional requirements to ensure that renovation work areas are adequately cleaned after renovation work is finished and before the areas are re-occupied. These additional requirements could include expensive multiple dust-wipe tests through EPA-approved labs after renovations are completed and depending on the type of renovation work, ensuring that the renovation work areas meet stringent clearance standards before re-occupancy, according to the WDMA.
"While we are still greatly troubled by EPA's decision to remove the opt-out provision from the original RRP rule without adequate justification, we are equally troubled by EPA's intent to mandate even more onerous clearance testing requirements, once again we believe without adequate justification and without a proper understanding of potential unintended negative impacts," says Jeff Inks, WDMA vice president of codes and regulatory affairs, in a news release.
"To give a specific example, our members report that the actual cost of window replacement in homes covered by the rule range from $90 to $170 per window opening, far greater than the average $35 per job originally and erroneously estimated by EPA. If the proposed additional dust-wipe and clearance testing requirements are implemented by EPA, those costs will increase greatly. We're concerned that will further discourage home owners from making energy-efficient renovations to their homes which is unfortunate because of the limited benefit we believe the additional testing will provide. We are also concerned about reports that contractors are refusing jobs on pre-1978 homes that must comply with rule because of the significant liability associated with it."
