Washington Hotline - 04/09/2008 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
Seattle High-rise Named Multifamily Community of the Year
Economy: Bernanke Stresses Seriousness of Housing Contraction
Regulatory: EPA Revision to Lead Rule, Wetlands Mitigation Finalized
Legal: Insurance Liability Ruling, Wetlands Decisions Impact Developers
Association News: Multifamily Members Win Best in American Living Awards (BALA)
Calendar: Conferences and Events
PRODUCTS: New NCHI Featured Product: Kwikset® SmartKey™
Resources: Finance Infrastructure Series

Regulatory: EPA Revision to Lead Rule, Wetlands Mitigation Finalized

EPA Revises Lead Renovation Repair and Painting Rule

The EPA's new Lead Renovation Repair and Painting Rule was signed by agency administrator Steve Johnson on March 31 and will become effective in April of 2010. This rule contains some sensible revisions from the originally proposed rule. The revision provides the flexibility for a remodeler to determine the size of the work area, markedly reducing the containment area for a particular job. With few exceptions, the new regulations will affect all remodeling in pre-1978 structures where pregnant women and children under six reside or spend considerable time. Currently, the NAHB Remodelers are studying the new rule, which has yet to be published in the Federal Register.

For the full story view the article in NBN Online or contact Matt Watkins, 800-368-5242 x8327.

Wetlands Mitigation Rule Finalized This Month

A finalized wetlands mitigation rule is set to be published by the EPA early this month. Agency officials provided details of what we can expect to see at that time during a telephone press conference last week. According to officials, this rule fulfills the intent of Congress, which directed EPA to create a program that would result in no net loss of wetlands and ensures an efficient and transparent mitigation program that encourages the use of a watershed approach. It emphasizes a hierarchy of mitigation efforts: First developers must work to avoid any impact to wetlands. If that is not achievable, developers must then work to minimize any effects. Finally, the developer must mitigate any impacts by providing for mitigation banking. This mitigation must be "in kind" whenever feasible, and recreating the same kind of wetland that was impacted is strongly encouraged.

For more information, email Glynn Rountree, or call 800-638-5242 x8662.