CCS "In the News" Item Manager

		ID	Identifier	Caption	Content	StartDate	EndDate	SortOrder	HTML	Target
Select	Delete	359047da-25dd-43c3-9727-3436521681f5	&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;	<table style="text-align: center"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/webdocuments/marketing/EPA_RRP_Mailer/rrp_webinar_mailer.html" target="_blank"> <img height="128" alt="The CONNOR Institute" src="http://www.connorinstitute.com/webdocuments/marketing/painter_small_new_logo.png" width="124" border="0" /> </a></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><a href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/webdocuments/marketing/EPA_RRP_Mailer/rrp_webinar_mailer.html" target="_blank">The CONNOR Institute offers EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule Webinars! </a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>	<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'times new roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language: ar-sa"><A title="The CONNOR Institute" href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrpinfo.aspx" target=_blank temp_href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrpinfo.aspx">The CONNOR Institute</A>, a division of CONNOR,  is proud to offer a series of informational, interactive <U><A title=webinars href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrpinfo.aspx" target=_blank temp_href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrpinfo.aspx">webinars</A></U> on <B>EPA's Renovatoin, Repair, and Repainting Rule</B>.  <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'times new roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language: ar-sa">This Rule</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'times new roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language: ar-sa"> will become fully effective and enforceable on April 22, 2010, and impact thousands of third party property management firms, rental property owners, and renovation and construction specialists across the country.  Be sure you're ready by attending a <A title="a CONNOR Institute webinar" href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrpinfo.aspx" target=_blank temp_href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrpinfo.aspx">CONNOR Institute webinar</A>!</SPAN></SPAN>	06/11/2009	07/31/2009	1	True	news.aspx
Select	Delete	3b689e73-025f-4681-a293-180262c18f44	&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;	<a href="news.aspx?id=3B689E73-025F-4681-A293-180262C18F44" style="font-size: 12pt; color: red">PRESS RELEASE</a> - <a href="news.aspx?id=3B689E73-025F-4681-A293-180262C18F44">CONNOR Receives EPA Accreditation to Train the New Certified Renovator Courses</a>	<H3><B> <P class=MsoTitle style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoTitle style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3>PRESS RELEASE</FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></B></P> <P class=MsoSubtitle style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><EM><FONT size=3>CONNOR Receives EPA Accreditation to Train the New Certified Renovator Courses</FONT></EM></P></B></H3> <P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><B>August 14, 2009</B> <P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">CONNOR, a national real estate due diligence and environmental training firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, has received accreditation from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to train its new Certified Renovator Initial and Certified Renovator Refresher courses in Maryland and in other states and territories across the country.</P> <P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">This training will support thousands of organizations, incuding trade contractors, third-party propety management firms, rental property owners, and other public and private entities, that will have to comply with EPA’s new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which becomes fully effective and enforceable on April 22, 2010. The EPA Rule applies to all “renovations” performed for “compensation” in pre-1978 “target housing” and in pre-1978 “child-occupied facilities” when lead-based paint will be disturbed by the work. “Renovations” is broadly defined and includes many typical maintenance activities in rental housing units. During the first year that the EPA Rule is in effect, approximately 8.4 million renovation events will trigger the regulation’s requirements. EPA estimates that 211,000 organizations will have to apply to the Agency become “Certified Renovation Firms, ” beginning in October 2009. Further, hundreds of thousands of workers will have to become trained and certified as “Renovators” by EPA accredited training firms like CONNOR.</P> <P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">CONNOR will offer the full-day Certified Renovator Initial and the half-day Certified Renovator Refresher courses at its state-of-the-art 3,300 square foot training center in Baltimore. CONNOR will also work with its many clients from around the nation to schedule Certified Renovator Initial and Certified Renovator Refresher courses at various off-site locations.</P> <P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">“We are excited to begin offering the new EPA Certified Renovator classes,” said Patrick Connor, President of the firm. “CONNOR has made a major commitment to this training and to provide the highest quality, most responsive, flexible and cost-effective training services to our clients.”</P> <P></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For more information about CONNOR and its new EPA Certified Renovator training classes, contact Jack Anderson, Vice President of Governmental Operations, at (443) 322-1223 or at <A href="mailto:janderson@connorsolutions.com" temp_href="mailto:janderson@connorsolutions.com">janderson@connorsolutions.com</A>. </P>	08/15/2009	02/15/2010	2	True	news.aspx
Select	Delete	43f055b5-fd54-446a-9ee9-7a192e0b63ec	EPA Renovation, Repair and Repainting Program	<span style="font-size: larger; font-weight: bolder; text-decoration: underline;">EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule: Will You Be Ready to Comply?</span>	<table> <tbody> <tr> <td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><a href="http://www.connorsolutions.com/ContentManager/NewsItemManager.aspx#_BACKGROUND">Background</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><a href="http://www.connorsolutions.com/ContentManager/NewsItemManager.aspx#keydefinitions">Key Definitions</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><a href="http://www.connorsolutions.com/ContentManager/NewsItemManager.aspx#impact">How Will This New Rule Impact You?</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><a href="http://www.connorsolutions.com/ContentManager/NewsItemManager.aspx#help">CONNOR Can Help Prepare You to Comply with the EPA Rule!</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><h2 style="margin: auto 0in"><a name="_Background"></a><span style="font-family: 'times new roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'times new roman'"><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3">Background</font></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> <p><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The US Environmental Protection Agency published its Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule in the <i>Federal Register</i> on April 22, 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This new Rule is the last major federal initiative to come out of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"></span></p> </span></p> <p><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The US Environmental Protection Agency published its Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule in the <i>Federal Register</i> on April 22, 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This new Rule is the last major federal initiative to come out of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The US Environmental Protection Agency published its Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule in the <i>Federal Register</i> on April 22, 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This new Rule is the last major federal initiative to come out of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The US Environmental Protection Agency published its Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule in the <i>Federal Register</i> on April 22, 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>This new Rule is the last major federal initiative to come out of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The Rule will become fully effective on April 22, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It applies to all "renovations" performed for "compensation" in pre-1978 “target housing” and in "child-occupied facilities," and requires owners and occupants of these housing units and facilities to receive information on lead-based paint hazards before renovations can begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>“Firms” performing these renovations must submit an application and fee to become EPA certified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Further, individuals who work for Certified Renovation Firms must be properly trained and EPA certified as "Renovators" or be trained and supervised on the job by Certified Renovators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Finally, certain lead-safe work practice standards must be met during the work and a “cleaning verification” must be performed before the work area can be reoccupied.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'arial unicode ms'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'arial unicode ms'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">breadth and scope of the Rule is significant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>In the first year alone, EPA estimates that approximately 8.4 million renovation events will be impacted by the Rule's requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>EPA also estimates that 210,000 organizations will need to apply to become Certified Renovation Firms and 235,000 individuals will need to become trained and certified as Renovators, again in the first year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The intent of the Rule is to “do no harm” during renovation, repair and painting projects, <u>not</u> to abate preexisting lead-based paint hazards. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"></span></p> <h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><font size="3"><a name="KeyDefinitions"></a>Key Definitions and Provisions </font></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><font size="3"></font></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Here are some key definitions and important provisions to help you assess your responsibilities and to take appropriate steps to meet the Rule’s requirements.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">First, target housing” means housing constructed prior to 1978 unless it is housing specifically designed, constructed and/or designated for the elderly or for persons with disabilities (unless a child under age six resides there), or if it is a zero-bedroom dwelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Second, a “child-occupied facility” is that which was constructed prior to 1978 and which is visited regularly by the same child under age six on at least two different days within any week so long as each visit is at least three hours, combined weekly visits are at least six hours and combined annual visits are at least 60 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Third, “renovation” means “modification of any existing structure, or a portion thereof, that results in the disturbance of painted surfaces, unless that activity is performed as part of an abatement.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Renovation can include removal, modification or repair of painted surfaces or building components, weatherization projects, and converting a building or a portion of a building into target housing or a child-occupied facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Fourth, “compensation” means pay for work performed by contractors, wages paid to employees, and rent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Lastly, “firm” means a company, partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship or individual, association, or other business entity; a Federal, State, Tribal, or local government agency; or a nonprofit organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Firms can include a myriad of entities that perform “renovations for compensation,” such as contractors, painters, third-party property management companies, multifamily apartment complex owners, and public housing authorities.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Activities that only disturb surfaces and building components that have been tested and determined to be free of lead-based paint are excluded from the Rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>There are other exclusions (complete and partial) in the Rule that may apply:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Activities that disturb less than six square feet of a painted surface (includes paint, stain, shellac or varnish) per interior room.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Activities that disturb less than 20 square feet of a painted surface (includes paint, stain, shellac or varnish) per exterior side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Abatement work, which is intended to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Emergency renovations arising out of sudden and unexpected events, which present immediate safety or health hazards or that threaten equipment or other property with significant damage, are exempt from the Rule’s information distribution, warning sign posting, containment, waste handling, training and certification requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, in these instances, the Rule’s cleaning, cleaning verification and recordkeeping requirements will still apply.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">When any work involves window replacement, demolition of paint surfaces and/or building components, or use of “prohibited practices,” such as machine sanding, and the surface or building component has not been tested or otherwise determined to be free of lead-based paint, the above exclusions will <u>not</u> apply.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><font size="3"><a name="impact"></a>How Will This New Rule Impact You? </font></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><font size="3"></font></span></h2><h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><i><font size="3">Resident Information and Education</font></i></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">As of December 22, 2008, prior to conducting renovation, repair or painting projects, you must provide a new EPA booklet, entitled <i>Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools</i>, to the adult residents of an occupied dwelling unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>You must also obtain a signed form acknowledging their receipt of the pamphlet or maintain proof that you mailed the pamphlet or were unsuccessful in attempting to deliver it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If working in common areas of multifamily housing or child-occupied facilities, you must notify residents or parents/guardians of the children, or post informational signs about the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Distribution of the pamphlet must be no more than 60 days before the project begins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><font size="3">EPA Certification </font></span></i></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><font size="3"></font></span></i></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Beginning on October 22, 2009, any entities that are involved with renovating, repairing or painting target housing or child occupied facilities must submit an application, including a proposed $300 fee, to EPA in order to become a Certified Renovation Firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Firm certification is good for five years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Certified Renovation Firms must:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Ensure full compliance with the Rule’s requirements.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Ensure that all personnel are Certified Renovators or have received on-the-job training from a Certified Renovator.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Meet pre-renovation education requirements, including providing the <i>Renovate Right</i> pamphlet before the renovation, repair or painting project begins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Assign at least one Certified Renovator to each renovation, repair and painting project.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Ensure that contractors and subcontractors working on renovation, repair and painting projects are also Certified Renovation Firms meeting the same requirements.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Ensure that lead-safe work practice standards and “cleaning verification” are followed on each renovation, repair and painting project.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Meet record keeping requirements, including maintaining renovation, repair and painting project records for at least three years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in"> </p> <p class="MsoFooter" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .5in">Many building trades contractors’ and subcontractors’ workers, maintenance technicians, maintenance supervisors, service personnel, unit turnover staff, and other employees who routinely disturb painted surfaces during typical renovation, repair and painting projects will have to be trained and certified as Renovators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Additionally, these newly designated Certified Renovators will have to be assigned to each regulated renovation, repair and painting project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>They will also be responsible for training non-certified workers on the steps to lead-safe renovation, repair and painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>EPA will not charge a separate fee for Certified Renovators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, once EPA begins accrediting states to implement their own similar or more stringent renovation, repair and painting regulations, a state-required certification fee may be possible.</p> <p class="MsoFooter" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .5in"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Certified Renovators must:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Perform the renovation, repair or painting project or train and direct the work of uncertified workers on the job site.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Be physically present on the job site or available by telephone at all times during the work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Be physically present during job site set-up, including posting of warning signs and establishing containment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Assure that any dust and debris generated by the work is minimized, contained and controlled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Be physically present during final cleaning of the work area and proper disposal of waste.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Conduct the “cleaning verification” procedure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol"><span style="mso-list: ignore">·<span style="font: 7pt 'times new roman'">         </span></span></span>Prepare required project records.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">In the Rule, Certified Renovators also have the option of using EPA-recognized test kits in advance of renovation, repair and painting projects to determine if lead-based paint is present on the surfaces or building components that will be disturbed by the work.</p> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><i><font size="3"></font></i></h3><h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><i><font size="3">Lead-Safe Work Practice Standards</font></i></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">During renovation, repair and painting projects, a Certified Renovator must ensure that certain lead-safe work practice standards are met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>These include not using prohibited or restricted practices, such as open flame burning or torching, high-speed machine sanding to remove paint unless the tool is equipped with a shroud and exhaust that can be connected to a HEPA (“high efficiency particulate air” filter) vacuum, and operating a heat gun in excess of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Also, a Certified Renovator must not permit residents to enter the work area or let dust and debris escape from that area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Heavy-duty plastic sheeting sealed at the edges must be used to cover occupants’ belongings and the floors, and extend six feet beyond interior work areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Also, windows, doors, and HVAC ducts must be closed or sealed off with heavy-duty plastic sheeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>When working on the building exterior, heavy-duty plastic sheeting must extend at least ten feet beyond the work areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Upon completion of the work, all gross paint chips and debris must be picked up, the plastic sheeting must be HEPA vacuumed, wet misted, folded inward and discarded in heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, and all objects and surfaces in and around the work area must be cleaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Walls must be cleaned with a HEPA vacuum or wiped with a damp cloth from the ceiling downward, and all remaining horizontal surfaces and objects must be HEPA vacuumed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>These horizontal surfaces must then be wiped with a damp cloth and uncarpeted floors must be mopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><i><font size="3">“Cleaning Verification” </font></i></span></h3><h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><i><font size="3"></font></i></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Finally, the Rule has a “cleaning verification” procedure, which must be performed by the Certified Renovator after final cleaning of the work area surfaces and components.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>The procedure involves individually wiping floors, countertops and windowsills with commercially available wet cleaning cloths and then comparing each one to a “cleaning verification card,” which EPA will produce and supply to accredited training providers and to others upon request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Before this procedure can be performed, the Certified Renovator must perform a visual inspection of the work area and look for visible dust and debris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If any are observed, the work area must be re-cleaned and a visual inspection performed again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Once the visual inspection is completed, the Certified Renovator can conduct the cleaning verification.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Separate wet cleaning cloths are used, respectively, for windowsills and for countertops (if any) within the work area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>For floors in the work area, one wet cleaning cloth is used for each 40 square foot section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If the wet cleaning cloth is darker than the cleaning verification card after wiping a particular surface, the Certified Renovator must re-clean that surface and then re-wipe it with a new wet cleaning cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If the second wet cleaning cloth is still darker than the cleaning verification card, the Certified Renovator must wait at least one hour to allow that surface to dry completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Then, the surface is wiped for a final time with a <u>dry</u> commercially available electrostatic cleaning cloth, which essentially completes the cleaning verification procedure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Please note that this procedure does <u>not</u> constitute a clearance examination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, laboratory analysis of dust wipe samples obtained by an independent professional, including an EPA-certified Dust Sampling Technician or an EPA or state-certified Lead Paint Inspector or Lead Paint Risk Assessor, is an option when a firm is required by contract or by another Federal, state or local regulation to clean the work area until it passes a lead dust clearance standard.</p> <p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">There is no cleaning verification procedure following exterior renovation, repair and painting projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>However, after cleaning the exterior work area of any dust and debris, and removing and properly discarding heavy-duty plastic sheeting in heavy-duty garbage bags, the Certified Renovator must conduct a visual inspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>If necessary, a final cleaning is performed when any remaining dust and/or debris are detected, and the visual inspection is repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Warning signs may be removed if the Certified Renovator finds no further dust or debris.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><i><font size="3">Training</font></i></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Renovators needing to become certified must take and pass an eight-hour Certified Renovator course from an EPA-accredited training provider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Individuals who took previous EPA and/or HUD-approved lead-safe work practices training courses may qualify to take a four-hour Certified Renovator Refresher “bridge” course, again from an EPA-accredited trainer, if they can substantiate successful completion of that previous training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Once certified, individuals will be required to take and pass a four-hour Certified Renovator Refresher course every five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p> <h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><font size="3"><a name="help"></a>CONNOR Can Help Prepare You to Comply with the EPA Rule! </font></span></h2><h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><font size="3"></font></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">On April 22, 2009, CONNOR will submit its application to EPA to become accredited to train the eight-hour Certified Renovator course, the four-hour Certified Renovator Refresher “bridge” course, and the eight-hour Dust Sampling Technician course in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the four US territories, and the seven Tribal Nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Later, as individual states adopt new or amend existing training regulations to add the new Certified Renovator and Certified Dust Sampling Technician disciplines, CONNOR will seek state accreditation as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>CONNOR expects to begin scheduling Certified Renovator classes in June 2009 once its EPA accreditation application has been approved.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><a title="The CONNOR Institute" href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrp" target="_blank">The CONNOR Institute</a>, a division of CONNOR, <span>is proud to offer a series of informational, interactive <u><a title="webinars" href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrp" target="_blank">webinars</a></u> on <b>EPA's Renovatoin, Repair, and Repainting Rule</b>.  <span>This Rule</span><span> will become fully effective and enforceable on April 22, 2010, and impact thousands of third party property management firms, rental property owners, and renovation and construction specialists across the country.  Be sure you're ready by attending a <a title="a CONNOR Institute webinar" href="http://www.connorinstitute.com/classes/rrp" target="_blank">CONNOR Institute webinar</a>!</span></span></span>   </p> </span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span>For up-to-date information from EPA about the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule, please click <a title="here" href="http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm" target="_blank"><font color="#800080">here</font></a>. <p> </p></span></p> <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p></span></h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p>	05/09/2008	05/09/2010	3	False	news.aspx
Select	Delete	dbdc10e5-7a06-4c6f-83f0-d34d68bc46fa		<A href="http://www.connorsolutions.com/static/pdf/HUD_MAP_chap09_Revised_2009.pdf" target=_blank temp_href="http://www.connorsolutions.com/static/pdf/HUD_MAP_chap09_Revised_2009.pdf">HUD Releases Revised Environmental Review Chapter 9 of the MAP Guide</A>		09/29/2009	11/29/2009	4	True
Select	Delete	877c85b6-db58-493f-b1b7-fb09a39cbf35	Baltimore County, Maryland	Baltimore County, Maryland - Landlords with buildings housing 1 to 6 units may need to register, become licensed and be inspected.	Please click the link to see if these new regulations impact you:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/releases/0206rental.html" target="_blank">Click here</a>	05/09/2008	05/09/2010	5	False	news.aspx
Select	Delete	c05e3bfa-c8fe-4d96-aa1c-21326ac91ffc	News1	CONNOR Offers Web Cast Training Classes	<p>CONNOR is pleased to make available a new and exciting technology for their training clients --- Web Casts! While not all classes are available via web broadcasts, many classes are already available.</p> <br /> <b>What are Web Casts?</b> <p>Web Casts are broadcasts of streaming video that are transmitted via the web to a user's web browser. The training instructor will appear in the user's browser and will teach the class face-to-face, just as they would if you were physically right beside them in the class. From time to time, the transmission may also display data as you view what the instructor is viewing on the screen as well.</p> <br /> <b>What equipment do I need to take part in one of these classes?</b> <p>A web browser and a broadband internet connection. Due to the inherent reliability problems with dial-up internet connections, CONNOR does not support web cast training classes over dial-up phone connections.</p> <br /> <b>How do I sign up?</b> <p>Call the CONNOR training department at 1-800-296-7971 and tell them you want to inquire about web cast training classes. A training staff member will ensure that all your questions are answered and will provide you with the technical information you need to be able to log in securely to view the training web casts. <br />	01/01/2005	01/01/2010	6	False	webcast.aspx
Select	Delete	df98d005-f2af-44c9-88f0-60d7309bab3d	MA Fines	Massachusetts Contractor May Face Nearly $4M In Fines From EPA	MEDFORD, Mass. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced May 8 that a general contractor that specializes in residential construction and renovation could face penalties totaling nearly $4 million for violating the pre-renovation requirements for disclosure of lead paint hazards.<br /><br />M.F. Reynolds Inc. failed to provide EPA lead hazard information pamphlets to 121 owners and adult occupants of a residential property 60 days before beginning renovations.<br /><br />The statutory maximum penalty is $32,500 per violation, for a potential of $3,932,500 in fines.<br /><br />The pre-renovation requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act require renovators, remodelers, contractors and landlords to provide the EPA lead hazard pamphlet to owners and occupants of pre-1978 housing before remodeling or renovation work is performed.	05/15/2008	06/15/2008	7	False	news.aspx
Select	Delete	66a88b5f-0f98-4ba1-b9eb-d17449031e39		CONNOR is pleased to announce that Kevin Stanley has completed his training and is now a licensed instructor for both Lead-based Paint Maintenance and Repainting Supervisors and Lead-based Paint Abatement Workers.		05/09/2008	07/09/2008	8	False	news.aspx
Select	Delete	434d3390-977f-4645-a726-a24ed95301ec		Landlord pays for failing to disclose lead-based paint at Sacramento rental properties	<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Landlord pays for failing to disclose lead-based paint at Sacramento rental properties</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></P> <P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Property Owner facing penalties from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</SPAN></I></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></P> <P><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></I></B><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">     SAN FRANCISCO</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined a San Francisco-based property owner $25,410 for alleged violations of federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements at eight rental properties in Sacramento, California.  </SPAN></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">     “Property owners take note:  The EPA takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that renters and buyers receive the information they need to protect children from potential lead-based paint hazards,” <U>said Enrique Manzanilla</U>, director of the EPA’s Communities and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest Region.  “This enforcement action is an example of the EPA’s commitment to enforcing toxic substances regulations to protect public health -- especially children, from potential lead-based paint hazards."</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">          Residential property owner Joseph Lueras did not provide federally-required lead warning statements to his tenants before he leased them pre-1978 housing units located in Sacramento, California.  He also failed to disclose any knowledge or reports pertaining to the existence of lead-based paint in those units or else indicate that he had no such knowledge or reports.  These failures resulted in multiple violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">     Between August 2002 and March 2006, Lueras owned and leased various residential rental units located in Sacramento, California at 4208 55th Street and 1823 T Street.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></P><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">     Federal law requires that persons and entities who sell or rent housing built before 1978 must provide an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet; include lead notification language in sales and rental forms; disclose any known lead-based paint hazards and provide reports to buyers or renters; allow a lead inspection or risk assessment by home buyers; and maintain records certifying compliance with applicable federal requirements for three years.</SPAN>	10/07/2008	12/07/2008	9	False	news.aspx