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Date ArticleType
2/21/2018 Member News

HBA and OHBA working on DEQ proposed changes affecting stormwater and asbestos

Among many other forms of engagement with entities across the region involved with land use and housing policies, the HBA of Metropolitan Portland’s staff, as well as OHBA’s lobbyist Jon Chandler, have been regularly attending and offering guidance on two state environmental agency committees. DEQ is in the process of proposing new requirements for Phase II general permits related to stormwater. Phase II permits are issued to small municipal storm sewer systems that discharge storm water into streams, rivers, lakes and streams. While handling stormwater appropriately is an important environmental issue, the new proposed rules are vague, don’t consider post-construction maintenance costs, and unfairly treat spot lot infill building similar to larger subdivision construction. Click here to read the letter that OHBA submitted to DEQ. Support for the testimony and impact was also provided by our affiliated National Association of Home Builders, who have staff with strong expertise in storm water management issues.

DEQ is also currently reviewing asbestos rules. State requirements provide for stakeholder group and DEQ to evaluate and clarify regulations and standards for asbestos – related activities where a potential for exposure to asbestos exists. Much of the work tasked for the group focuses on the disposal aspect of the material. However there are certain rule changes directly related to the work of remodelers and those looking to demolish a home built prior to 2004. Those include removing the survey exemption for residential renovation projects, changing non-friable asbestos disposal requirements with friable asbestos disposal requirements and drafting a set of asbestos survey requirements and survey report requirements in order to standardize the process and make things clearer at transfer station and asbestos accepting landfills.