Advantages of Using an Independent Monitor

Posted on by
Reply

Anytime there is a need for an in-depth understanding of State and Federal standards that affect a company’s ability to follow specific rules and regulations, using an Independent Monitor can help a firm ensure compliance.

The Federal government has encouraged firms to utilize the services of independent, impartial monitors who have an in-depth understanding of the regulations affecting their industry. Utilizing the services of an Independent Monitor is a proactive move for firms who previously failed to follow regulatory requirements with federal or state compliance standards, and/or as a condition to avoid criminal prosecution, or where remedial
alternatives are sought. Read More...

Benefits of Having an Operations and Maintenance Program Before Your Property is Refinanced

Posted on by
Reply

Are you familiar with what an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program is? Are you aware that an Operations and Maintenance Program that is managed properly can and will provide many benefits for owners of real estate properties and will benefit their employees? If you’ve answered no to these questions you certainly are not alone.

Unfortunately many owners of Real Estate properties are unfamiliar just how important and beneficial an O&M program can be if properly implemented and managed.  Just recently we are starting to see that pendulum starting to swing the other way with some owners and property management firms embracing many elements and components of these types of programs. Read More...

Lead Disclosure and Other Rules

Posted on by
1

Since 1992 HUD has been requiring full disclosure of lead based hazards in multifamily units before they are sold or leased. We refer to this as HUD’s Lead Disclosure Rule. This should not be confused with U.S. EPA’s new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule  known as the RRP Rule, that went into effect in June 2010 which requires contractors who disturb more than 6 sq. ft. of interior painted surface and 20 sq. ft. of exterior painted surface during a renovation or repair project on any pre-1978 residential housing MUST become Certified Lead Renovation Contractors and perform Lead Safe Work Practices and must inform the building owner and building occupants  of any lead hazards before beginning work.

Is this an intrusion into our personal space or a justified requirement to protect the public? The primary force driving these and most other lead exposure rules is the health and safety of children. Children are impacted by lead differently than adults. Even very low exposures can have a lasting impact on a small child. With that in mind, isn’t it appropriate for the government to force businesses, property owners and parents to recognize and control lead hazards in locations that are used by children? Read More...

An Amazing Experience Under The Watchful Eye of The U.S. EPA

Posted on by
Reply

Going Green with Global Green Property SolutionsNever in a million years did I ever dream that I would have the responsibility of managing a full blown Environmental Compliance Program that was the result of satisfying a Compliance Agreement between my employer and the U.S. EPA Suspension & Debarment Division. When EPA’s Suspension & Debarment Division gets involved you know the matter is serious. And serious it was. I was informed that members of the company failed to comply with safe work practice standards applicable to regulated asbestos-containing material during a large building renovation project. Failing to adhere to these basic safe work practices was a violation under the Federal Clean Air Act’s, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for asbestos.

So not to bore you with all of the legal details, in the end the company pleaded guilty to one-count of felony violation of the Federal Clean Air Act. By doing so, the company agreed to pay a fine of $1M and to a five (5) year term of probation. Keep in mind that the company had no prior environmental violations. Read More...

Environmental Compliance

Posted on by
3

Over the last couple of years I’ve read various articles regarding “Green Building Technology”, “Benefits of Green Building” and “LEED Certification” all posted on various websites. For the most part, I’ve found these articles to be very informative and many offer great ideas to improve your carbon footprint and implement environmental initiatives. Read More...