--- title: EPA Softens stance on Firm Certification to allow work to continue description: The EPA announced that it does not intend to take enforcement actions against firms who applied for EPA RRP firm certification by 4/22/10 image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15753571-jpg/images/epa_certified_firm_logo.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [EPA Softens stance on Firm Certification to allow work to continue](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/39044/EPA-Softens-stance-on-Firm-Certification-to-allow-work-to-continue) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Fri, Apr 23, 2010 @ 03:26 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### [In a letter dated 4/20/2010](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/Default.aspx?app=LeadgenDownload&shortpath=RRP+Docs%2f4-20-10+EPA+letter+regarding+Firm+Certification.pdf), the EPA announced that it does not intend to take enforcement actions against firms who applied for the required firm certification before April 22, 2010 and are just waiting for their paperwork.   ![EPA RRP Firm Logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15753571-jpg/images/epa_certified_firm_logo.jpg)The RRP Rule requires that firms be certified with the EPA before offering or performing work that falls under the rule.  This fact is clearly stated in the rule and [further explained in the FAQ section of the EPA website](http://toxics.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23019).   The rule also says that the EPA has up to 90 days to process firm applications.  Apparently, even though many businesses will be required to follow the RRP rule in its entirety, the EPA can decide which part(s) of the rule they will follow, or not.  In the letter, the EPA justifies not following the requirements of the RRP Rule in regards to the firm certification requirement as follows: *"The certification requirement is important to making sure that firms are protecting children and other residents while renovations are ongoing, but EPA does not wish to disrupt ongoing renovations for those firms that submitted applications on time."* The letter indicates that EPA expects to review all firm applications filed by April 22nd by June, although they did not specify by when in June.   #### The letter also makes it clear that the EPA will be enforcing the![Contractor confused about EPA RRP Rule changes](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15739107-jpg/images/confused_contractor-wr.jpg) work practices and training requirements. #### [Click here to see which companies in your area are on the EPA's certified firms list](http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm)   #### On another note, the EPA did announce that the opt-out provision would be phased out and that it is proposing to add third party dust wipe testing.  The change in the rule regarding the opt-out will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.  [Click here for more on the opt-out and the proposed dust-wipe testing.](http://www.epa.gov/lead/new.htm) Topics: [EPA RRP Lead Rules](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/epa-rrp-lead-rules), [Legal Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/legal-considerations), [Work Practices](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/work-practices), [Firm Certification](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/firm-certification), [Enforcement and Inspections](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/enforcement-and-inspections) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.