Pubdate: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 Source: Maple Ridge Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc Contact: http://www.mrtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1372 Author: Amy Steele, The Times Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) PITT STICKS WITH GROW-OP INSPECTIONS Grow ops beware. The City of Pitt Meadows has decided to continue its Public Safety Inspection Program, which ferrets out hidden marijuana grow operations in neighbourhood homes. City council voted this week to extend the program for another six months. It initially began in February as a pilot project and continued until May. Lesley Elchuk, the city's bylaw enforcement officer, said the program has been very successful so far. As far as public safety goes it's very valuable," she said. Elchuk said the first step in the program is reviewing BC Hydro consumption rates in homes. If the use seems excessive she then checks to see if there's a home based business that might explain the extra power usage. If the power usage still seems excessive Elchuk goes to the home and gives the owner 24 hours notice that an inspection will be done. During the inspection, an assistant fire chief, building inspector, electrical inspector, two RCMP officers and Elchuk show up at the suspicious house. The RCMP officers ensure the house is safe for the inspection team to enter and then they wait outside for the team to complete its inspection, said Elchuk. The inspection team checks to see if the electrical system is in compliance with the B.C. Electrical Code and city bylaws and if there are any fire hazards present. The program investigated 38 properties. Eight of the properties inspected showed signs of a grow op existing. Inspectors found evidence of children living in two of those dwellings and the team reported their findings to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. In two cases the inspection team disconnected the hydro because the owner of the home didn't respond to inspection requests. In houses where there was evidence of a grow op owners were required to pay $3,000 to cover inspection team costs. Elchuk said a similar program is in place in about 15 other municipalities, but Maple Ridge doesn't have a program yet. Elchuk said the program helps ensure public safety because grow ops often alter electrical systems in a house, which can pose a fire hazard. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom