Pubdate: Thu, 03 Sep 2009 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2009 Canwest Publishing Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/letters.html Website: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Sherri Zickefoose, Staff Writer, With Files From Stephane Massinon RULES URGED TO CLEAN UP FORMER GROW OP HOMES U Of C Prof Leads Push To Protect Renters, Owners Alberta is poised to pioneer rules for cleaning up the growing number of dank, mouldy houses used for illegal marijuana crops. The Alberta Real Estate Association and University of Calgary are proposing standards for rehabilitating former drug houses, guidelines that could be the first of their kind in North America. For unsuspecting homebuyers or renters, living in the aftermath of drug labs can be toxic. Mouldy homes have been condemned by Alberta Health Services after police have raided the illegal pot growing operations. Besides the heath risks of "sick" properties, there are potential financial pitfalls, including water, structural damage and unsafe wiring. Officials estimate the average cost of remediation is $25,000 to $30,000. The recommendations could also help improve decision-making, lower costs and reduce the likelihood of legal action arising from these properties, Uof C experts say. Faculty of environmental design Prof. Tang Lee, an internationally recognized expert in building failure and indoor air quality investigations, investigated six former grow op homes in Calgary. Along with partner Karen Rollins, Lee looked for structural alterations, mould and electrical problems. He said much of the problem can be avoided in rental properties if landlords make regular inspections. The guidelines are being presented to the provincial government "as a means to assure Albertans that properties previously used as illegal drug operations are safe for habitation," said Alberta Real Estate Association spokesman Bill Fowler. "There are no consistent remediation standards in place for mould or air quality in properties previously used as marijuana grow ops or other drug operations," said Fowler. The project aims to create minimum acceptable remediation standards provincewide. "There are no guidelines in place to handle properties that cannot be remediated to the satisfaction of local authorities," said Fowler, director of government relations for the real estate association. The government could provide protection for tenants and owners by adopting the proposed standards, Fowler said. "It's that co-ordinated effort and how it's handled right from the bust, right through to the remediation, and what we've identified is both process and standards." Ald. Andre Chabot said he supports the push for provincial guidelines and believed they already existed. "To find out that they don't have specific requirements, I find that somewhat troubling," said Chabot. He said the city is examining the issue of former grow ops and is seeking legal advice about whether it can board up or destroy the homes. A report to council is expected soon. "What happens to a lot of these vacant homes is that you get a lot of homeless or other drug-related individuals knowing that no one is allowed in them and no one is likely to check on those residences," said Chabot. He said the provincial guidelines seem like a good idea. "If there's greater certainty as to exactly what is required, then at least the owners themselves would know what is required to bring their units back into compliance and be able to budget accordingly or sell the property off knowing what the costs . . . will be so that buyer can go in with his eyes wide open." Drug houses are steady business in and around the city. According to Calgary police, about 100 grow ops are condemned in the city each year. The Southern Alberta Marijuana Investigative Team receives more than 500 tips from the public about suspected drug houses in neighbourhoods all over. "We rely on the citizens to be our eyes and ears. Every tip is investigated," said Staff Sgt. Darren Cave of the drug unit. "It only makes us all stronger in the battle against this." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr