Sunday, June 20, 2010

FLASH! EPA Delays RRP (Lead Paint) Rule

This just in from the National Kitchen & Bath Association:
June 18, 2010: NKBA just learned that the Environmental Protection Agency has decided to delay enforcement of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule until October 1, 2010.

Acknowledging the need for additional time to enable firms and contractors to become trained and certified in compliance with the April 22 rule, the Agency has agreed to delay any enforcement actions.

The EPA will not take any enforcement action for violations of the Rule’s firm certification requirement until October 1, 2010.

The EPA also will not take any enforcement action against individual renovation workers if the person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in, by no later than September 30, 2010, a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules. The training must be completed by December 31, 2010.

To read a copy of the EPA’s announcement, click Here.


This is good news for contractors and painters because many have not been able to get the training needed to become certified. The delay will give them time to do so.

Peggy


Addendum from Qualified Remodeler Magazine:
 
The EPA asserted that enforcement would continue on work practice standards whether a firm was certified or not.

In a FAQ posted on the EPA’s Web site, the agency issued a clarification to its initial announcement, which was misinterpreted by many to mean that all enforcement was to be postponed. The EPA reiterated that it was not stopping enforcement of work practice standards and record-keeping requirements. Whether or not a firm is certified, the EPA still expects it to adhere to the lead-safe practices outlined in its RRP ruling.


The EPA also withdrew the "OPT-out Provision" that allowed homeowners without pregnant women and children under six to opt out of the extra measures to protect from lead paint contamination when remodeling their pre-1978 homes. All remodels must now conform to the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.

A number of Housing Industry Groups plan to file suit over the change.

Peggy

JACKFRUIT SEEDS FRY:

For this fry the jackfruit seeds must be fresh and fleshy. We must peel off the outer cover and then cook it either in plenty of waters or in pressure cooker. When they are cooked, cut them into halves. Now they are ready to cook. We can prepare various dishes such as koottu, poriyal, podi thiruval, pakoda, briyani etc. The sambar would be very tasty if we add this jackfruit seeds to it. This fry will be delicious to eat as a side dish with sambar.



பலாக்கொட்டை வறுவல்:

Ingredients:

Jackfruit seeds- 30 [boiled and cut in to halves]
Turmeric powder- half sp
Red chilli powder-2 tsp
Oil- 4 tbsp
Salt to taste
Finely sliced onion- 1
Finely chopped tomato-half cup
Chopped coriander-3 tbsp
Curry leaves- 1 arc


Grind the following in to a coarse paste:


Shredded coconut- 4 tbsp
Small onions-5
Small garlic flakes-6
Shredded ginger- half sp
Fennel seeds- half sp

Procedure:

Mix the powders, ground paste and salt with the jackfruit seeds and marinate them for half an hour.
Heat a kadai and pour the oil.
Add the sliced onion and fry them to golden brown.
Then add tomato with the greens and fry them until they are cooked well and the oil floats on the surface.
Add the jackfruit mixture and cook on medium fire until it is fried well to golden brown.

Bring on the berries




STRAWBERRIES WITH LEMON THYME SHORTCAKES

(Adapted from Bon Appetit)

INGREDIENTS

4 cup fresh strawberries
2/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
Whip cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Sliced strawberries and toss in a bowl with powdered sugar. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix buttermilk, lemon peel, and thyme together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in buttermilk mixture until just blended. Transfer dough to lightly floured cutting board. Knead gently until dough just comes together. Do not over mix.

Divide dough into 10 balls. Transfer onto 2 baking sheets. Pat gently so they settle in place. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 15 minutes. Transfer to cooking rack.

Carefully cut biscuits with serrated knife. Layer with whip cream. Add berries.