Comment Sought On Painting Rules

Wed., April 29, 1998

Colville tribal officials will hold four public hearings, starting Monday, on a proposal to regulate contractors and others who deal with lead-based paint and other hazards.

The proposal is designed to preserve tribal sovereignty by preempting regulation by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Tribal leaders must adopt their own regulations by June to keep regulators out of the Colville reservation.

A proposed ordinance directs the tribal Environmental Health Department to establish a licensing and training system to ensure safe handling of paint applied before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. The ordinance authorizes license fees of up to $50 a year for paint workers and up to $100 for contractors, inspectors and other construction officials.

Hearings will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Inchelium Community Center, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 7 at the Nespelem Tribal Long House, from 4 to 7 p.m. May 8 at the Keller Community Center, and from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 9 at the Omak Community Center.

Until May 11, written comments may be sent to: Lead Program, Colville Confederated Tribes, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155. For more information, call (509) 634-8874 or 634-4711.

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