NEW GUIDELINES AIM TO SET STANDARD FOR CLEANING UP DRUG HOUSES

Alberta is poised to pioneer rules for cleaning up the growing number
of dank, mouldy houses previously used for marijuana crops.

The Alberta Real Estate Association and University of Calgary are
proposing standards for rehabilitating former drug houses 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, there are potential financial pitfalls as
well, including water, structural damage and unsafe wiring from
illegally rigged electricity.

Officials estimate the average fix-up is $25,000 to $30,000.

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.

"Currently, 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."

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 association.

The government could provide protection for tenants and owners by
adopting the proposed new 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."