Environmental Issues & The Real Estate Transaction

Question 1

Asbestos

Answer 1

primarily regulated at a federal level, DPH has regulations requiring the abatement in schools and regulations that mirror federal law

Question 2

Radon

Answer 2

colorless, odorless gas that is the product of uranium decay, commonly found in houses and other buildings in CT, CT DPH recommends all houses be tested

Question 3

Crumbling Foundations

Answer 3

in the northeastern part of CT there is a problem with crumbling concrete foundations due to the presence of pyrrhotite (naturally occurring iron sulfide) it was present in material mined from a CT quarry and used by a CT concrete company from 1983-2015 foundations should be replaced, reported and are able to get financial assistance

Question 4

Wells

Answer 4

CT DPH cannot require that a rest be conducted as a consequence or condition of the sale of property containing a private residential well however, water quality test results on a private residential well must be reported within 30 days to the municipality’s public health authority

Question 5

Water Diversion

Answer 5

CT Water Diversion Policy Act prohibits a diversion of state waters without a permit

Question 6

Underground Storage Tanks

Answer 6

property owners in CT can be held liable for cleanup costs and damage associated with leading tanks; sellers who do not disclose the presence of an underground tank to buyers may have to take back the property

Question 7

Lead Based Paint

Answer 7

inspections are not required for the sale or lease of property, abatement required if a child lives in the dwelling and there is defective lead based paint