Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2007
Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Maple Ridge News
Contact:  http://www.mapleridgenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328
Author: Monisha Martins

10 HOMES INSPECTED BY PITT SAFETY TEAM

The City of Pitt Meadows has inspected all 10 homes identified as 
having an abnormally high electricity consumption by B.C. Hydro.

The homes were targeted as part of a three month pilot project to 
eliminate residential marijuana grow operations in the community.

City bylaw inspector Leslie Elchuk said staff will be receiving more 
consumption reports from B.C. Hydro in the next few weeks and 
inspection will begin again.

No active marijuana grow operations were found in any of the homes.

Elchuk said there were remnants of marijuana leaves at more than one, 
but noted the public safety inspection team was not policing the homes.

"We want the public to be safe and hopefully we will get all the 
houses in compliance," she added.

Under the program, RCMP forward a list of homes suspected of having a 
marijuana grow operation to a team of four comprised of a bylaw 
officer and building, fire and electrical inspectors. B.C. Hydro then 
releases domestic electrical consumption information to the municipality.

City staff post a 24-hour notice of inspection before entering the homes.

In the most recent inspections, conducted last week, electrical and 
plumbing work was done without a permit at a home on Hammond Road.

An open panel box and incomplete wiring were found inside a home on 
192 A Street and "building work, unprotected openings, a comprised 
vapour barrier and incomplete fire stops were found at a home on 189 B Street.

Assistant chief Brad Perrie, a member of the inspect ion team said 
all the homes inspected thus far were potential fire hazards because 
of their high electricity consumption.

A residence has abnormal consumption if it uses more than 93 
kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day, or three-times the 
average. An average home uses 31 kWh a day.

Perrie said most the homes inspected used over 100 kWh of electricity per day.

"That is why hydro is flagging these houses they put stress on the 
wiring," he added. "The wiring is not designed to handle that load."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine