The exclusion in your GL.

Underground tanks have their own proof rule

If you own or operate a petroleum underground storage tank, 40 CFR 280.93 requires you to show you can pay for a leak before one happens. The assurance has to cover taking corrective action and compensating third parties for bodily injury and property damage from accidental releases.

• Per occurrence: a higher minimum for tanks at petroleum marketing facilities or tanks that handle an average of more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum a month, based on the previous calendar year's throughput, and a lower one for all other owners or operators (40 CFR 280.93(a)).
• Annual aggregate: one minimum for owners or operators of 1 to 100 petroleum tanks and a higher one for 101 or more (40 CFR 280.93(b)).
• Defense costs: the rule says the required amounts exclude legal defense costs (40 CFR 280.93(g)).

Those are legal minimums set by regulation, not insurance prices or a limit any policy is promised to carry, and insurance is not the only way to meet them. In California, EPA approved the State Water Board's UST Cleanup Fund on June 9, 1993, as a mechanism for meeting the federal requirements for petroleum tanks. To use the Fund that way, an owner or operator has to be in compliance with financial responsibility requirements and UST laws, send a Certification of Financial Responsibility to the local regulatory agency, and keep a copy at each listed site. Funds and rules vary by state.

Before I shop tank coverage, I need the tank count and monthly throughput, because those decide which federal tier applies.

Lead paint rules on pre-1978 jobs

Under EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified, and that includes all firms, even sole proprietorships. A firm cannot advertise or perform covered renovation work without firm certification.

• Training: firms must make sure workers are trained either as certified renovators or on the job by a certified renovator. Certified Renovator course providers must be accredited by EPA or an authorized state or tribal program.
• Minor repair exemption: work that disturbs six square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior, is exempt.
• Always covered: window replacement, demolition of painted surfaces and prohibited practices are covered regardless of square footage.
• Lead-safe work practices: covered work has to follow practices that minimize occupants' exposure to lead hazards.

This varies by state: EPA has authorized some states, such as Oregon and Wisconsin, to run their own RRP programs. California is not on EPA's list. When I take an application from a painting contractor or remodeler, I ask for the firm's certification and how much of the work is in pre-1978 housing.

What EPA says about mold cleanup

Mold problems follow water. EPA's guidance is blunt: if you clean up the mold but don't fix the water problem, most likely the mold problem will come back. Points for plumbers, HVAC and restoration firms:

• Dry within 24-48 hours. EPA says it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items in that window to prevent mold growth.
• About 10 square feet. For a moldy area of less than about 10 square feet, EPA says most people can handle the job themselves. If mold covers more than 10 square feet, EPA points to its guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.
• Don't run a contaminated HVAC system. EPA says not to run it if you know or suspect it is contaminated with mold, because it could spread mold through the building.
• Hire experience. EPA tells owners to choose a contractor with mold cleanup experience, check references, and look for one who follows ACGIH guidelines or other professional or government guidance.

Keep notes on when you arrived, when drying started and what you told the owner. If your crews work on air systems, see HVAC contractor insurance.

Official sources

• 40 CFR 280.93 - Amount and scope of required financial responsibility (LII)
• State Water Board - UST Cleanup Fund financial responsibility
• EPA - Superfund Liability
• EPA - Brownfields All Appropriate Inquiries
• EPA - RRP Program for Contractors
• EPA - Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
• 40 CFR 61.145 - Asbestos NESHAP demolition and renovation (LII)
• CARB - Asbestos NESHAP Program
• South Coast AQMD - Asbestos demolition and removal (Rule 1403)
• EPA - A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home