WHAT IS A MARIJUANA GROW OP?

A marijuana (marihuana) grow operation, commonly referred to as a “grow op”, is a building or a house that has been altered to accommodate equipment for growing numerous marijuana plants. The “grow op” may be organic or hydroponic in nature, and usually includes processing and packaging for sale and distribution.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS OF A MARIJUANA GROW OP?

• Residents of the home are rarely seen.
• There is unusual visitor behaviour i.e. late night visits and frequent visits for short periods of time.
• People are continually coming and going with bulky items in garbage bags.
• Skunk-like odour or strong fabric softener smell is coming from the home.
• There is evidence of tampering with the electric meter (damaged or broken seals) or the ground around it.
• Water hoses or electrical cords are running to the basement or any outbuildings.
• There appears to be excessive security (“beware of dog” signs, high fences, heavy chains).
• Windows are covered with lots of condensation.
• Unusual garbage or very little garbage is put out.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A MARIJUANA GROW OP?

• High intensity grow lamps and ballasts
• Sophisticated wiring systems and timers
• Watering systems, humidifiers and water baths
• Air handling systems, possibly with filters
• Chemical tanks, pumps and hoses
• Pesticides and applicators
• Carbon dioxide generator or furnace bypass systems
• Fuel systems for carbon dioxide generator

WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS OF A MARIJUANA GROW OP?

• MOULD AND WATER DAMAGE: The accumulation of untreated and improperly vented moisture in wall cavities, attic spaces, and basement crawl spaces creates ideal conditions for mould growth and poor indoor air quality. Water-damaged building materials may present a structural hazard.
• ELECTRIC SHOCK: Illegal and dangerous bypasses, power lines, secondary distribution panels, and transformers may be installed to accommodate an increased demand for power. Equipment like high intensity lights, humidifiers, air conditioning units and cooling systems may clutter the building. Exposed circuits and hanging bundles of wires can result in entanglement, entrapment, or electrocution.
• CARBON MONOXIDE: Gas appliances, like furnaces and hot water heaters, may have their flues disconnected to allow for the collection of waste gases especially carbon dioxide) for absorption by plants. Dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide may occur within areas of the building especially in enclosed spaces.
• REDUCED OXYGEN: Elevated carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels potentially reduce the oxygenatmospheres of enclosed rooms.
• EXPLOSION: The use of propane tanks and their flexible gas lines for fuelling carbon dioxide generators or other equipment can create explosion risks.
• BOOBY TRAPS AND WEAPONS: First-entry crews may encounter “anti-personnel devices” like springloaded knives or guns.
• ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT: Electrical shock and serious eye-damage are potential hazards when high-intensity discharge lamps are present.
• DANGEROUS CHEMICALS: Hazardous liquids and gases may result from the large amounts of chemicals used in a grow operation such as fertilizers, nutrients, and other unknown chemical mixtures.
• CHILDREN AT RISK: Children who live in or visit a grow op are subject to physical and chemical dangers, and the many health and safety hazards listed above.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A GROW OP IS DISCOVERED?

The police service will raid the premises, shut down the operation and seize the evidence. The local health authority and municipal safety codes officers will inspect shortly thereafter to assess and require proper repairs. A grow op may result in one or more of these building problems:

• structural damage
• damaged foundation
• damaged and rotting building materials
• damages to the interior and exterior finishes
• plumbing and drainage deficiencies
• heating and ventilation deficiencies
• electrical service deficiencies
• mould and chemical contamination

Large scale grow ops containing many hazards will be subject to an order for repair, or be condemned as Unfit for Human Habitation. These grow ops must be properly repaired and remediated prior to use or re-occupancy. Small-scale grow ops may not be declared Unfit for Human Habitation, but may still be subject to inspection and the necessary repairs to ensure that the property can be used again, whether for business or residency.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL REPAIRS REQUIRED FOR A BUILDING USED AS A MARIJUANA GROW OP?

• The repair of the foundation wall so it is structurally sound, in good repair and prevents water infiltration.
• The repair of the plumbing system so that it is in proper operating condition.
• The repair of the heating and ventilation systems to ensure that the facilities are properly installed and in good working condition.
• The repair of the electrical system to ensure that it is in a good and safe operating condition.
• The assessment and repair of attics and crawlspaces.  An experienced contractor should be hired to conduct a detailed inspection of these spaces for water damage, hidden rot and mould if they were utilized for ventilation of the grow op. This assessment must include insulation and any other absorbent materials in wall and ceiling cavities. All mouldy materials must be removed and the area cleaned and dried before repairs and refinishing are completed.
• The remediation and cleaning of chemical contaminated areas to ensure that any remaining chemicals are properly disposed of at a licensed waste management facility.

WHAT DOCUMENTATION ARE TO BE PROVIDED TO SHOW THAT REPAIRS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT FOR A MARIJUANA GROW OP?

If you are unsure of what is contaminated, it is strongly advised that these assessments and remediation are completed by consulting with and/or hiring an Environmental Consultant or Industrial/Occupational Health Consultant.

Where chemical contamination has occurred, the area(s) must be assessed to determine the extent of chemical spillage. Where mould growth is extensive, mould remediation must be consistent with procedures in these or similar documents:

• Mould Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA, 2001)
• Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments (New York City Department of Health, 2002)
• Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Agency (CCA, 2004)
• Mould in Indoor Environments Risk Assessment and Management Program Handbook (Alberta Research Council / Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation 2006)

All remediation and disposal must be conducted in accordance with industry standards and hazardous materials handling protocols and/or with an Executive Officer’s direction. Documentation of all remediation work must be provided by the qualified consultant, and a copy must be provided to this office. Other written documentation must come from experienced or qualified mechanical contractors for assessment and
repair of:

• foundation
• plumbing system
• electrical system
• heating and ventilation system, including all gas-fired appliances

If an inspection has not already been scheduled, you are requested to contact us as soon as possible to arrange for a consultation.  GeoFocus provides turnkey marijuana grow op mold removal, mold remediation and mold abatement services.  Call us in Toronto at 416.622.0456, in Ottawa at 613.800.1180 or throughout Ontario at 888.295.6653,