Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 20, 1993                   TAG: 9308200119
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IN BUSINESS

Home inspectors in Virginia won't be regulated by the state any time soon, according to a preliminary report by the state Board of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

That's despite requests from real estate agents, contractors and some inspectors themselves who asked the board to recommend regulation and certification.

The board found no convincing evidence of unlicensed home inspectors "posing a threat to public health, safety and welfare," said Debra Vought, an analyst with the state Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation who received public comments on the proposal.

Her report, issued Wednesday, said the board found that the potential for harm exists and it will continue to monitor complaints against home inspectors. The board will reconsider the issue after two years, she said.

About 10 people spoke in May at the board's public meeting in Roanoke, all of them in favor of regulation. The meeting was one of four the board held across the state.

The speakers told the board some unregulated inspectors aren't qualified to recognize building code violations. The board will meet in October to approve its final report to the General Assembly. - Staff report

Salem Holiday Inn reopens after fire

The Holiday Inn-Salem has reopened about six months after a fire gutted its lobby, restaurant and motel rooms.

Krish Hotels Inc. of Roanoke, the owner, said the motel has opened with a enlarged banquet area and renovated meeting rooms. A spokeswoman declined to say how much the repairs cost.

The hotel burned early Feb. 28 after a 911 call from a pay phone in the motel was routed to Roanoke dispatchers instead of Roanoke County. C&P officials have admitted their 911 database contained incorrect information. - Staff report

ETS has contract for field-lab testing

ETS Analytical Services Inc. said Thursday it has a contract with Vector Group of Cincinnati to provide on-site analysis of toxic trace organic emissions. The company is the laboratory subsidiary of ETS International Inc. of Roanoke.

The initial phase of the project involves analysis for decontamination of natural-gas compressor stations across the South Central United States.

The job requires ETS to provide a mobile laboratory at each site for about three weeks.

Although its sister subsidiary, ETS Inc., has offered mobile air-monitoring laboratory services, this is the first time the laboratory company has provided a field laboratory to verify site decontamination.

John Mycock, executive vice president of ETS International, said the demand for this type of service should increase because of government regulations for waste-disposal sites. - Staff report