(Originally published in the January 2015 Housing Journal)

EPA Issues Fines for Lead Paint Rule Violations to 55 Companies

On December 19, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 62 enforcement actions under the EPA’s Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) standards.

The enforcement actions include 55 settlements and six complaints issued between February and October 2014 for renovations performed on pre-1978 homes and child-care facilities. Violations were a mix of work practice infractions and record-keeping offenses.

The settlement led to $213,171 in civil penalties for the businesses with violations. In Region 6, which includes New Mexico, the only fine issued was on the renovation of a building to become an early childhood development center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The construction company was fined $24,038 for failure to obtain certification for the firm, failure to provide the EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet, failure to ensure the workers were certified or trained by a certified renovator, or that a certified renovator was assigned to the project. The building was to be under contract with Tulsa Public Schools.

Lead exposure affects the nervous system and can cause a range of health effects, with children six years old and younger at the highest risk. Pregnant women are also at risk if lead has accumulated in their bodies over time. For a complete list of violations and fines, visit the EPA’s website at www2.epa.gov/enforcement/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-rule-december-2014.

NAHB Remodelers members receive information and resources to help you comply with lead paint regulations and avoid costly fines, such as template contract language to protect your business, compliance FAQs, and legal research and assistance programs. To learn more about complying with the RRP rule, visit NAHB at www.nahb.org/leadpaint.