The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settled with 35 contractors and training providers on more than $274,000 worth of civil penalties for violations relating to the Lead Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.
The violations, which occurred between May 2013 and January 2014, include 17 instances where contractors failed to obtain certification for renovation on homes built before lead paint was banned in 1978, and 21 instances where contractors failed to comply with required lead-safe work practices.
Two of the involved companies, HarenLaughlin Construction and Exterior Energy Consultants will fund lead abatement work on local properties as part of their settlements.
“Families deserve the peace of mind that home renovations occur without harming children,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s office of enforcement and compliance assurance. “Businesses that play by the rules deserve to compete on a level playing field. EPA will continue to enforce the nation’s lead rules to protect the public from illegal and dangerous lead exposure.”
Lead paint has been a hot topic as of late: In January, a California judge ordered a $1.15 billion abatement against three lead paint companies. Attorneys from both sides say that case will be appealed.
Read the full list of violations and companies involved here.
