The Environmental Protection Agency announced today it reached a $37,065 settlement with THD At-Home Services, a subsidiary of The Home Depot, as a result of alleged violations of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule at a project site in Arvada, Colo.
"The settlement alleges that the company failed to ensure that waste debris and dust at the project site were properly contained and that the work area was fully cleaned of dust, debris, and residue in accordance with RRP Rule requirements," EPA's Denver office said in an announcement.
RRP aims to limit the spread of dust from lead-paint particles caused during renovation work. Contractors employed in homes built before 1978 (the year lead paint in homes was banned) are required to check for the presence of lead paint if there is a possibility they will disturb areas in the home where lead-paint dust articles could be created. If lead paint is found, or if the test wasn't conducted, workers then must engage in certain practices to make sure lead-paint particles aren't spread.
This may be the first time The Home Depot has paid a penalty in a lead-paint case, in 2014, Lowe's paid a record $500,000 fine to settle allegations involving violations of the RRP.
