The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice have reached a $10,000 settlement with Homeworks Construction Inc. regarding alleged violations of lead paint renovation regulations in South Bend, Indiana. The case involves renovations performed by the company on 17 residential properties built before 1978 without following federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules. Homeworks Construction has since obtained RRP certification and confirmed that it now complies with the regulations.
“Protecting the health and safety of our communities, particularly our children, is a top priority for EPA,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “We are committed to ensuring that companies comply with these regulations; it is a critical step in protecting all Americans from the harmful effects of lead exposure.”
“We must enforce lead paint laws to protect public health, especially the health of vulnerable children,” said Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. “This settlement promotes and advances public health by remedying past violations and monitoring future compliance. I would like to extend my thanks to the public servants who successfully pursued this case.”
According to EPA information, dust from lead-based paint is one of the leading causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Young children are particularly at risk from lead exposure, which can cause permanent health problems. Lead dust can be created during renovation activities such as window installation, demolition of painted surfaces, or repainting homes.
Federal regulations require companies working on homes built before 1978 to train employees in safe work practices and obtain EPA certification prior to starting renovations. They must also keep proper records and inform homeowners about potential hazards related to lead exposure during renovations.
The proposed consent decree for this settlement was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and will undergo a public comment period before final court approval. Details on how to submit comments and access the agreement can be found on the Department of Justice Proposed Consent Decree webpage: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Further information about EPA’s enforcement program is available at https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/. Information about EPA’s Lead RRP rule can be found at https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program.
