U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced settlement with a luxury residential lofts company Pawtucket, R.I., over lead paint allegations.
American Wire LLC paid a $25,000 fine and brought the property, American Wire Residential Lofts, into lead paint compliance, according to a July 7 EPA news release. American Wire allegedly violated the agency's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule during 2020 renovation and construction of the property.
"Protecting children's health by reducing lead exposure is a major priority for EPA under the Biden administration," EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said in the release. "Ensuring that renovation projects of homes and facilities where children can be exposed to lead are conducted safely is imperative.
"Lead poisoning can cause lifelong health, learning and behavior problems, and is entirely avoidable by employing safe work practices during renovation projects." Cash added, according to the release. "This is even more important considering that many historically overburdened communities suffer from higher rates of childhood lead poisoning."
American Wire is a Rhode Island corporation controlled by Brady Sullivan Properties, a real estate company best known for its transformation of historic mill properties in the state to luxury apartments, the release reported. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires follow safe work procedures working on residential premises and places where children may live to prevent lead dust and debris exposure.
Allegations against American Wire stemmed from an EPA on-side inspection and investigation coordinated with the Rhode Island Department of Health, according to the release. EPA alleged, among other things, that American Wire was not a Rhode Island Lead Hazard Control licensed firm when it renovated and built the property. EPA also alleged American Wire failed to ensure a certified lead renovator was designated for oversight on the project.
Contractors must adhere to the safe work procedures stated in the lead paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule of the Toxic Substances Control Act when working on residential premises and places where children are housed to prevent lead dust and debris exposure, the release reported. In order to lower the danger of lead poisoning in children, it is crucial to make sure that lead paint found in older homes and buildings in Rhode Island and throughout New England is safely treated during remodeling efforts.
