The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice of violation under the Toxic Substances Control Act to ACCEL Schools Ohio LLC, citing asbestos and lead paint concerns at three of its public charter schools. The affected institutions are Youngstown Academy of Excellence in Youngstown, Niles Preparatory Academy in Niles, and STEAM Academy of Warren in Warren.
The EPA discovered these issues during inspections and is requiring ACCEL to investigate the risk of exposure to lead-based paint and asbestos hazards. Additionally, ACCEL must address materials posing imminent danger and monitor any other asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint at the three schools. The EPA also mandates that ACCEL prohibit entry into affected areas until abatement work is completed.
“Protecting children’s health is a top priority for the agency – every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment completely free of asbestos and lead paint hazards,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA will use its authority to make sure that ACCEL takes all actions necessary to safeguard all students and staff before returning to the schools.”
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA has subpoenaed ACCEL for records regarding Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) compliance and lead-based paint renovations in all its schools located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. AHERA requires public school districts, charter schools, and religiously affiliated schools to inspect their facilities for asbestos, prepare management plans, and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. It also mandates that schools notify parents about potential hazards inside buildings.
ACCEL operates 77 in-person charter schools primarily in Ohio and 15 online schools nationwide. In March 2024, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency received a complaint concerning asbestos at Youngstown Academy of Excellence. Following a visual inspection by state officials who then notified the EPA due to its authority under AHERA, further inspections were conducted by both agencies at Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy, and STEAM Academy of Warren.
The inspections revealed that ACCEL did not have required asbestos management plans. The agencies informed ACCEL representatives about legal requirements, provided information on hazards, and recommended hiring licensed contractors.
These three schools are located in communities with environmental justice concerns—defined as fair treatment regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to environmental laws.
As part of next steps, blood lead testing will be made available for children potentially exposed to lead paint. The EPA is coordinating with state and local health officials to establish resources for impacted families. Parents can contact their pediatrician or primary healthcare provider for information on blood lead testing.
The EPA will maintain communication between families, teachers, staff members, and local health departments during abatement work. For more information on regulations related to lead exposure or effects from asbestos exposure can visit relevant sections on EPA's website or contact the National Lead Information Center Hotline.
To report possible violations of AHERA or Renovation Repair Painting Rule requirements individuals can use EPA’s enforcement website ECHO (Enforcement Compliance History Online). More details about the notice issued to ACCEL will be posted on the EPA's website.
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