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 federal lead paint renovation regulations in South Bend, Indiana. According to the EPA, Homeworks Construction performed renovations on 17 residential properties built before 1978 without adhering to Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules beginning in 2018. The company has since obtained RRP certification and confirmed it is now in compliance.
“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.”
Lead dust from disturbed paint is recognized as a leading cause of elevated blood lead levels among children, which can result in serious and permanent health problems. Children are particularly at risk when renovation activities such as window installation or demolition disturb painted surfaces.
Federal regulations require companies working on homes built before 1978 to train employees on safe practices, obtain EPA certification prior to renovations, keep records, and inform homeowners about potential lead hazards.
The proposed consent decree has been lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and will undergo a public comment period before final court approval. Details about submitting comments and accessing 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/. Additional details on EPA’s Lead RRP rule can be found at https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program.
