The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have reached settlements with the Newark Housing Authority (NHA) in New Jersey to address violations of federal lead-based paint regulations. The agreements require NHA to test for lead and remove it where found in its 11 properties built before 1978, which house approximately 5,500 residents.
EPA’s settlement includes a $170,000 penalty that will be waived if NHA complies with federal lead requirements, allowing more resources to go toward tenant housing needs. HUD has assessed a civil penalty of $7,500.
“We have made progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels over the past 50 years, but potential exposures to lead in the home and our environment still present a risk, especially for our children, and settlements like this ensure that we are continuing to address this pathway,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “Children are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of exposure to lead in dust, and our partnership with HUD is critical to protecting them in their homes.”
“With over two-thirds of New Jersey’s housing stock built before 1980, the risks from lead remain real,” said HUD Region II Administrator Jason Loughran. “This agreement ensures that the Newark Housing Authority takes steps to protect residents, especially children, from the harmful dangers of lead exposure. HUD is committed to working alongside EPA to make the homes of American families healthier, safer, and a source of stability.”
The settlements follow EPA inspections at John W. Hyatt Court and Pennington Court properties in Newark that revealed incomplete tenant disclosures about lead hazards and improper renovations under EPA rules.
To address these issues, NHA will:
- Develop compliance plans for federal Lead Disclosure Rule, Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule.
- Submit quarterly reports on compliance.
- Abate all building components containing lead-based paint.
- Train staff on safe renovation practices.
- Hold education sessions for tenants about minimizing exposure.
- Distribute fact sheets on certification requirements.
- Post training materials online at www.newarkha.org.
EPA and HUD have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining coordination between both agencies for enforcement actions related to lead paint regulations. These settlements mark the first such coordinated action with a public housing authority since this MOU was issued.
Lead paint has been banned from residential use since 1978 but remains present in many older buildings across the country. Exposure can cause significant health problems for children if not properly managed. Federal law requires landlords and contractors to provide information about lead hazards and use certified personnel during renovations.
For more information on federal rules regarding lead-based paint visit EPA’s lead webpage. Details on compliance can be found at Enforcing Lead Laws and Regulations.
