EPA highlights lead paint settlement with South Windsor, Conn. company during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
EPA's Connecticut Geographic Initiative on Lead continues to help reduce chemical exposure in overburdened communities
BOSTON (Oct. 26, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement with a South Windsor, Conn. residential and commercial painting contractor, after finding alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. As a result of the settlement, Stavro Fine Finishes, LLC agreed to pay a penalty of $18,454. EPA's action will further protect Connecticut housing occupants, and notably, housing occupants in areas with environmental justice concerns, from future lead-based hazards in repair and renovation events.
"Tenants should be able to trust that landlords and contractors that work on their home are operating with the utmost care and integrity, especially given the health risks lead-based paint presents," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Through EPA's Connecticut geographic enforcement initiative, we're holding accountable violators that put Connecticut families at higher risk for lead poisoning. We're highlighting this settlement during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to encourage businesses, families, and communities to educate themselves on how to keep the most vulnerable people safe from lead."
This settlement is part of EPA Region 1's Connecticut Geographic Initiative, which focused on increased education, outreach, and enforcement of federal lead-based paint rules in Hartford, Fairfield, and New Haven counties due to the incidence of childhood blood lead poisoning. Over the past four years, federal inspectors conducted 122 compliance inspections, settled four penalty actions with several more in development, and provided compliance assistance to thousands of companies operating in this area who are or may be subject to EPA lead-based paint regulations. This work falls under the Agency's 2022 National Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities and was conducted in close coordination with state and local public health agencies.
After the inspection of Stavro Fine Finishes, results found a lack of RRP Rule firm and renovator certifications, recordkeeping non-compliance, and no written acknowledgement of Renovate Right lead information from homeowners detailing potential risks of lead exposure for nine residential painting jobs.
Background
Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but EPA continues to focus on raising awareness of the hazards of potential exposure to lead, due to repair and renovation efforts. Through continued efforts to identify areas of high risk, EPA can better inform local communities to point out lead-based exposure.
The Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Lead Renovation Repair Painting Rule, protect residential and commercial occupants from lead-based hazards caused by renovations, repairs and painting that can disturb previously used lead-based paints. TSCA and the Lead RRP Rule require individuals or companies that perform repair and renovation services on housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, to notify owners and occupants of potential exposure, and to ensure that those involved have the necessary training and certification to use lead-safe practices. In addition, three years of records must be kept, past the date of the completion of a renovation project.
More information:
Resources for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 22-28,2023)