EPA Fines Leavenworth Military Housing Renovator for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations

EPA Fines Leavenworth Military Housing Renovator for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations

October 21, 2024

LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 21, 2024) - E&J Painting LLC of Leavenworth, Kansas, will pay a civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company does home renovation work, including work on private military housing in Fort Leavenworth, and failed to comply with regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations.

"We must protect the men and women who serve and their families from the dangers of lead exposure," said EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad. "Contractors who work in military housing must follow the law, and EPA is committed to holding them accountable when they don't."

According to EPA, E&J Painting, which also does business as Swann Painting, failed to obtain the required certification to renovate houses built before 1978 when lead-based paints were banned for residential use. Further, the company failed to: notify homeowners of the potential for lead; retain required renovation records; post signs warning people to stay outside the renovation area; and clean dust and debris from renovation work sites.

EPA learned about the violations during an October 2023 site inspection and a February 2024 records inspection. In response to the alleged violations, E&J Painting agreed to pay a $1,495 civil penalty and has obtained the required certification to comply with federal law at future renovation sites.

Background

Companies that perform or hire subcontractors to perform renovations must comply with regulations under EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting program. The regulations include requirements for contractors to obtain certification from EPA prior to performing renovations, as well as compliance with lead safety practices, records retention, and notification to homeownersabout the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.

Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed to multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects.

Reducing childhood lead exposure and the associated health impacts is a top priority for EPA. To report a possible violation of these requirements, visit EPA's Report Lead-Based Paint Complaints, Tips and Violations page.

• Find a lead-safe certified firmor apply for lead-safe certification.
• Learn more about leadand download lead poisoning awarenessinfographics.

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