Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice have reached an agreement with a home construction and remodeling company headquartered in South Bend to settle allegations of lead paint renovation violations.
As part of the deal, Homeworks Construction Inc. has agreed to pay $10,000 to resolve the allegations.
According to a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, the company, identified as “HWC,” allegedly performed renovations in at least 17 homes constructed prior to 1978 and failed to comply with federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulations.
“In dismantling, knocking down, and taking apart painted walls, doors, windows, and other surfaces, HWC did not use legally required lead-safe work practices designed to prevent lead dust from contaminating other apartments, building common areas, or outside spaces,” the complaint reads. “HWC also failed to provide lead paint safety pamphlets to residence owners. In addition, HWC failed to keep mandatory records about the work it performed to enable EPA to monitor HWC’s compliance.”
The alleged violations occurred between 2018 and 2021, according to court documents.
Dust from lead-based paint is among the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children, according to the DOJ. It can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work in homes.
The EPA requires companies and individuals to comply with regulations under its lead renovation program when performing renovations on residences built prior to 1978. Those regulations include requiring companies to rain employees on safe work practices and obtaining EPA certification prior to renovations.
They must also comply with record-keeping requirements and notify homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.
The DOJ said Homeworks Construction has since obtained RRP certification and confirmed compliance with current rules.
“We must enforce lead paint laws to protect public health, especially the health of vulnerable children,” Acting United States Attorney Scott Proctor said in written remarks. “This settlement promotes and advances public health by remedying past violations and monitoring future compliance.”
According to a consent decree filed by the DOJ, the company will pay the $10,000 penalty, plus interest, over the course of the next year.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.