EPA Fines Property Developer for Not Hiring Lead Paint Renovator
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE U.S. EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settled with a New England property owner over alleged violations of the lead paint rule when the firm failed to hire a certified lead renovator for a conversion project.
American Wire LLC, a Rhode Island corporation, started renovating a former mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island into residential lofts in 2020. During an on-site inspection coordinated with the Rhode Island Department of Health, the EPA determined that among other alleged violations, American Wire was not a Rhode Island Lead Hazard Control licensed firm. This is the equivalent of an EPA-certified firm.
This licensing is required for companies that perform renovations that disturb painted surfaces in housing built before 1978. These buildings are presumed to contain lead.
The EPA also alleged that American Wire failed to ensure that a certified lead renovator was designated as the person responsible for oversight of the renovation project. This is a requirement for residential occupancy.
American Wire has paid a fine of $25,000 and has come into compliance with lead paint laws. EPA also issued a non-penalty administrative order to Brady Sullivan Properties LLC, American Wire’s parent company, for its alleged failure to provide EPA with prior, written notification before work began, as required by Clean Air Act demolition and renovation standards known as the "Asbestos NESHAP" regulations.
This is the second mill conversion project done by Brady Sullivan that the EPA cited for lead paint violations. A 2017 settlement involved a mill restoration project in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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