Lead
Paint Violation Goes Viral - $150,000 Fine for Remodeler
So for all those remodelers who thought there was no reason
to follow the EPA's lead RRP rules?
Yeah, you might want to think about that again.
The EPA has cited a Maine remodeler for not properly following
the rules after two of his employees were recorded removing
paint from a home with power tools and without containing
the waste properly. It's the first EPA action under the
rules that went into effect last year.
The remodeler, Colin Wentworth of Rockland, Maine, has taken
the eight-hour EPA- approved course to get certified, but
had not had his workers trained or certified his firm, according
to the EPA.
From the EPA:
EPA’s investigation found that Mr. Wentworth failed to:
obtain required certification as a renovation firm from
EPA; post warning signs in the work area; cover the ground
in the work area with plastic sheeting to collect falling
lead paint debris; contain waste from the renovation activities
to prevent releases of dust and debris before the waste
is removed from the work area for storage or disposal; prohibit
use of machines that remove lead-based paint through high
speed operation without HEPA exhaust controls; and establish
and maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance
with the Renovation Rule.
The company faces fines of up to $37,500 per day per violation.
The Bangor News reported this morning that the company is
facing a minimum of $150,000 in fines.
|