EPA Drops the RRP Hammer on Window Installers
By Clayton DeKorne
Several recent cases against window replacement
firms demonstrate the resolve of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the Lead
Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule:
In Pennsylvania, the agency settled with Thermo-Twin
Industries, a window manufacturer and installer
that agreed to pay a $25,690 civil penalty for
alleged RRP violations. The company is accused
of violating RRP rules in 2010 and 2011 while
renovating three residential properties constructed
before 1978. According to the EPA, company employees
failed to take required lead-safe precautions,
such as removing objects and covering the work
area with plastic or other impermeable sheeting.
The company also allegedly failed to provide
property owners and occupants with the required
hazard information pamphlet, "Renovate
Right," before starting renovations.
Last month, Window World of St. Louis., agreed
to pay a $19,529 civil penalty for allegedly
failing to notify owners and occupants of at
least 20 St. Louis area homes built before 1978.
In addition to paying the civil penalty, the
company also agreed to spend an estimated $20,048
to replace a total of 73 old windows contaminated
with lead paint at three group home facilities
operated by the non-profit social services organization,
Youth in Need.
And most recently, Window World of Omaha, Neb.,
has agreed to pay a $3,976 civil penalty to
settle allegations that it failed to notify
owners and occupants of at least eight Omaha
homes built before 1978. In addition to paying
the civil penalty, Window World agreed to provide
71 new windows (estimated cost of $11,928) to
Operation Phoenix—a non-profit organization
run by Soby Ranch Ministry that partners with
community organizers to teach basic construction
techniques to under-skilled workers. Five homes
in Omaha that are undergoing renovation though
Operation Phoenix, and the 71 windows will replace
older units that are reportedly contaminated
with lead based paint.
From: REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR 2014
Posted on: April 22, 2014