The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently cited companies in New Hampshire and California that the agency says failed to follow federal lead paint regulations.

In New Hampshire, two residential property owners and a company hired for renovation work face significant penalties from EPA under two civil complaints filed by EPA for work done at a commercial and residential property in Manchester.

EPA has issued an administrative complaint against Brady Sullivan Millworks II, LLC and Brady Sullivan Millworks IV, LLC (Brady Sullivan) of Manchester, N.H., seeking a penalty of $139,171 for violations of the Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule and the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.EPA also issued an administrative complaint against Environmental Compliance Specialists, Inc. (ECSI) of Kingston N.H., seeking a penalty of $152,848 for violations of the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. Both cases are being brought under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The alleged violations occurred at a residential and commercial property located at 195 McGregor Street in Manchester.

EPA’s complaint against Brady Sullivan alleges that the company violated TSCA when it failed to provide tenants in 14 apartments with lead paint disclosure information. The complaint also alleges that Brady Sullivan Millworks IV violated three provisions of the RRP Rule during renovation activities occurring in portions of the building which it owns.

EPA’s complaint against ECSI alleges that during renovation activities 2015, the company violated six provisions of the RRP Rule, including the failure to properly contain the work area. ECSI was hired by Brady Sullivan Millworks IV as a subcontractor to perform demolition and renovation work on the first and second floors of a building as part of an effort to convert the space into residential units.

In California, the EPA recently fined Clearview Home Improvements Inc. $58,450 for failing to comply with the RRP Rule while working at seven residential properties.

Clearview, which operates as Clearview Home Energy Solutions, is located in Anaheim. The company performs energy-efficient home improvements, such as installing windows and vinyl siding. An EPA inspection found that in 2013 the company performed renovation work at pre-1978 homes in Los Angeles, San Pedro, Huntington Beach, Carson, Mission Viejo and Riverside without:

• confirming that a certified renovator, who ensured compliance with the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, was assigned to the job;
• keeping records to show that the renovator complied with lead-safe work practices;
• maintaining proper certification as a Renovation, Repair and Painting firm, and;
• providing clients with the required federal Renovate Right brochure, which gives basic facts about lead and information about lead safety during renovation work

Lead-contaminated dust can be easily ingested or inhaled. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips that can settle on home surfaces. Exposure to such contamination through hand-to-mouth contact or breathing can result in lead poisoning for children, families and construction workers.