The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement in a civil enforcement action against LHP LLC for alleged violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule in connection with renovation work done at one of its rental houses in Lincoln, Neb. As part of the settlement, the company will pay a  civil penalty of $8,840.

LHP LLC owns and rents numerous housing units in Lincoln. During a November 2012 RRP work practices inspection at a jobsite, EPA found that the company was violating several RRP work practices at one of its rental houses. The inspection found the company failed to post warning signs, failed to close all doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation, failed to ensure doors used in the work area were covered with plastic or other impermeable material, failed to cover the ground with plastic or other impermeable material to collect dust and debris, and failed to contain waste from the renovation to prevent the release of dust and debris before the waste was removed from the work area. The inspection noted paint chips and debris littering the site, extending onto the public sidewalk and beyond.

In 2009, EPA issued a notice of noncompliance to LHP LLC for failure to disclose to its renters a required lead warning statement, failure to disclose the presence of lead-based paint hazards, and failure to disclose available records or reports pertaining to lead-based paint hazards. In 2008, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice of violation to LHP, LLC, for engaging in a lead abatement project without a valid certificate after being notified of elevated blood levels of lead for a child residing at one of the company’s properties.

The RRP Rule is intended to reduce lead exposure from toxic lead dust and debris that can be generated during renovations and repairs of houses built prior to 1978. Lead poisoning is especially harmful to children.