EPA fines Southern California company for noncompliance with lead-based paint renovation regulations

Anaheim, California’s G.D. Friend Inc., which undertook renovation operations as Everlast Home Energy Solutions, incurred a nearly $30,000 fine from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for noncompliance with federal regulations on renovating and repairing homes potentially containing lead paint.

While the use of lead paint was banned for residential buildings in 1978, there are still up to 37 million homes containing the metal, which can harm the brain and nervous system and is especially harmful for children.

Contractors undertaking projects in homes built before 1978 are required to comply with the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, which requires among other things, that they have certification from the EPA, that a certified renovator handles all responsibilities related to lead-based paint, that they keep records to show lead-safe work procedures and that they provide clients with the Renovate Right brochure. In its activities at two homes, in Anaheim and La Verne, in February and March 2014, G.D. Friend did no comply with the RRP regulations, triggering the enforcement action from the EPA.

“Renovation work in older homes can create hazardous lead dust, but there are simple steps contractors can take to keep everyone safe,” Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest, said. “EPA will take enforcement action against companies to ensure they follow proper lead-safety procedures.”