Enforcement of Lead Laws and Regulations in Region 6
EPA’s Region 6 office serves Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
FY 2024 Lead Enforcement and Regional Geographic Initiatives Highlights
Toxic Substances Control Act
Pella Windows and Doors, LLC in Batton Rouge, LA, Paid a $54,000 Penalty for TSCA Violations and Agreed to Compliance Conditions to Settle a Region 6 Enforcement Action.
The July 31, 2024, EPA settlement resolved alleged violations of Lead-Based Paint Renovation Repair and Paint (RRP) Rule requirements to use a certified firm and certified renovator for home renovations and document use of lead-safe work practices. In addition to paying a penalty of $54,000, Pella agreed to:
Conduct a Lead Safe Audit at the Baton Rouge Operation,
Host a webinar encompassing lead safe compliance, including invitations to distributors nationwide;
Provide EPA a demonstration of its lead safe compliance app; and
Host a seminar for subcontracted lead safe certified installers of distributors.
Region 6 Settlement Obtains TSCA Penalty and Lead Safety Education Projects from “Fixer to Fabulous” Reality Television Firm.
On January 8, 2024, EPA entered a settlement with Marrs Construction, LLC, in Bella Vista, AK to resolve alleged violations of RRP Rule requirements to use a certified firm and certified renovator for home renovations, establish compliance records, and use lead-safe work practices. Marrs Construction is the featured renovation company in the national televised show “Fixer to Fabulous.” Marrs Construction paid a penalty of $44,859 and agreed to:
Post its RRP certification to their public website;
Produce a public service announcement (PSA) video featuring the RRP;
Share the PSA through all of their social media accounts;
Provide the PSA to EPA for future use; and
Feature the RRP and work practice standards in one show for Season 5 and two shows for season 6 of the show “Fixer to Fabulous.”
Building Permit Disclaimer Outreach. Region 6 continued outreach to each municipal department that issues building permits within Region 6 to request a RRP compliance disclaimer added to permit applications. The compliance disclaimer notifies permit applicants to the requirements of 40 C.F.R 745. To date, 23 cities have added a statement or checkbox to building permits, aiding in awareness to the public.
Inspection focus in former RSR Cooperation area. In FY 2024, Region 6 conducted six inspections at contractors and a property management company conducting work in the former RSR Cooperation area of NW Dallas. RSR Cooperation was a lead smelter that operated from the 1920’s to 1984. In 1995, the site was placed on Superfund’s National Priority List. Between 1991 and 1994, EPA and the Dallas Housing Authority cleaned up 400 properties and in 2006, EPA issued Ready for Reuse Determinations for the smelter and disposal areas, facilitating redevelopment. Region 6 focused RRP and 1018 inspections in this area to ensure lead-safe work practices were being implemented in a community previously impacted by lead contamination.