Enforcement of Lead Laws and Regulations in Region 9
EPA’s Region 9 office serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations
FY 2024 Lead Enforcement and Regional Geographic Initiatives Highlights
Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act
In February 2024, Region 9 finalized an Administrative Order on Consent with S & W Atlas Iron & Metal Co. Inc. for Clean Water Act violations at its facility in Los Angeles. Atlas is located next door to Jordan High School in the overburdened community of Watts. Scrap metal had been found on high school property and stormwater carrying metal pollutants - including lead - were being discharged through unauthorized breaches in a perimeter wall onto high school grounds. Press Release: EPA Reaches Settlement with S & W Atlas Iron & Metal of Los Angeles over Stormwater Pollution Claims.
Toxic Substances Control Act
In May 2024, Region 9 participated in SoCal Urban Lead Symposium, hosted by Region 9 and the California Department of Substances Control. The symposium brought together staff and leaders of environmental and public health agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders related to lead. The symposium included discussions of the status of urban lead in the LA area, health risks, challenges, and available grant funding.
In FY 2024, approximately 29 inspections were conducted where 10 were for cause inspections or the result of citizen complaints.
In FY 2024, Region 9 finalized a penalty order of $822 with MP Properties, a property management company (PMC) that manages pre-1978 housing located in Daly City, California. In its role as a PMC, MP Properties hired, directed, and oversaw an individual who performed a renovation in August of 2022, which gave rise to the following Pre- and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule violations during the renovation:
Failure to provide a lead hazard information pamphlet; and
Failure to have a firm certified and assign a certified renovator.