Save 1900 Realty to Pay Penalty and Launch Lead-Safe Work Practices Awareness on 'Restoring Galveston' Cable Show
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement agreement with Save 1900 Realty, LLC of Galveston, Texas, resolving alleged violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. As part of the agreement, owner Michael Cordray will use the HGTV program “Restoring Galveston” to raise awareness about lead safety. The company will also produce a 30-60 second public service announcement highlighting lead safety measures, post it on their social media, and make it available to EPA for future use. Additionally, Save 1900 Realty will pay a $42,500 civil penalty for these violations.
“Repairs and renovations in homes built before 1978 can create dangerous lead dust when companies do not comply with the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule," said Deputy Assistant Administrator Cecil Rodrigues of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “We are committed to holding companies accountable and protecting families from lead contamination.”
In 2019, Save 1900 Realty’s renovations at seven pre-1978 residential properties failed to meet RRP Rule requirements. Violations included failing to 1) perform work in accordance with the work practice standards, 2) obtain recertification before beginning renovations, 3) assign a certified renovator to each renovation, and 4) maintain records showing their compliance with RRP measures.
Since the discovery of these violations, the company has obtained RRP firm certification and certified that it is presently in compliance with all requirements of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the RRP rule.
Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels. Even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues. The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent among infants and children because their bodies are rapidly developing and more susceptible to taking in lead if exposed.
In the past, the EPA has settled several other RRP enforcement cases associated with companies performing renovation projects on cable TV programs that air on HGTV / Discovery, the same network that airs Fixer to Fabulous, Maine Cabin Masters, Two Chicks and a Hammer, Magnolia Homes, Texas Flip N Move, and Rehab Addict and Bargain Mansions.
More information about the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program webpage and the Enforcing Lead Laws and Regulations webpage.