EPA Region 7 conducted a Record Keeping Inspection at Dynamic Porch & Patio., an Independence, Mo., remodeling company, in July 2014, which revealed violations of the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Dynamic Porch & Patio builds and installs insulated roofs, add-ons, pergolas, decks, and replaces siding. The company has agreed to pay a $5,559 civil penalty to settle allegations that it violated the RRP Rule.
According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Lenexa, Kan., the random inspection revealed that Dynamic Porch & Patio failed to obtain initial firm certification, failed to provide the Renovate Right pamphlet to the owner of the residence, and failed to retain records for three years regarding compliance with lead-safe work practices.
The RRP Rule requires that contractors that work on pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities are trained and certified to use lead-safe work practices. This ensures that common renovation and repair activities like sanding, cutting and replacing windows minimize the creation and dispersion of dangerous lead dust. EPA finalized the RRP Rule in 2008 and the rule took effect on April 22, 2010.
This enforcement action addresses RRP Rule violations that could result in harm to human health. Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, from behavioral disorders and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing. Today, at least 4 million households have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead. There are approximately half a million U.S. children ages 1-5 with blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter (/dL), the reference level at which the Centers for Disease Control recommends public health actions be initiated.
