US Companies Fined $125,000 for Illegal Lead-Paint Renovation of Homes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement agreement with Denver-area real estate company VareCo PM, LLC and its affiliates over violations of the Renovation, Repair and Paint Regulations for lead-based paint.

At the heart of the settlement is VareCo PM, LLC's alleged material violations of the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) regarding lead-based paint during the renovation of six multi-unit rental housing properties. The RRP rules are designed to protect the public from toxic lead exposure from lead-based paint renovation activities, with a particular focus on homes built before 1978, which often use a lot of lead-based paint.

According to the EPA investigation, VareCo PM, LLC committed a number of violations during the renovation process, including, but not limited to: failing to obtain EPA's preliminary corporate certification, failing to assign a certified repairman to perform the renovation work, failing to maintain necessary documentation to demonstrate that the work met lead safety codes, and failing to provide residents with written notice of lead hazards prior to the renovation. These actions not only violate national regulations, but also pose a potential threat to the health of residents.

In the face of these charges, VareCo PM, LLC agreed to pay a fine of up to $125,000 to settle allegations that the company performed uncertified renovations at six multi-unit rental housing properties. This fine is not only a punishment for illegal acts, but also a warning to other enterprises in the industry, reminding all units and individuals engaged in lead paint renovation work must strictly comply with the relevant regulations to ensure the safety of renovation activities.

In a comment on the matter, EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker stressed, "EPA is committed to ensuring the health and safety of Colorado tenants, especially those in areas that are at greater risk from hazards such as lead." We encourage individuals and families to actively ask if home improvement and maintenance activities meet safety standards and work together to prevent harmful lead exposure." This statement not only reflects the EPA's deep concern for public health, but also calls on all sectors of society to participate in environmental protection and health protection actions.