Lowe’s Signs Consent Decree With EPA and Pays $500,000 Fine For Lead Safety Violations
According to EPA, a review of records for renovation projects conducted by contractors hired by Lowe’s resulted in the discovery of multiple work practice and recordkeeping violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. Tips and complaints from members of the public reportedly prompted the EPA investigation. As a result of records reviews conducted at various Lowe’s stores ranging from Muldoon, Alaska to Kent, Ohio to Bedford, New Hampshire and beyond, the following violations were noted:
- Lowe’s failure to provide documentation showing that specific contractors had been certified by EPA, had been properly trained, had used lead-safe work practices, or had correctly used EPA-approved lead test kits.
- Lowe’s failure to ensure that certain work areas had been properly contained and cleaned during renovations.
The Consent Decree requires Lowe’s to implement a comprehensive compliance program to ensure that its contractors comply with the RRP Rule, including taking the following actions:
- Contract only with EPA or state-certified renovators;
- Ensure contractors maintain the appropriate certification;
- Ensure contractors use lead-safe work practices checklists during renovations;
- Suspend any contractors not operating in compliance;
- Investigate all reports of noncompliance; and
- Ensure violations are corrected.
Lowe’s must also pay a civil penalty of $500,000. This is the largest penalty assessed to date by the EPA for violations of the RRP Rule.
To access EPA’s press release, click here:
To access the Consent Decree, click here:
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