DENVER (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached a $37,065 settlement deal with THD At-Home Services, resolving alleged violations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
A June compliance inspection revealed that the Atlanta, Georgia-based company allegedly violated the rule at a project site in Arvada, Colorado. THD At-Home Services is a subsidiary of Home Depot and was the general contractor for the Colorado home renovation project.
Prior testing had shown the presence of lead-based paint at the project site. The EPA alleges that THD At-Home Services failed to ensure that waste debris and dust at the site were properly contained. Claims stated that the company did not keep the work area fully clean of dust, debris and residue in accordance with RRP Rule requirements.
“EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule provides important, front-line protection for children and others vulnerable to exposure to lead dust that can cause lead poisoning,” Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Denver, said. “EPA will continue to take steps to ensure that contractors comply with the rule’s requirements to contain waste, control dust and prevent exposure.”
The RRP Rule mandates that contractors that work on pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities be properly trained and certified in lead-safe work practices. RRP exists under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act.