Groeller Painting Inc of St. Louis to Pay $23,000 Penalty for Failure to Use Lead Safe Work Practices and Notify Homeowners of Lead Risks

(Lenexa, Kan., March 12, 2013) - Groeller Painting Inc, of St. Louis, Mo., has agreed to pay a $23,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it failed to use proper lead-safe work practices during the renovation of a pre-1978 multifamily unit property, in violation of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP). The company also failed to notify residents about lead-based paint risks before the company or its subcontractors performed renovation work at their homes.

According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Lenexa, Kan., Groeller or its subcontractors were legally required to use proper lead-safe work practices during the renovation and provide owners and occupants of the properties with an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet, known as the Renovate Right pamphlet, before starting renovations at the properties. The Renovate Right pamphlet helps homeowners and tenants understand the risks of lead-based paint, and how best to minimize these risks to protect themselves and their families.

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.