POSTED 5/19/2011
So for all those remodelers who thought there was no reason to follow the EPA's lead RRP rules?
Yeah, you might want to think about that again.
The EPA has cited a Maine remodeler for not properly following the rules after two of his employees were recorded removing paint from a home with power tools and without containing the waste properly. It's the first EPA action under the rules that went into effect last year.
The remodeler, Colin Wentworth of Rockland, Maine, has taken the eight-hour EPA- approved course to get certified, but had not had his workers trained or certified his firm, according to the EPA.
From the EPA:
EPA’s investigation found that Mr. Wentworth failed to: obtain required certification as a renovation firm from EPA; post warning signs in the work area; cover the ground in the work area with plastic sheeting to collect falling lead paint debris; contain waste from the renovation activities to prevent releases of dust and debris before the waste is removed from the work area for storage or disposal; prohibit use of machines that remove lead-based paint through high speed operation without HEPA exhaust controls; and establish and maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Renovation Rule.
The company faces fines of up to $37,500 per day per violation. The Bangor News reported this morning that the company is facing a minimum of $150,000 in fines.
Here's the video that was posted on YouTube and spread the word about Wentworth's alleged violations.