Ever since the implementations of the Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continually sought to increase public safety by enforcing its regulations and facilitating lead paint certification. The ranks of companies receiving penalties for noncompliance across the country have ranged from local building owners to large corporations, such as Sears. Now, that enforcement continues, as the EPA announced a settlement with Denver-based host of DIY Network series “Raise the Roof” on May 4.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a collective settlement with Denver-area contractors KGN Asset Management, LLC, KGN Asset Management, Inc., and Restoration Realty, Inc. as part of an ongoing initiative to protect residents of Denver neighborhoods from toxic lead-paint hazards during home renovations. Disturbing lead paint during renovations without proper work practices can expose homeowners and the public to toxic lead hazards.
The contracting firms are associated with Keith Nylund, the host of the DIY Network series “Raise the Roof.” The series followed Nylund as his firms conducted major renovations on homes throughout the Denver area, many of which involved removing roofs to add additional stories, a renovation practice commonly known as a “pop top.”
The released statement alleges that Nylund’s firms conducted seven home renovations in Denver without following several regulations required by the RRP Rule from 2014 to 2016. According to the release, violations include the failure to obtain an EPA firm certification, failure to maintain proper recordkeeping and documentation on multiple properties, and violations of lead-safe work practices. Nylund’s firms agreed to pay fees totaling $30,000 to resolve these allegations. Additionally, KGN Asset Management, LLC has since become a lead-safe certified firm. On top of firm certification, lead certification for contractors is necessary, the requirements for which prevent and minimize the release of lead dust and debris.
As part of ongoing efforts to prevent toxic lead exposure resulting from renovations on homes with lead paint, EPA has conducted outreach and education activities among contractors and residents and inspected many jobsites in Denver-area neighborhoods. The agency will continue to evaluate compliance associated with these inspections and work to improve compliance among contractors who perform renovation projects where lead paint is present.
Read the full News Release.
