HarenLaughlin Construction Company of Lenexa, Kan., to Pay $27,286 Penalty for Failure to Use Lead-Safe Work Practices and Notify Property Owner of Lead Risks

EPA Press Release:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

HarenLaughlin Construction Company of Lenexa, Kan., to Pay $27,286 Penalty for Failure to Use Lead-Safe Work Practices and Notify Property Owner of Lead Risks

Contact Information: Ben Washburn, 913-551-7364, washburn.ben@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., June 5, 2013) - HarenLaughlin Construction Company, of Lenexa, Kan., has agreed to pay a $27,286 civil penalty to settle allegations that it failed to use proper lead-safe work practices during the renovation of a multifamily property built in 1922 at 811 E. Armour Boulevard., Kansas City, Mo., in violation of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. It also failed to notify the property owner about lead-based paint risks before the company or its subcontractors performed renovation work at the site.

Under the agreement, HarenLaughlin will complete a supplemental environmental project valued at $24,500 to remove lead-based paint from the nearby Valentine Apartments, at 3560 Broadway Street, Kansas City, Mo. HarenLaughlin will pay the remaining $2,786 in the form of a cash penalty.

According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Lenexa, Kan., HarenLaughlin was legally required to use proper lead-safe work practices during the renovation of the Armour Boulevard property, including posting signs, notifying the public, and placing plastic sheeting to minimize the spread of lead-based paint chips. HarenLaughlin also failed to provide owners of the property with an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet, known as the Renovate Right pamphlet, before starting renovations. 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 general contractors and subcontractors 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.

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