EPA reaches settlement over lead rule violations with Bethel painting company

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday that it has reached a settlement WestFair Painting Corp. over violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). The company will pay a $13,122 penalty.

WestFair Painting Corp (which has no relation to Westfair Communications, publisher of the Westfair Business Journal) is a CertaPro Painters franchisee located in Bethel.

“Companies certified under the Lead RRP Rule know the dangers of renovating properties with lead paint hazards and hiring contractors without proper lead training and certification is unacceptable,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash in a press release. “Thankfully EPA’s action will help ensure children, who are the most vulnerable to lead exposure and its health effects, are further protected where they live and play.”

The EPA alleges that WestFair failed to provide training materials to their employees and properly maintain records required under the RRP Rule, as well as hiring subcontractors that were not properly certified. The violations allegedly occurred during five jobs, including one occupied by children.