Two San Diego County Firms Settle with EPA for Lead Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made two settlements in San Diego County, California, for violations of federal regulations related to lead. Home Remodeling Center, based in San Marcos, will pay a $22,275 penalty. Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling, based in San Diego, will pay a $20,454 penalty. These companies failed to comply with the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which requires them to take steps to protect the public from exposure to lead, according to the EPA.

“Exposure to lead-based paint is one of the most common sources of lead poisoning in children,” says Mike Stoker, EPA Pacific Southwest regional administrator. “It is important that contractors be EPA certified and use lead safe work practices when working on homes with lead-based paint.”

EPA inspections found that Home Remodeling Center and Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling performed renovations at multiple homes in the San Diego area without being EPA-certified to conduct such work in pre-1978 housing, where lead-based paint is assumed to be present. The companies also reportedly failed to keep records indicating compliance with lead-safe work practices and did not ensure that a certified renovator was involved as required.

In addition to the penalties, each company committed to make corrections to their operations, including becoming EPA-certified.