EPA Settles Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations With St. Louis Companies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Orlando Askins, Askins Development Group LLC, and Shaw Holding Group LLC to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.

According to EPA, since at least 2015, Askins and his associated companies renovated dozens of residential properties in urban St. Louis and allegedly failed to comply with regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure.

Last year, after Askins and his associated companies refused access to EPA inspectors at numerous work sites, the United States filed a complaint and sought a preliminary injunction in federal court, seeking to enjoin defendants from performing ongoing renovation work.

The United States alleged that Askins and his associated companies failed to obtain EPA renovation firm certification; failed to assign a certified renovator prior to performing renovations; and violated multiple, lead-safe work practice requirements that could result in exposure to hazardous lead dust and debris.

During settlement negotiations, defendants agreed to cease renovation work until or unless they could demonstrate compliance with lead-based paint renovation regulations.

Under the terms of the current settlement memorialized in a proposed Consent Decree, defendants agreed to take the following actions:

• Obtain EPA renovation firm certification.
• Hire certified renovators and follow lead-safe work practices at all future renovation sites.
• Designate a “compliance officer” to oversee ongoing renovation work and act as a liaison to EPA to notify the agency prior to initiating renovation work.
• Test for lead dust after completing renovations and perform additional cleaning if lead is detected.
• Allow EPA inspections.
• Demonstrate compliance with all recordkeeping requirements required under the regulations.
• Submit reports to EPA demonstrating compliance with the Consent Decree.

Topics Pollution