By John Kell
Lowe's Cos. agreed to pay a $500,000 penalty stemming from
environmental-related violations by the home-improvement retailer's
contractors, while also agreeing to implement a program to minimize
lead dust during renovations.
The settlement stems from violations discovered by Environmental
Protection Agency inspectors after a review of records of completed
renovations performed by contractors hired by Lowe's stores in
several states.
The federal government's complaint alleged Lowe's failed to
provide documentation that its contractors had been certified by
the EPA, had been properly trained and had used lead-safe work
practices. Additionally, the EPA alleged its investigation found
Lowe's contractors failed to ensure that work areas had been
properly contained and cleaned during renovations at three
homes.
The EPA said its investigation was prompted by tips and
complaints by homeowners.
Lowe's said it hires thousands of third-party contractors and
the EPA identified only a few who failed to meet certain
record-keeping or work-practice requirements regarding lead-based
paint.
Lowe's spokeswoman Amanda Manna said the company has had an
"aggressive lead-based paint renovation compliance program" in
place since the EPA's rules went into effect.
"There have never been any reports of lead-based-paint health
issues associated with any projects completed by Lowe's
contractors," Ms. Manna said. She added Lowe's "cooperated with the
EPA and has resolved all issues alleged by the EPA."
The civil penalty Lowe's agreed to pay is the largest ever for
violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting
Rule, the EPA and Justice Department said in a prepared
statement.
The Justice Department said Lowe's also agreed to implement a
corporate-wide program at its stores nationwide to ensure its
contractors minimize lead dust from home renovation activities.
While lead-based paint was banned in 1978, it remains in many homes
and apartments across the U.S.
Write to John Kell at john.kell@wsj.com
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