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The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Sears Home Improvement Products Inc. that resolves alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for work performed by Sears contractors during home renovation projects across the country. Under the settlement, Sears will implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide program to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work are properly certified and follow required procedures to prevent exposure to lead dust from home renovation activities. Sears will also pay a $400,000 civil penalty.
This settlement will help prevent children and workers exposure to lead during home renovations in communities across the United States by ensuring that Sears contractors are fully aware of their obligations under lead safety regulations, said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. Sears is required to implement system wide changes across the corporation which will provide additional protection for consumers and bring the company into compliance with the law.
Todays settlement will have a widespread impact across the home improvement industry, significantly reducing exposure to lead paint dust among children and vulnerable citizens, said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPAs Office of Enforcement and...