Springfield companies fined for lead-based paint violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is collecting fines from nine Springfield home renovation companies over alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.

The companies agreed to pay more than $30,000 collectively over alleged lead-based paint violations, according to a news release.

The companies named by the EPA in the release are :
• A.M. Wyssmann LLC.
• Autumn Exteriors LLC.
• Inside and Out Building and Remodeling LLC.
• LR Remodeling LLC.
• Martin Remodeling and Investments LLC.
• Scott Builders LLC.
• ServPro of Springfield/Greene County.
• The Gutter Experts LLC.
• Top Tier Homes LLC.

EPA officials allege the companies failed to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations.

“Reducing exposure to lead-based paint – especially among children and pregnant women, and in communities already overburdened with pollution exposure – is a top priority for EPA,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, in the release. “The agency is committed to ensuring that home renovators follow the law and protect workers and residents from lead exposure.”

The EPA, according to the release, last year discovered violations of lead-based paint regulations during inspections conducted in Springfield. Officials say most of the properties that were being renovated were located in communities already impacted by pollution exposure.

"EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high, adverse human health or environmental effects on vulnerable populations," officials said in the release.