Legacy Builders Violated Lead Paint Safety Regulations, New York, 2023

Legacy Builders/Developers Corp., a construction company, has been caught violating lead paint safety regulations, putting the health of building occupants and workers at risk. Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Regional Administrator for Region 2 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced the news today.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Legacy Builders failed to follow lead-safe work regulations, designed to protect building occupants—including children—and workers from toxic lead paint dust generated during apartment renovations. The company performed renovation work at hundreds of residential apartments across five building sites in Manhattan between 2016 and 2020.

The EPA inspected a Legacy Builders worksite in September 2017 and found that the company had failed to contain lead dust. This was consistent with inspections in April and August 2017 of the same worksite by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where inspectors observed dust and debris in hallways, common areas, and the vacant apartments being renovated.

Following further investigation, the EPA determined that Legacy Builders lacked required RRP Rule certifications and failed to train its workers on lead-safe work practices, failed to follow lead-safe work practices, failed to inform building owners and occupants of the risks of lead poisoning during that renovation, and failed to maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with lead-safe work practice rules.

As a result, the company has agreed to a Consent Decree, which includes a $168,000 civil penalty and requires Legacy Builders to take steps to mitigate potential harms caused by its conduct. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “Legacy Builders failed to follow lead-safe work regulations designed to protect building occupants—including children—and workers from toxic lead paint dust generated during apartment renovations.”

EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said, “Legacy Builders/Developers Corp. is being held accountable for not complying with rules that are designed to protect residents as well as workers and are a key part of protecting public health. The company’s activities put tenants, the public, and its employees at risk of exposure to lead dust hazards.”

Exposure to lead dust is the most common cause of lead poisoning, which can lead to severe, irreversible health problems, particularly in children. Lead poisoning can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

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