Berlin Construction Company Fined For Federal Lead Paint Violations

BERLIN, CT — A Berlin-based construction company and federal authorities ironed out an agreement for it to better comply with federal lead paint safety regulations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday, July 28, it had reached agreements with three Connecticut companies.

One of those companies was Gold Shield Construction, located at 384 Deming Road, Berlin, and it will also pay a fine to the federal government, according to the EPA.

EPA officials said in a release that these rules are designed to help protect people, especially children, from the health risks associated with lead-based paint.

"These three settlements include commitments from the respective entities to follow federal lead paint laws, which means a lower risk of childhood exposure to lead in the buildings that they manage and renovate in Connecticut," said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn on Monday.

"These cases are indicative of EPA's work to pursue enforcement actions of critical lead-based paint laws and regulations to ensure future compliance and deter violations."

As part of the settlements reached with the EPA, each company will also pay a fine, with Gold Shield Construction's penalty listed at $31,916, federal authorities said.

Berlin-based Gold Shield Construction was not properly certified under the federal Restoration, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, wrote the EPA.

This was when it performed four renovations in pre-1978 housing that may have contained lead-based paint between 2021 and 2023 or at the time of an EPA inspection in June 2023, officials said.

According to the EPA, the company did not have certain compliance documentation, failed to provide the required EPA-approved "Renovate Right" lead hazard information pamphlet to the property owners/tenants, and did not keep proper records.

"Lead paint is a serious health hazard, especially for young children. Most homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint, and when it's disturbed, it can create dangerous lead dust," wrote the EPA in a release.

EPA officials said they will continue to inspect renovation companies, landlords, property managers, and real estate firms to ensure they are following the rules that help prevent lead exposure.

The inspections outlined in these cases were part of EPA's broader effort to reduce lead risks in Connecticut, federal officials said.

For more information on this announcement, click on this link.

Read more about EPA's work to enforce lead laws and regulations.

Read more about real estate disclosures about potential lead hazards.