Newark Housing Authority Settles Lead Paint Allegations With Feds

NEWARK, NJ — Lead paint was banned from use in homes in 1978, but it remains on the walls and woodwork of millions of homes and buildings across the country. And the risks associated with lead contamination remain a concern in New Jersey’s largest city, federal authorities say.

On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that they have reached concurrent settlements with the Newark Housing Authority (NHA) in New Jersey.

The settlements involve alleged violations of federal lead-based paint regulations, according to the EPA.

The settlement follows EPA inspections at the John W. Hyatt Court and Pennington Court properties in Newark. Inspectors found that the NHA did not provide tenants with complete lead hazard disclosures, or ensure that renovations were properly done under the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, authorities alleged.

The agreements require the NHA to conduct lead testing and abatement where lead-based paint is found across the housing authority’s 11 pre-1978 properties, with a total of about 5,500 residents. In addition, the NHA must comply with lead hazard disclosure practices, improve staff training and ensure safer renovations, EPA officials said.

The EPA’s settlement assesses a $170,000 penalty, which the agency said it will waive if the NHA “takes the actions necessary to comply with the federal lead requirements.”

The HUD’s settlement assesses a civil penalty of $7,500.

The two federal agencies will continue to work together to provide technical assistance and oversight to ensure that the NHA meets its obligations, authorities said.

Exposure to improperly managed lead-based paint can cause serious health problems, especially in children, EPA officials said.

“With over two-thirds of New Jersey’s housing stock built before 1980, the risks from lead remain real,” HUD Region II administrator Jason Loughran said.

Learn more about lead-based paint rules at the EPA’s website.

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