Lowe's paid record $500,000 penalty in earlier federal lead-safe renovation case

Summary

In April 2014, Lowe's Home Centers agreed to resolve federal allegations that contractors performing renovation projects for Lowe's customers failed to comply with EPA requirements designed to prevent exposure to dangerous lead dust. The settlement concerned the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. The rule applies to renovation work that can disturb lead-based paint in older homes and requires covered firms and renovators to be properly certified and follow lead-safe practices. The Environmental Protection Agency and Justice Department alleged that Lowe's failed to provide documentation demonstrating that contractors hired to perform renovation work had been properly certified, appropriately trained, used required lead-safe work practices or correctly used EPA-approved lead testing methods. EPA's investigation identified problems at renovation sites including homes in Illinois and Ohio. According to EPA, contractors failed in certain instances to properly contain work areas during renovations and to properly clean renovation areas afterward. The investigation originated from records reviewed after tips and complaints submitted by members of the public. Lowe's agreed to establish a comprehensive corporate-wide compliance program covering more than 1,700 stores. The company agreed to monitor contractor certifications, suspend contractors whose certifications had expired or who failed to comply with the lead-safety requirements, require enhanced renovation recordkeeping and investigate notices concerning possible noncompliance. Lowe's also agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty. EPA stated that this was the largest civil penalty obtained for violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule at that time. This is a separate enforcement action from the later 2025 Lowe's settlement. The federal government subsequently alleged that Lowe's failed to successfully implement aspects of the compliance obligations established through this 2014 resolution. Primary source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Lowe's Home Centers, LLC Settlement: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/lowes-home-centers-llc-settlement