SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice reached a $10,000 settlement with Homeworks Construction Inc. to resolve alleged violations of federal lead paint renovation rules.

The EPA alleged that beginning in 2018, the company performed renovations at 17 residential properties in South Bend built before 1978 without complying with the agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting regulations. Homeworks Construction has since obtained certification under the program and confirmed compliance with current requirements.

Lead-based paint dust is a leading cause of elevated blood lead levels in children, who are especially vulnerable to its harmful and irreversible health effects. Dust is often created when old paint is disturbed during activities such as window installation, demolition, or repainting.

Federal rules require contractors working on pre-1978 housing to obtain EPA certification, train workers in safe practices, keep detailed records, and notify homeowners of potential hazards.

The proposed consent decree was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and is subject to a public comment period and final court approval. Information on submitting a comment and access to the settlement agreement is available here.