Region 6

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March 20, 2009 - EPA issued a final rule to address fees for its lead-based paint programs. The rule addresses two areas: first, it modifies and lowers the existing fees for EPA's Lead-based Paint Activities Regulations; second, it establishes fees for the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. The final rule establishes fees that will be charged for training programs seeking accreditation, for firms engaged in renovations seeking certification, and for individuals (for example, risk assessors) or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities seeking certification. The final rule applies only in those states and tribes without their own authorized lead programs. The fees were developed as required by section 402 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to recover the cost of administering and enforcing the law's requirements.

The final rule slightly lower fees for the Lead-based Paint Activities regulations -- a significant reduction considering the 35 to 40 percent increase in government labor costs since the original fees were set in 1999. Read more information on the final rule or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Also read EPA's fact sheet on the final rule. For technical information regarding the rule, contact Marc Edmonds at the EPA at 202-566-0758 or by email at edmonds.marc@epa.gov.

March 17, 2009 - EPA is making available approximately $500,000 for Tribal Lead Grants. EPA is accepting grant proposals from Federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal consortia to support Tribal educational outreach and to conduct a baseline assessment of Tribal children's existing and potential exposure to lead-based paint and related lead-based paint hazards. In the Request for Proposal (PDF) (24 pp, 140K), EPA describes activities eligible for funding include educational outreach, data gathering, inspections, risk assessments, training, and development of new and innovative approaches to identifying or reducing lead poisoning. EPA is awarding grants to Federally-recognized Indian tribes to perform those activities and to encourage Indian tribes to consider continuing such activities in the future. The number of grants EPA will fund as a result of this announcement will be based on the quality of proposals received and the availability of funding. It is anticipated that approximately 4-6 awards will be made. The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement is April 30, 2009. Applicants can submit proposals via e-mail or by regular mail.

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EPA Recognizes Lead Paint Test Kits

The EPA Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) rule (PDF) (79 pp, 847K) includes a two-phase process for evaluating and recognizing test kits that can be used to determine the presence of regulated levels of lead in lead-based paint surfaces. After initial evaluation, EPA is recognizing two currently available lead test kits, with limitations. They are the LeadCheck® kit and the State of Massachusetts kit.

First, EPA recognizes that, when used by a certified renovator, the LeadCheck® lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on all surfaces, including wood, that are used for window and door trim. It is not recognized for use on plaster and drywall. This kit is available at local hardware stores throughout the country.

Second, EPA recognizes that, when used by trained professionals, the State of Massachusetts lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on all surfaces except ferrous metal.

EPA will continue to update information on recognized spot-test kits as it becomes available. For any questions pertaining to the recognition of these kits, contact Sam Brown at 202-566-0490 or by email: brown.sam@epa.gov.

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For EPA's Training and Certification Program for Lead-Based Paint Activities in Target Housing and Child Occupied Facilities - Section 402/404

Information on the Federal Real Estate Notification Disclosure rule can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/pubs/lead/leadbase.htm

 

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Beginning on June 23, 2008, renovators will be required to distribute a lead hazard information pamphlet to the owners and administrators of child-occupied facilities before beginning renovations in these facilities. Renovators must also make renovation information available to the parents or guardians of children under age six that attend these facilities. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule (PDF) (79 pp, 847K), published on April 22, 2008, amends and supplements the 1999 rule.

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State Lead Based Paint Contacts:

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)	http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/asb_lead/lead.htm
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ)	http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/protal/default.aspx?tabid=2251
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ)	http://www.deq.state.ok.us/AQDnew/lbp/index.htm
Texas Department of Health  (TDH)	http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/elp/default.shtm
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma - Dept of Environmental Protection	http://www.cherokee.org/Services/Default.aspx

Federal Certification Program in New Mexico and Tribal Lands:

EPA Region 6 currently implements the Federal lead-based paint activities certification program in New Mexico and in all Tribal Nations of EPA Region 6, except the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.  Find a Federally Accredited lead-based paint training providers, in your area, or search for firms who have received Federal certification to perform lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments, and abatements.

These listings only reflects those areas under the EPA Federal Lead-Based Paint Program (New Mexico, and all Tribal Lands under the jurisdiction of EPA Region 6). It does not include information relative to certifications issued by Region 6 States who have their own Lead-Based Paint Activities Training and Certification programs (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Cherokee Nation) which have been authorized by EPA. To obtain State certification information, please refer to the appropriate State Agency, as noted above.

Lead-Based Paint Training Providers
Lead-Based Paint Firms

To find out more about the Region 6 Lead-Based Paint Program, or applications on the Federal Lead certification program,  Contact: the Lead-Based Paint Program Staff at: (214) 665-7577 or eMail