EPA and the City of Memphis and Shelby County Partner to Address Lead in Homes
ATLANTA) – November 9, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partnering with the City of Memphis and Shelby County government to unveil a pilot program to address the renovation, repair, and painting of homes painted with lead-based paint.
“EPA Region 4 is proud to partner with the State of Tennessee, the local health department and the local communities to launch this pilot in the City of Memphis and Shelby County,” said Beverly Banister, Director Air, Pesticide, Toxics Management Division, EPA Southeast Region. “As an Agency, we have a vested interest in making a visible difference in communities and have made it a priority to aid children less than age 6, children living in poverty, and those in homes built before 1978 as they are all vulnerable to the dangers of lead-based paint.”
“We are grateful that the EPA has recognized a need in our city and is taking steps to address it by piloting this program in Memphis,” said Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. “Appropriate training for those who will be renovating, repairing and painting homes with lead-based paint is critical to making these homes safe for some of our most vulnerable citizens. This project represents a growth opportunity for local companies and an opportunity to enhance the safety and livability of these aging homes.”
Who: Anthony Toney Chief, Chemical Safety and Enforcement Branch US EPA Region 4, Marzie Thomas, District Director, Jeremy Jordan, Constituent Services Representative, Honorable, Steve Cohen’s Office (D-TN-9), State Representative Antonio Parkinson (District-98), Debbie Singleton, City of Memphis Housing and Community Development and Jim Vazquez, Administrator, Shelby County Office of Housing
What: Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Pilot Program Rally and Launch
When: 12:00 pm
Where: Lemoyne Owen College, 807 Walker Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee
The year-long pilot program will address EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). The rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.
For more information on lead-based paint and the EPA’s RRP Program visit www.epa.gov/lead
Contact Information: Jason McDonald, 404-562-9203,
