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EPA Proposes Fine for Sandblasting Company over Lead Contamination at Fall River Dance Studio

Release Date: 08/13/2002
Contact Information: Andrew Spejewski, EPA Press Office, 617-918-1014

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it is proposing a $24,750 fine against D&D Sandblasting of Somerset, Mass. for improper handling of lead-based paint debris during renovations of a building in Fall River last August and September. The debris contaminated a dance studio located in the building, triggering a shutdown of the studio while it was cleaned.

"Any professional removing paint needs to be aware of the possibility of lead being present, and take proper precautions, including adequate testing," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of the EPA's New England Office. "This case is an unfortunate example of what can happen without good testing. Lead levels in this building posed a serious potential health risk, especially for children who had signed up for dance classes."

During sandblasting of the building at 275 Martine Street, D&D Sandblasting generated large amounts of lead-containing debris. D&D failed to adequately test the paint for lead, and therefore failed to appropriately manage the debris as hazardous material. As a result 8.9 tons of the paint dust and debris it generated were shipped to a solid waste landfill that is not licensed to accept hazardous waste. Because the waste was improperly handled, lead dust contaminated large parts of the building, including the dance studio, which taught children under age 6 and employed a pregnant dance director.

After discovering the contamination, EPA issued an order on September 4, 2001, to the owners of the facility requiring cleanup of the lead contamination. The dance studio remained closed during the cleanup