Enforcement of Lead Laws and Regulations in Region 7
EPA’s Region 7 office serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations
FY 2024 Lead Enforcement and Regional Geographic Initiatives Highlights
Clean Air Act
Region 7 resolved serious Clean Air Act violations with EnerSys Energy Products Inc., a subsidiary of the world’s largest industrial battery manufacturer. The company’s facilities emit lead, a hazardous air pollutant, as part of their manufacturing process and failed to report to EPA when the facility’s emission control equipment operated outside of the appropriate pressure range. As a result, the company is required to pay a $430,500 civil penalty and spend an estimated $250,000 in compliance costs. Press Release: EPA Settles Alleged Clean Air Act Violations with EnerSys Energy Products Inc. in Missouri.
Toxic Substances Control Act
Region 7 conducted 82 lead inspections which exceeded our projection of 70 inspections. Inspection blitzes included a week of training for an inspector from HQ and trips to Bootheel, Columbia, and Jefferson City in MO. The Bootheel blitz resulted in not only the inspections but also in a 45% increase in certified firms in the area.
Region 7 concluded 21 lead paint enforcement actions in FY 2024.
Region 7 also initiated an innovative and important civil judicial action in federal court in St Louis, seeking an injunction to stop renovation work by a repeat violator. The court issued a precedential preliminary injunction in FY 2024, and we expect a permanent injunction in FY 2025.