Lead Violations - EPA Fines Central Valley landlord
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jun 20 2008 at 4:56 PM
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A Fresno-based property owner has been charged $16,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for violating federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements at eight rental properties in Fresno.

The EPA accuses that Mr. Ralph Hovannisian failed to provide federally mandatory lead warning statements to his tenants and didn’t disclose information or reports on lead-based paint or lead hazards before tenants signing lease agreements.

“Tenants didn’t receive an EPA-approved lead information pamphlet, a knowledge statement regarding lead-based paint in the units, or credentials of any available records about lead-based paint in the units,” an EPA official said.

As per estimate, almost three-quarters of the U.S. residential buildings built before 1980s contain lead-based paint. Lead poisoning can be hazardous especially for children. It can cause long-term consequences including brain damage, loss of intellect and IQ points, neuropsychological insufficiencies, learning disabilities, hearing impairment, hyperactivity and/or behavioral problems.

“This enforcement action is an example of the EPA’s commitment to regulating and enforcing toxic substances to protect public health -especially children, from potential lead-based paint hazards,” said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the EPA’s Communities and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest Region.

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