Chip and Joanna Gaines have been fined $40,000 by the EPA for breaking lead paint rules
Chip and Joanna Gaines' company Magnolia Homes has reached a settlement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after they broke rules while removing lead paint while remodeling their HGTV show Fixer Upper.
According to EPA's website, the EPA reviewed the footage from several seasons of Fixer Upper and found that at least 33 homes that were renovated on the show "did not depict the lead-safe work practices normally required." The EPA found many violations of rules such as not following statutes to minimize risks from lead paint exposure to not covering floors and vents with plastic to capture paint chips.
The violation of regulations means that the people who were hired by the show to execute the renovations may well have been exposed to lead dust which can cause lead poisoning. Despite lead paint being banned in the year 1978, it may be found in some older homes.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 35 percent of homes have lead paint in the building.
The Gaines' company, Magnolia Homes has agreed to pay close to $40,000 civil fine and also made sure to demonstrate how to properly remove lead paint. In addition to this, the Gaines have also decided to make further amends by spending $160,000 on a lead-paint abatement program for homes and child facilities in Waco, Texas.
As reported by People, a Magnolia spokesperson addressed the EPA penalty, "The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a complaint alleging that Magnolia Homes did not comply with all of the requirements of the RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) Rule. Shortly after being first contacted by the EPA three years ago, Magnolia Homes took immediate steps to bring its activities into compliance with [the Toxic Substances Control Act]."
"Additionally, to take its commitment a step further, Magnolia Homes made the decision to implement a compliance management program in which it adopted an enhanced renovation record-keeping checklist for use by Magnolia Homes staff and subcontractors," the statement continued.
"We continue to be proactive with our efforts to ensure total compliance moving forward, and remain committed to raising awareness in our community and our industry," the statement concluded. The extremely popular show, Fixer Upper's current season which is season 5 is going to be the show's last season.
The couple recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary and Joanna took to social media to celebrate the milestone. "It’s been a good fifteen years @chipgaines Here’s to fifty more," she wrote. The couple has four children together with one more on the way.