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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM EXTERIOR LEAD PAINT REMOVAL PROGRAM LEADER RECEIVES RECOGNITION AWARD FROM CHILDHOOD LEAD ACTION PROGRAM PROVIDENCE - Retired Department of Environmental Management pollution prevention coordinator Thomas Armstrong recently received the Beyond the Call of Duty award from the Childhood Lead Action Project for his work in developing DEM's Exterior Lead Paint Removal Certification program. Armstrong retired from DEM in September after 32 years of state service.Initiated in 2005, the voluntary self-certification program is targeted to contractors who conduct lead paint removal activities on the exteriors of homes and other structures throughout the state. The program is designed to improve compliance with DEM's long-standing exterior lead paint removal regulations and federal environmental requirements by equipping paint contractors with the knowledge and expertise to perform their work in accordance with all applicable environmental health laws and standards. "Lead is highly toxic, and improper removal of lead paint can have serious environmental health consequences," noted Ronald Gagnon, chief of DEM's Office of Technical and Customer Assistance. "Tom was instrumental developing many of the educational materials used in the self-certification program and provided valuable technical assistance to exterior lead paint removal contactors, working with them to ensure they were aware of the measures required by law to remove exterior lead paint safely, and avoid violations and costly penalties." The self-certification program uses an easy-to-read workbook and checklists, which Armstrong developed. The workbook provides an overview of the program and the information contractors need to meet environmental regulatory obligations. The checklists contain a series of compliance questions pertaining to state and federal rules and regulations. Program participants receive a Certificate of Participation that can be used as a marketing tool with customers, indicating that they are included on a list of certified contractors that is posted on the DEM website, www.dem.ri.gov. DEM's Office of Technical and Customer Assistance maintains web-based information about the program on the DEM website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Office of Technical and Customer Assistance" under "Offices and Divisions" on the homepage. Program materials, including the workbook, checklists, and list of certified paint contractors, serve as a resource for those seeking additional information about exterior lead paint removal activities. The lead paint removal self-certification program was designed by DEM, in partnership with the University of Rhode Island Center for Pollution Prevention and Environmental Health, and with active participation by staff from the US Environmental Protection Agency's New England Lead Program, the RI Department of Health, the RI Housing Resources Commission, and industry stakeholders. Funding was provided for program design by EPA New England. Formed in 1992, the Childhood Lead Action Project works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning through education, parent support and advocacy. It is the only organization in Rhode Island devoted exclusively to lead poisoning prevention. -30- |
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