EPA Fines ‘Fixer Upper’ Couple

Source: The Magnolia Story
The Environmental Protection Agency have levied fines against Fixer Upper couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, after they violated strict rules whilst removing lead-based paint during their HGTV hit show remodels.

Who’s ready for the weekend? Fixer Upper: Behind The Design is on tomorrow at 7/6 CT on @hgtv!• • • • •@chipgaines @joannagaines @magnolia @hgtv #fixerupper #hgtv #diy #homeimprovement #homeimprovements #chipgaines #chip #joanna #joannagaines #gains #magnolia #magnoliamarket #texas #waco #wacotexas #hgtvfixerupper

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According to People, the EPA reviewed footage from several seasons of Fixer Upper and found 33 of the homes they reviewed “did not depict the lead-safe work practices normally required.”
The couple’s company, Magnolia Homes, has agreed to pay a $40,000 civil fine and according to People, will make further amends by spending $160,000 on a lead-based abatement program in their hometown of Waco, Texas.
According to a statement on the EPA’s website, “Magnolia cooperated with the EPA throughout the Agency’s enquiry, volunteering information about its renovation activities and proposing to undertake innovative projects to reduce the prevalence of childhood lead-poisoning in its community and to increase awareness of lead-based paint safety issues associated with renovations in older homes.”