EPA and HUD Settlements Safeguard Trenton Families from Lead Exposure

EPA and HUD Settlements Safeguard Trenton Families from Lead Exposure

The Trenton Housing Authority has committed to a comprehensive, year-long program to maintain compliance with federal lead-based paint requirements.

June 22, 2026

Trenton, N.J. (June 22, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced parallel agreements with the Trenton Housing Authority (THA) to address violations of federal lead-based paint requirements at their six public housing developments with approximately 982 units housing 1,838 residents in Trenton, New Jersey. Under the agreements, THA will implement EPA- and HUD-approved lead compliance plans, train staff, educate residents, submit quarterly progress reports, and develop a work plan to test for and address lead-based paint at the six properties. Within 90 days, THA must inspect for lead-based paint in all units where young children reside and quickly implement appropriate measures to address hazards.

The agreements resolve alleged violations of federal lead-based paint rules at THA properties. EPA and HUD found that THA did not provide required lead-based paint information (including lead warning statements) and reports of lead-based paint testing to residents at Mayor Donnelly Homes and Woodrow Wilson Homes. EPA also found that lead-safe work practice requirements were not complied with while renovations were being performed. Among other things, EPA found that THA used staff who were neither properly trained nor certified to perform renovation work covered by the federal lead-safe work practice requirements.

"Families deserve to have renovation work done safely and to get clear information about reducing lead risks in their homes," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Michael Martucci. "This settlement requires the Trenton Housing Authority to correct their violations, train the people responsible for this work, and put stronger safeguards in place for residents across its housing portfolio."

"HUD is committed to ensuring Americans residing in public housing live in safe and healthy homes," said HUD Region II Administrator Jason Loughran. "Through this agreement and corrective action, the Trenton Housing Authority will have stronger protections in place, keeping residents safe and preventing the harmful effects of lead exposure."

When disturbed, lead-based paint can create dust and chips that pose serious health risks, especially to infants and young children. Federal rules require that landlords provide tenants with lead-based paint information, provide training for workers and that renovations be done by certified renovator to ensure that lead-safe work practice standards are met.

EPA's settlement assesses a $100,000 civil penalty that can be waived if THA completes the required corrective actions in a timely and satisfactory manner. HUD's settlement agreement assesses a $7,500 civil penalty.

Under the EPA settlement agreement, THA will:

• Implement EPA- and HUD-approved compliance plans for federal lead disclosure, lead-safe housing, and renovation requirements.
• Develop, submit for approval, and implement an Abatement Plan, including testing, interim controls for lead-based paint hazards, and permanent abatement of lead-based paint across all six developments.
• Submit quarterly progress reports to EPA for one year documenting compliance and corrective actions.
• Train leasing, maintenance, and management staff on federal lead regulations, and require maintenance workers to complete EPA-accredited Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule training.
• Provide tenant education on lead-based paint hazards and methods to reduce exposure.
• Distribute EPA- and HUD-approved lead-safe work practices fact sheets to maintenance staff and contractors.

EPA and HUD will oversee the authority's progress to ensure the required improvements are completed.

Background

EPA Region 2 and HUD inspected Mayor Donnelly Homes and Woodrow Wilson Homes in March 2023. Based on those inspections and related records, EPA determined that the Trenton Housing Authority failed to provide tenants with required lead-based paint disclosures, testing records, and lead warning statements between November 2019 and March 2023. EPA also determined that, between June 2020 and March 2023, the authority allowed at least 10 renovations to be performed by uncertified and untrained staff at the two properties.

Since the 1970s, EPA has worked alongside partners at the federal, state, Tribal, and local levels to protect children's health and make progress in reducing lead exposures and lead-related health risks. Despite improvements over the last 50 years, ongoing exposures to lead where our families live, work, and play present a health risk, especially to children.

To combat this issue, in 2025 the Trump EPA reestablished a committee of senior leaders across the agency's program offices and ten regional offices to drive success in reducing children's exposure to lead. This renewed agency-wide focus is centered around strengthening cooperative federalism, streamlining actionable risk communications, and unleashing private sector innovation to protect human health and the environment.

Please see epa.gov/leadExit EPA's website for additional information.

Learn more about lead-based paint rules by visiting EPA's lead webpage. For information about enforcement and compliance, visit Enforcing Lead Laws and Regulations.

Follow EPA Region 2 on XExit EPA's website, InstagramExit EPA's website, and visit our FacebookExit EPA's website page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

Follow @SecretaryTurner on X, FB, and Instagram. Follow @HUDgov on X, FB, and Instagram. HUD.gov

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