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EPA Takes Action Against Brady Sullivan Properties For Hazardous Lead Contamination

Jack Rodolico
Most of the 98 apartments in Mill West have tested positive for dangerous levels of lead dust.

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking action against Brady Sullivan Properties because of lead contamination.

The order demands Brady Sullivan clean up a mixed commercial and luxury apartment building in Manchester by July 15, and lays the groundwork for EPA to potentially fine or sue the landlord.

In May, Brady Sullivan hired a contractor to do sandblasting in Mill West, a converted mill. The contractor didn’t have the proper permits, and spread lead dust into more than three-quarters of the apartments above.

Now, Sharon Hayes with the EPA, says the evidence is clear.

"There is a potential for a serious human health hazard there and that’s why we issued the order," says Hayes.

"The issuance of the Order has not changed the manner in which cleaning and testing is being accomplished," says Marc Pinard, Brady Sullivan's attorney.

Tenants say the cleanup so far has not been thorough, and more have signed onto a lawsuit against their landlord. The EPA is continuing to investigate Brady Sullivan’s response to the health hazard at Mill West.

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Before joining NHPR in August 2014, Jack was a freelance writer and radio reporter. His work aired on NPR, BBC, Marketplace and 99% Invisible, and he wrote for the Christian Science Monitor and Northern Woodlands.
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