'Fixer Upper' Fined for EPA Violations

Chip and Joanna Gaines have made a huge hit out of their Fixer Upper series, and they've attracted big audiences. Unfortunately, the EPA was part of that audience, and when they were wtching, they noticed some practices being carried out on the show that just happen to be illegal. Read on to find out how the agency reacted and how much trouble the Gaineses got into.

Via the Washington Post.

For five seasons, Chip and Joanna Gaines were the darlings of HGTV with their popular home-improvement show “Fixer Upper.” It turns out the Environmental Protection Agency was watching, too.

As the rural Waco, Tex., couple turned old homes into dream homes, the EPA saw a problem. The Christian couple, who have built a brand on honesty, integrity and down-home charm, were falling short when it came to their Magnolia company’s handling of lead-based paint, the agency determined.

“Video footage of Magnolia’s renovations of older homes appearing in several seasons of ‘Fixer Upper’ reviewed by EPA did not depict the lead-safe work practices normally required,” said a statement issued Tuesday by the EPA, which found possible violations in 33 renovated properties.

The agency announced a settlement with Magnolia Waco Properties LLC, doing business as Magnolia Homes, to ensure compliance. Under the agreement, Magnolia will pay a $40,000 civil penalty and spend $160,000 “to abate lead-based paint hazards in homes or child-occupied facilities in the Waco area.”

Get the rest of the story at the Washington Post.

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