Bill > HB580

This bill adds a new chapter to Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to regulate lead levels in soil, specifically focusing on playgrounds and areas where children play. The bill establishes that playground bare soil cannot exceed 200 parts per million of lead, and the surrounding yard's soil cannot exceed 1,200 parts per million. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is empowered to enforce these standards by issuing compliance orders, imposing penalties, and taking remedial actions. Penalties for violations include administrative fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of offenses, and the department can order activities to cease, evacuate areas, and even pursue legal action. The bill defines key terms like "abatement," "child care center," and "hazardous condition," and covers a broad range of entities including schools, religious institutions, and municipalities. Each day a violation continues will be considered a separate offense, and the DEP is required to create regulations to implement these provisions. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment, providing time for affected parties to understand and comply with the new lead soil contamination standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=580