Under the terms of the settlement, Magnolia will take steps to ensure compliance with lead-based paint regulations in future renovation projects, address lead-based paint hazards at high-risk homes in Waco, Texas, and educate the public to lead-based paint hazards and appropriate renovation procedures. In a settlement “information sheet” posted on the EPA’s website (read it here), the agency notes that the “activities of Magnolia and similar renovation firms came to EPA’s attention from their depiction on popular television shows. Magnolia’s renovations were depicted on the HGTV series ‘Fixer Upper’ and regularly viewed by well over 3 million households.” 
 
 The EPA says Magnolia engaged in “home renovations conducted without adequate lead paint protections as depicted on the television program Fixer Upper.” The series recently completed its fifth and final season on HGTV. A review of information “obtained with Magnolia’s cooperation” found “evidence of noncompliance at renovations of 33 properties.” 
 
 “After EPA contacted Magnolia with concerns about the company’s compliance,” the agency writes, “Magnolia took immediate steps to ensure compliance” with agency rules and regulations. “Magnolia also sought to improve the public’s appreciation for the serious hazards of lead-based paint contained in older homes and the precautions necessary to reduce those hazards,” the EPA notes, pointing out a March 21, 2018 Fixer Upper episode in which “Magnolia spoke about lead-based paint…and depicted some of the steps renovation firms must take to minimize those hazards…” 
 
 “During and after the broadcast of that episode,” the report continues, Chip Gaines “sought to amplify the message about lead-based paint safety with messages to his Twitter followers about the importance of using a professional’s help to check for lead paint and a link to a website with information about lead safety…” 
 
 Here is Gaines’ tweet from March 21: The EPA notes that Magnolia has “looked for ways to make a concrete difference in its local community.” 
 
 Also as part of the settlement, “Magnolia will take steps to ensure compliance with lead-based paint regulations in future renovation projects.” 
 
 According to the EPA report, video footage of Magnolia’s home renovations appearing over several seasons of Fixer Upper were viewed by the agency. Magnolia’s SEP, which will be performed with an independent abatement firm, will reduce the risk of exposure to lead-based paint by targeting the most likely sources of lead-based paint hazards in residences, such as window and door replacement, removal of lead-based paint and dust, permanent enclosure and encapsulation, and replacement of lead-based paint surfaces and fixtures. Magnolia has committed to spend $160,000 on the SEP. 
 
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 Pollutant Impacts 
 
 Even though lead-based paint was banned in 1978, it still remains in many homes and apartments across the country. The pair’s company, Magnolia Homes, will pay $40,000 to the EPA for alleged lead-paint violations.
– Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines are having to pay up for EPA violations seen on their hit HGTV show. The couple's business, Magnolia Homes, has agreed to pay a $40,000 fine after the EPA determined 33 of its home renovations were "conducted without adequate lead paint protections," reports Deadline, which notes the potential fine the company faced was as high as $556,000. The EPA notes Fixer Upper footage "reviewed by EPA did not depict the lead-safe work practices normally required" though "Magnolia took immediate steps to ensure compliance" when it was notified. Chip Gaines, who in March tweeted advice about engaging a professional to check for lead paint when buying or remodeling a home, will also star in a Magnolia-paid video on lead paint safety as part of the settlement, per Vulture. (The couple are expecting their fifth child.)