Lead Paint Cos. to File Response to Proposed R.I. Abatement Plan

Lead paint companies are preparing to file their response to Rhode Island’s landmark $2.4 billion lead paint abatement plan.

The companies have already asked a judge to strike down the entire proposal, but say they will file additional responses on the plan on Monday.

Sherwin-Williams Co. has already demanded more information about the state’s multibillion dollar cleanup proposal of roughly 240,000 homes contaminated with lead paint.

Sherwin-Williams is one of three former lead paint manufacturers found liable last year of creating a public nuisance in a lawsuit brought by the Rhode Island attorney general.

The cleanup would take four years and require an estimated 10,000 workers. The companies would have to pay for the work if the February 2006 verdict stands.