Chip and Joanna Gaines fined $40,000 for breaking environmental rules on 'Fixer Upper'

Chip and Joanna Gaines, the former Fixer Upper duo, agreed to pay a $40 000 fine for breaking lead paint rules while filming the show.

The Environmental Protection Agency reviewed several episodes of the famous TV series and found multiple violations of regulations that apply to homes built before 1978.

According to a statement published on the EPA's website, 33 of the homes renovated on the show 'did not depict the lead-safe work practices normally required.'

Said violations go from not following statutes to minimize risks from lead paint exposure to uncovered floors and air vents, all of which can result in a serious health hazard.

Aside from

to pay the fine, Chip and Joanna made sure to demonstrate how to remove lead paint in an episode of

that aired in March 2018.

But that wasn't all. The HGTV stars proved that they were sorry by investing $160 000 on a lead-paint abatement program destined to homes, as well as other facilities, which children might occupy in Waco, Texas.

In the released statement, it was revealed that EPA filed a complaint against Magnolia three years ago based on the fact that the company didn't comply with Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements rule.

The Gaines' company took immediate measures to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act, including the implementation of an 'enhanced renovation record-keeping checklist' to be used by those working for and with Magnolia Homes.

After 78 episodes and five seasons, Fixer Upper's final episode, titled Rock Star Renovation, aired in April. Chip and Joanna have since retired from their show to focus on other projects, such as their restaurant, Magnolia Table.

The couple is currently expecting their fifth child and Joanna's pregnancy seems to be a special one considering that it's been eight years since the Fixer Upper star's last baby bump. To learn more about the Gaines, follow us on our Twitter account @amomama_usa.