Oroville council weighs lead‑paint risks for Hewitt Park train repainting; seeks experts and safe approach

Volunteers have offered to repaint two historic trains at Hewitt Park, but Oroville staff told the City Council on March 17 that the project raises safety and regulatory issues because the locomotives show rust and preliminary swab tests indicate lead paint.

Staff and councilors described the project as larger than a simple paint job. Public Works noted the trains have been in place for decades, show rust and sharp metal edges, and sit near publicly accessible park areas. Staff said the pipe-under-cap, lead‑paint test swabs were positive and that laboratory testing had not yet been completed.

Council members and residents discussed remediation options. Some councilors urged hiring certified contractors and following EPA guidance, while others recommended encapsulation — a less invasive mitigation technique endorsed for certain historic metal objects — combined with a subject‑matter expert to advise on preservation and worker safety. Council members also suggested the recently hired museum curator and local mural artists as possible resources. Staff noted that painting a historic locomotive may require permits and that painting contractors may need specific certifications and personal protective equipment, and that an EPA/railroad permit process could apply.

The council directed staff to pursue options: identify subject‑matter experts (museum restoration specialists or firms with locomotive experience), consider an MOU with a nonprofit for stewardship, complete lead testing where appropriate, and return with a recommended, safety‑compliant approach (including cost and permitting implications). Several councilors favored encapsulation to reduce disturbance of lead paint and minimize risk to volunteers and the public.

No contract award or remediation work was authorized at this meeting; staff will return with options and the recommended path forward.