(AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will require dozens of home renovation contractors and training providers to take additional steps to minimize harmful lead dust.

The EPA says settlements were reached with 17 contractors that didn’t obtain required certification. Twenty-one settlements involve violations for failing to follow lead-safe work practices. Three cases involve general contractors that didn’t ensure that subcontractors followed safety lead dust safety standards.

The enforcement actions led to more than $274,000 in civil penalties.

The EPA says that between May 2013 and January 2014, it settled enforcement actions with three Nebraska parties. They are James and Dona Jungers, of Lincoln; Painting Done Right, also of Lincoln; and Dennis Barker, of Fairbury.