How do EPA and states respond to violations of environmental laws? Do all violations receive formal enforcement actions?
If violations are detected during inspections or are reported to the government by regulated facilities (Clean Water Act (CWA) and Clean Air Act (CAA) permits often require disclosure of information by the facility that reflect violations), there are several paths that may be taken to return the facility to compliance. In some situations, violations are minor. Many of these violations are corrected by the facility without the need for an enforcement action. Other violations may require an informal notice to the facility that an enforcement proceeding may occur if the violation is not quickly resolved. More serious or continuing violations that are not corrected quickly by the facility may warrant formal enforcement actions. This could include administrative orders, administrative penalty orders, or civil judicial cases filed in Federal court. The ECHO site shows violations that are noted by the government serious violations will be marked as Significant Noncompliance for Resource Conse
