How is compliance and enforcement work performed by EPA and states?
EPA and state and local government agencies are responsible for administering federal environmental laws. EPA and the states work together to assure compliance with these laws. In most instances, state environmental agencies take the primary role in compliance assurance. This role includes educating the regulated community on the requirements, reviewing and approving necessary permits, inspecting for compliance with applicable laws and permit terms, detecting violations, and taking appropriate enforcement response, either informal (e.g., verbal notification) or formal (e.g., administrative orders, civil/judicial litigation). The ECHO site includes data regarding both EPA and state inspections, violations, enforcement actions, informal enforcement actions, and penalties. For information on EPA’s enforcement program, please see http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/index.html.
Related Questions
- Can EPA provide guidance to permit enforcement officials on allowing negotiation of a compliance plan without penalties?
- What if I have already performed my PCI Compliance self?assessment questionnaire (and applicable quarterly scans)?
- How do EPA, the states and tribes work together to enforce environmental laws and promote compliance?
