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Enforcement

Criminal Enforcement Policy, Guidance and Publications

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Environmental Crimes Case Bulletins

icon for Environmental Crimes Case Bulletin pageThe Environmental Crimes Case Bulletins summarize monthly publicized investigative activity and adjudicated cases by EPA's Criminal Enforcement special agents, forensic specialists, and legal support staff.  Sign up to get notified via email when new bulletins become available.

Data and Search Tools

Icon for Summary of Criminal Prosecutions DatabaseThe Summary of Criminal Prosecutions database provides information on concluded criminal enforcement cases.  Searchable fields include dates, district court, state, defendant, statute and text searches.

icon for ECHO pageUse EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online website to search for facilities in your community to assess  their complince with environmental regulations.  You can also investigate pollution sources, examine and create enforcement-related maps, or explore your states performance.

Pamphlets and Brochures:

Publications

Articles:

Article published in Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report. Author: Michael R. Fisher

Reports:

A management review of the Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training (OCEFT), which was intended to analyze the management practices of the office and to recommend improvements that would further the mission of the organization.

Alerts

  • Lead-Based Paint, Volume 2, Issue 1,  October, 2018
    EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule generally covers any activity that disturbs lead-based paint (LBP), including remodeling, electrical work, window replacement, plumbing and painting. The rule requires that renovation firms obtain certification and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Renovators must also obtain training and certification and comply with lead-safe work practice standards. This Enforcement Alert highlights criminal and civil enforcement actions that addressed violations of the RRP Rule and other federal lead-based paint regulations, putting children and others at risk of exposure to lead and potential lead poisoning.

  • Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, Volume 1, Issue 3, July 2013
    Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are a subset of livestock and poultry Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) that meet the regulatory thresholds of number of animals for various animal types. These operations generate significant volumes of animal waste which, if improperly managed, can result in environmental and human health risks such as water quality impairment, fish kills, algal blooms, contamination of drinking water sources, and transmission of disease‐causing bacteria and parasites associated with food and waterborne diseases.

  • False Vehicle Emissions, Volume 1, Issue 2, Nov. 2011
    Fraudulent vehicle emissions test schemes have been around for many years but have been difficult to detect and enforce against because inspectors had to be "caught in the act." New vehicle testing technology makes inspection fraud easier to detect and spurs increased EPA Criminal Enforcement.

  • Lead Based Paint, Volume 1, Issue 1, Sept. 2011
    Exposure to lead based paint endangers the health of all citizens, but especially young children. The cases included in this enforcement alert involve licensed inspectors and building managers who failed to meet their responsibilities under lead based paint regulations.

Policies and Guidance

Papers

Environmental Criminal Forensics – Tri-Annual Interpol Forensics Conferences