Frequently Asked Questions | Region 8

Frequently Asked Questions about EPA and Region 8

Browse our site for answers to specific environmental questions. You may want to use our Alphabetical Index to assist you.

Where is the Region 8 Office and How do I get there?
What does EPA do?
Does EPA handle all Environmental Concerns?
How and when was EPA created?
What environmental laws are administered by EPA?
Who do I contact if I have questions about information on this website?
What EPA Information Hotlines are available to me?
How do I contact EPA´s National Enforcement Investigations Center?

Where is the Region 8 Office and How do I get there?

Please visit our Directions and Visitor Information page for detailed information.

What does EPA do?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements Federal laws designed to promote public health by protecting our Nation's air, water, and soil from harmful pollution. EPA accomplishes its mission by a variety of research, monitoring, standard setting, and enforcement activities. EPA also coordinates and supports research and antipollution activities of State and local and tribal governments, private and public groups, individuals, and educational institutions. EPA also monitors the operations of other Federal agencies for their impact on the environment.

EPA's purpose is to ensure that:

All Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work.

National efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information.

Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively.
Environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy.
All parts of society: communities, individuals, business, state and local governments, and tribal governments, have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks.
Environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive.

The United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.

More information about what EPA does is available at the EPA History office website.

Does EPA handle all Environmental Concerns?

No, some issues are primarily concerns of other federal, tribal, state or local agencies. EPA also works in partnership with state environmental agencies. Many environmental programs have been delegated to the states and they have primary responsibility for them. Often, it is most appropriate to contact your local (city or county) or state environmental or health agency rather than EPA.

Examples of different situations and who to call include:

The Endangered Species Act is primarily managed by theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. EPA's concern with this act is assuring that the use of pesticides does not endanger these species.

Many wildlife concerns are connected with destruction of wetlands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determines whether an area is a wetland and issues permits for use of such an area. The permit applications are reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Therefore, initial contact should be made with your nearest Army Corps of Engineers' office. To get the phone number of your local district office, phone 1-800-832-7828 or visit their website at the above link. You may also visit the Region 8 Wetlands site for more information about what defines a wetlands.

For concerns about wildlife such as foxes, birds, prairie dogs, rabbits, etc. that are caused by development and other human encroachment, contact your state or local wildlife office.

Problems with the environment inside the workplace, such as presence or handling of chemicals or noxious fumes, are under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an arm of the U.S. Department of Labor. There are offices in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Utah. There are none in Wyoming or South Dakota. All these offices are within Region 8 and can be reached by telephone at (303) 844-1600.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is the office that deals with the safety of products used in daily life. They have information on formaldehyde in mobile homes, fiberglass in insulation and other building materials, the safety of all terrain vehicles, and equipment used for children's safety. The toll free phone number is 1-800-638-2772. This commission is arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Food and Drug Administration and EPA have a cooperative arrangement with regard to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. FDA is responsible for the safety of food and any substance that is applied to the human body. EPA is responsible for the safe use of pesticides in controlling insects, rodents, fungus, and sanitizers that are used on surfaces. In Region 8, the state Departments of Agriculture license both commercial and private pesticide applicators, except in the state of Colorado. In Colorado EPA manages the program to certify private pesticide applicators, and the state licenses commercial applicators.

Information on gardening or farming in your area is best obtained from your local Agricultural Extension office, which can be listed in your local telephone directory under your county offices or your state university listing.

Noise complaints. EPA does not regulate noise. You should contact your local environmental or health agency.

Dust on Roads is a local issue. You should contact the local environmental or health agency.

Questions about your local landfill. You should contact your county environmental agency.

How and when was EPA created?

EPA was created by consolidating 15 Federal Government environmental regulatory components into a single agency. Five executive departments and independent agencies were involved A plan was sent by the President to Congress on July 9, 1970, and the Agency began operation on December 2, 1970.

Air pollution control, solid waste management, radiation control, and the drinking water program were transferred from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services). The Federal water pollution control program was taken from the Department of the Interior, as was part of a pesticide research program.

From the Department of Agriculture, EPA acquired authority to register pesticides and to regulate their use, and from the Food and Drug Administration inherited the responsibility to set tolerance levels for pesticides in food. EPA was assigned some responsibility for setting environmental radiation protection standards from the Atomic Energy Commission, and absorbed the duties of the Federal Radiation Council.

What environmental laws are administered by EPA?

The enactment of major new environmental laws and important amendments to older laws in the 1970s and 80s greatly expanded EPA's responsibilities. The Agency now administers the following ten comprehensive environmental protection laws:

The Clean Air Act (CAA);
the Clean Water Act (CWA);
the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, or "Superfund");
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA);
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA);
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA);
the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA);
Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA); and the
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA).

More information about what EPA does is available at the EPA History office website.

Who do I contact if I have questions about information on this website?

If you have additional questions or comments, you may contact us by using our Comments Form, or by calling our Information Number at 1-800-227-8917. We appreciate your taking the time to give us some feedback. While we have ideas about what is useful to various people, you're a much better judge of what you need. If you'd like a reply, please be sure to give us your complete email address!

Please note that we try to respond to all comments. However, students, please do not ask us to do your homework or rely on a rapid response to a specific question for use in a school project. We cannot guarantee we will respond within a certain amount of time.

What EPA Information Hotlines are available to me?

EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTER.....800-424-8802

Additional National EPA Hotline Information

How do I contact EPA´s National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC)?

The NEIC is located on the grounds of the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado. Their phone number is 303-462-9000.