The EPA works with other federal agencies as well as state, local and tribal authorities to investigate, apprehend and punish violators of environmental regulations. The Agency also receives a great deal of assistance from citizens who report suspected violations. Common violations for which the Agency seeks punitive actions include the illegal dumping of toxic substances, the improper import or labeling of pesticides and other chemicals, the failure to comply with industrial emissions limitations and the improper transport and treatment of waste. The punishment for violations can vary from reprimands to prison sentences. In all cases, the main objective of apprehending and punishing violators is to carry out the Agency's goal of protecting human health and the environment.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Report an Environmental Violation - General Information
  Provides information about reporting environmental violations.
• Compliance and Enforcement Data Systems
  Provides information about compliance and enforcement data systems.
• Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO)
  The ECHO information system provides detailed environmental compliance history of EPA-regulated facilities.

Compliance Assistance

Compliance Incentives
Audit Policy

Compliance Monitoring
Audit, Inspection, Investigation

Criminal Enforcement

Delegation
Oversight

Environmental Liability

Multi-Media Compliance

Reporting

Settlement
Maximum Achievable Control Technology Emission Standards (MACTs), Mediation, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), Penalty, Recertification, Reportable Quantity, Supplemental Environmental Project

Violation

Voluntary Standards
Consensus Standards, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Voluntary Standards Network