Further Improvements Needed in the Administration of RCRA Civil Penalties

CHAPTERS

Background

Scope and Methodology Prior Audit Coverage

Improvements Needed In Recovering Economic Benefits of Noncompliance

Table: Review of Economic Benefit Calculations

Penalty Amounts and Compliance Not Found Related

More Guidance and Training Needed for Assessing Economic Benefits Recommendations

State Penalty Policies Vary

Gravity-Based Penalties Vary Among States

EPA Penalties Have Been Significantly Higher

Table: Average Final Penalty Amounts

Conclusions

Recommendations

EPA Effectively Documenting Penalties, While Some States Need Improvement

State Documentation Efforts Varied Depending on Penalty Policies

Table: State Documentation of Penalty Calculations and Adjustments

Conclusions

Recommendation

Created April 14, 1997

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