Criminal Enforcement

EPA Special Agents investigate the most significant and egregious violators of environmental laws which pose significant threats to human health and the environment.

EPA Special Agents

EPA Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers with statutory authority to conduct investigations, carry firearms, make arrests for any federal crime and execute and serve any warrant. On National Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, of each year we remember three Special Agents, who gave their lives carrying out their duties to protect the environment.

Environmental Crime and Violations

EPA Fugitives

Individuals who have been charged with or convicted of an environmental crime or violation of the U.S. Federal Criminal Code, sometimes flee the justice system rather than face charges or punishment. They are now fugitives wanted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division.

Signs of Environmental Violations

Learn about some of the more common signs of environmental violations.

What is an Environmental Crime?

EPA investigates violations of environmental statutes administered by the Agency where those statutes provide criminal sanctions (which include the possibility of imprisonment) for willful, knowing, or negligent environmental crimes.

Examples of Environmental Concerns that should be reported to State and Local Authorities

Some environmental concerns are better reported to State and Local Authorities who have immediate jurisdiction over these matters. These include:

• the residential or household dumping of vehicle and/or lawnmower oil;
• the disposal of litter;
• the use of a residential garage to paint vehicles;
• the presence of mold in residences or rental units;
• the venting of air coolants from a single car;
• surfacing sewage in the yard of a residence.

Please contact your State and Local Health Department Officials, and/or State and Local Environmental Authorities through use of telephone or web site with these concerns.

Safety Tips

Your personal safety is paramount: review the safety tips and do not try to investigate potential environmental law violations on your own.

Report an Environmental Violation

If you suspect a criminal violation has occurred, Report an Environmental Violation.