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Compliance and Enforcement Quick Finder

 

Air/Toxics Enforcement, Inspections & Coordination

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Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA develops and enforces rules and regulations for all entities that emit toxic substances into the air. Our enforcement office works with state, local and tribal governments, other federal agencies, businesses and community groups to implement and enforce its regulations. The air we breathe is cleaner than it has been in past years due to the policies set forth through Air Rules and Regulations that are enforced at EPA.

Since 1995, violators have been provided options for returning to compliance through Compliance Incentives, Compliance Assistance, and a strong Enforcement Program (see also Enforcement General Duty Clause) where Compliance Monitoring is a critical component. Air quality continues to improve due to industry controls that are effective in meeting emission standards, but also due to ongoing efforts by enforcement staff to ensure that non-compliance is addressed through appropriate program avenues. For cases that have been settled, please see EPA’s summary of Cases and Settlements (sortable by Statute and by date).

Endeavoring to meet the goals set out in National Enforcement Priorities as well as those objectives specific to our region in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and permits, our branch serves as the principle point of contact between all stake holders on matters concerning air pollution enforcement. Staff inspect active facilities and review records and data to assess compliance strategies, investigate potential noncompliance activities, actively participate in negotiations for new enforcement orders, manage existing enforcement orders, and respond to numerous and varied requests for Applicability Determinations and Alternative Monitoring. Our Inspections/Surveillance Section provides surveillance activities for not only the air program, but also for the waste and water programs. By conducting and coordinating training and conference activities, we support continuing professional development and networking opportunities for inspectors and compliance officers that conduct enforcement activities within our region.

For contacts related to specific program elements within our office, please see Who's Who in Air Enforcement? For information related to air permitting, please visit the Region 6 Air Permitting Program webpage.

Hotline/Complaint Contact Information

EPA's National Webform for Reporting Violations

Region 6 Emergency Contact Numbers

Region 6 Partners: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Oklahoma, Texas.

Texas Cities or Counties that have authority to handle Complaints/Violations:
Dallas
Air Pollution Control Program
(214) 948-4435

El Paso
City/County Air Quality Program
(915) 771-5812

Fort Worth
Air Quality Program
(817) 871-5450

Galveston County
Pollution Control Division
(409) 938-2251

Houston
Bureau of Air Quality Control
(713) 640-4200



Technical and Regulatory Resources

Policy & Guidance
 
National Enforcement Policy & Guidance Information Center


 
Policy Memos – Excess Emissions During Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction Events

1982 Memo, 1983 Clarification Memo, 1999 Update/Reaffirm Memo, 2001 SIP Clarification Memo


 
Compliance Monitoring Policies & Guidance for Inspectors


 
National Stack Testing Guidance - 2005 Guidance, 2009 Updated Guidance

 


 
Region 6 CAA Applicability Determinations and Alternative Monitoring Resources


Compliance & Monitoring Data

 
National Enforcement Data Systems (ECHO, OTIS, AFS, ADI, etc.)


 
Air Pollution Data Sources (National Comparison Summary of Databases for Air Quality Data versus Air Emissions Data)


 
Regional Data – Surveillance Results in Region 6 {Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer Mobile Unit (TAGA Unit)}



Training & Workshops

 
Air Pollution Training Institute (APTI)

 
National Enforcement Training Institute (NETI)

 
TRAINEX - Training Requirements for Compliance Inspectors

 
Region 6 Annual CAA/NPDES/RCRA Inspector Workshops

 
Past Inspector Workshops: 2009, 2008, 2007

Report Environmental Violations
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