Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division

National Information

"The Environmental Protection Agency will continue to vigorously enforce our nation's environmental laws," said EPA, Region 6, Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Director, John Blevins. "In close partnership with our State, Tribal, and local partners, Region 6 efforts continue to move us towards our ultimate goal of a cleaner and healthier environment for all communities."

Our mission is to promote compliance with Federal environmental regulations in partnership with our States and Tribes.

Our vision is to make environmental compliance commonplace and to establish a culture that promotes going beyond compliance through collaboration, innovation and partnership.

We value teamwork, open communication, professionalism, integrity, creativity and fairness.

Organization Chart (20kb pdf, 1pp) ( About PDF)

Recent Enforcement Actions

Recent National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documents

2011—2013 National Enforcement Initiatives

Reducing Air Pollution from the Largest Sources
Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of Our Nation’s Waters
Cutting Hazardous Air Pollutants
Preventing Animal Waste from Contaminating Surface and Ground Water
Assuring Energy Extraction Activities Comply with Environmental Laws
Reducing Pollution from Mineral Processing Operations

CAED Information

Region 6 State Partners

CAED Accomplishments

Annual Results
FY 12
FY 11
FY 10
FY 09

Annual
Reports ( About PDF)
12 Annual Report (2 MB, 17pp)
11 Annual Report (2 MB, 24pp)
10 Annual Report (16MB, 49pp)
09 Annual Report (5 MB, 41pp)

2013 Regional Priorities

Air Enforcement
- Develop Transparent and Real Time Enforcement to Address Air Releases (upsets and malfunctions)
- Work with local industry to reduce flaring

Hazardous Waste Enforcement
- Ensure Appropriate and Safe Waste Management
- Ensure Treatment Facilities are Permitted

Water Enforcement
- Properly Managing Brine Spills from Oil & Gas Operations
- Address Bacterial Impairment in our Stream Segments
- Ensure Everyone's Water is Safe to Drink

CAED In the News and Other Actions

Dallas Group of America, Inc. - Texas City, Texas
On May 9, 2013, EPA Region 6 filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order under Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act for a violation of the General Duty Clause regarding a hydrochloric acid release that took place at Dallas Group of America on October 24, 2012. A tank containing hydrochloric acid underwent a catastrophic failure, which released liquid hydrochloric acid that immediately began vaporizing. Nine people were transported to the hospital, including a Dallas Group of America worker and Texas City emergency responders. The Texas City Fire Department issued a shelter-in-place order for the 45,000 residents of Texas City from midnight until 5:00 am on October 25, 2012. Dallas Group of America, Inc. agreed to pay a civil penalty of $37,500 to resolve this violation.

Vann Energy Services, LLC - Nixon, Texas
On May 7, 2013, EPA Region 6 filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order under Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act for a violation of the General Duty Clause regarding an explosion that took place at Vann Energy Services, LLC on May 16, 2012. The explosion occurred while the Respondent’s employees were preparing to clean a tank. Flammable and explosive fumes within the tank ignited leading to additional explosions and fires in surrounding tanks and the pit area. Two employees were injured.

Region 6 News Releases

Headquarters Newsroom

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Office of Strategic Planning and Analyses manages cross-cutting programs, such as analyses of regional enforcement and compliance activities, compliance assistance, environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act and more.

Air/Toxics Enforcement works with state, local and tribal governments, other federal agencies, businesses and community groups to implement and enforce the CAA regulations.

Hazardous Waste Enforcement provides guidance on all aspects of managing hazardous wastes and chemical substances; and offer compliance assistance to citizens, facilities, States, and Tribes.

Water Enforcement assures compliance and takes appropriate enforcement action against facilities for violations of the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water acts, including animal feed lots, stormwater. Additional water quality information in Region 6 such as permits and grants.