Science & Technology

Report: Compendium of Open and Unresolved Recommendations: Data as of March 31, 2021

Report #21-N-0191, August 4, 2021. This compendium analyzes the open and unresolved recommendations listed in the semiannual report covering our work from October 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021.

Report: Fiscal Years 2018 and 2017 Financial Statements for the Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund

Report #20-F-0184, June 1, 2020. We rendered an unmodified opinion on the EPA’s FY 2018 FIFRA Fund financial statements and a qualified opinion on the EPA’s FY 2017 FIFRA Fund financial statements.

Report: EPA Complied with Applicable Laws and Rules for the July 2017 Superfund Task Force Report but Could Improve Transparency

Report #19-P-0201, June 24, 2019. Emphasizing the role of EPA career staff in the Superfund Task Force would have enhanced the transparency of the project and perhaps alleviated public concerns about the process.

Report: EPA Needs to Improve Oversight of the Senior Environmental Employment Program

Report #19-P-0198, June 24, 2019. The SEE program can reduce the risk of fraud, waste and abuse and make the program more efficient through additional controls.

Report: Management Implication Report Concerning the EPA's Process for Certifying that EPA Attorneys Possess an Active Bar Membership

June 20, 2019 - The EPA OIG has identified a control issue concerning the EPA's annual process of confirming that its attorneys maintain an active bar membership. This report resulted from an investigation, rather than an audit or evaluation.

Report: Quality Control Review of EPA OIG Reports Issued in Fiscal Year 2016

Report #17-N-0295, June 28, 2017. OIG reports issued in FY 2016 demonstrated high levels of compliance with OIG quality assurance procedures and received average compliance scores of 93 percent.

Report: EPA Can Strengthen Its Oversight of Herbicide Resistance With Better Management Controls

Report #17-P-0278, June 21, 2017. Billions of dollars in U.S. crop value are at risk due to the threat of herbicide-resistant weeds. With private and public partners, the EPA can establish better controls to manage and minimize the threat.

Report: EPA's Fiscal Years 2015 and 2014 Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund Financial Statements

Report #17-F-0228, May 30, 2017. We found the fund's financial statements to be fairly presented and free of material misstatements.

Report: EPA's Fiscal Year 2017 Management Challenges

Report #17-N-0219, May 18, 2017. Attention to agency management challenges could result in stronger results and protection for the public, and increased confidence in management integrity and accountability.

Report: EPA Complied With Improper Payment Legislation, but Testing Can Be Improved

Report #17-P-0212, May 10, 2017. Improved testing for improper payments will result in better use of funds for environmental and supporting programs.

"Response Signatures" Indicate Pollution Sources in Ohio

Case Studies: Using bioassessments and biocriteria to identify impaired waters and causes of impairment

Field Branches Quality System and Technical Procedures for Pump Operation

Field Branches Quality System and Technical Procedures

Report: The EPA Could Improve Its Review of Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs to Help States Assist Disadvantaged Communities

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Report: The EPA’s Vulnerability Tracking and Remediation and Information Technology Procedures Review Processes Are Implemented Inconsistently

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Report: Report of Investigation: Katherine A. Lemos, Former Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board

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Report: Pesticide Registration Fee, Vulnerability Mitigation and Database Security Controls for EPA’s FIFRA and PRIA Systems Need Improvement

Report #19-P-0195, June 21, 2019. Proper vulnerability testing, fee registration and database controls are essential to the security of the EPA's FIFRA and PRIA systems.

Report: EPA Complied with Improper Payments Legislation but Stronger Internal Controls Are Needed

Report #19-P-0163, May 31, 2019. Improvements to processes for preventing and detecting improper payments will result in better use of funds for environmental and supporting programs.

Report: CSB's Information Security Program Is Defined, but Improvements Needed in Risk Management, Identity and Access Management, and Incident Response

Report #20-P-0077, February 12, 2020. The CSB lacks documented procedures to address information technology risks and threats from cybersecurity incidents.

Report: EPA Adequately Managed Hurricane Harvey Funding Received from FEMA

Report #20-P-0010, October 23, 2019. The EPA had policies and procedures in place for efficient and effective management of over $11 million in FEMA Disaster Relieve Funding for the Hurricane Harvey response.

Report: Region 4 Quickly Assessed Water Systems After Hurricane Irma but Can Improve Emergency Preparedness

Report #20-P-0001, October 7, 2019. EPA staff training with state partners and development of standard operating procedures could improve emergency response.