Science & Technology

Report: Atlanta Is Largely in Compliance with Its Combined Sewer Overflow Consent Decree, but Has Not Yet Met All Requirements

Report #18-P-0206, May 30, 2018. Decreases in sewage overflows from Atlanta's wastewater treatment facilities and sewage transmission pipes reduce the risk of city residents being exposed to pathogens.

Report: EPA Implemented Prior OIG Recommendations, but Additional Guidance Could Strengthen the Human Subjects Research Program

Report #17-P-0350, August 1, 2017. The EPA can take additional measures to track its HSR guidance and provide greater public transparency of the agency’s HSR studies.

Report: EPA Region 5 Has Adequate Policies and Procedures for Addressing Sexual Harassment Allegations

Report #17-P-0343, July 31, 2017. Region 5 addressed complaints in accordance with agency policies and procedures. No recommendations are being made.

Report: Gold King Mine Release - Inspector General Response to Congressional Requests

Report #17-P-0250, June 12, 2017. Since causing the uncontrolled release of 3 million gallons of contaminated mine water, the EPA has taken steps to minimize the possibility of similar incidents at other mine sites.

Report: Fiscal Year 2020 U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Management Challenges

Report #20-N-0218, July 6, 2020. Unaddressed management challenges will impede the ability of the CSB to function effectively.

Report: EPA’s Initial Implementation of CARES Act Section 3610

Report #20-N-0202, June 29, 2020. The OAS created and provided detailed guidance to EPA contracting personnel and contractors related to reimbursements under Section 3610 of the CARES Act.

Report: EPA's Initial Plans for Returning to the Office Incorporate CDC Guidance but Differ by Location

Report #21-E-0030, November 30, 2020. The EPA's initial plans for returning to the office incorporate Centers for Disease Control guidance but differ by location.

Report: CSB Discontinued Information Recovery Testing and Off-Site Backup Storage During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Report #21-E-0016, November 18, 2020. The CSB was at risk of not being able to readily restore information technology operations if they were disrupted during the coronavirus pandemic.

Report: EPA Has Sufficiently Managed Emergency Responses During the Pandemic but Needs to Procure More Supplies and Clarify Guidance

Report #20-E-0332, September 28, 2020. On-scene coordinators may not be safe deploying during the COVID-19 pandemic without sufficient personal protective equipment and clear guidance.

Report: EPA's FYs 2020–2021 Top Management Challenges

Report #20-N-0231, July 21, 2020. Identifying and resolving top management challenges is essential to the EPA's protection of human health and the environment.

Report: EPA Needs to Improve Processes for Updating Guidance, Monitoring Corrective Actions, and Managing Remote Access for External Users

Report #21-E-0124, April 16, 2021. Deficiencies in the EPA’s information technology internal controls could be used to exploit weaknesses in Agency applications and hinder the EPA’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging cyberthreats.

Report: EPA Did Not Conduct Agencywide Risk Assessment of CARES Act Appropriations, Increasing Risk of Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Mismanagement

Report #21-E-0128, May 4, 2021. The OIG documented and assessed the internal controls that the EPA implemented to mitigate risks of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement over the CARES Act appropriations.

Report: Resource Constraints, Leadership Decisions, and Workforce Culture Led to a Decline in Federal Enforcement

Report #21-P-0132, May 13, 2021. A decline in the EPA's enforcement activities may expose the public and the environment to undetected harmful pollutants.

Report: EPA Deviated from Typical Procedures in Its 2018 Dicamba Pesticide Registration Decision

Report #21-E-0146, May 24, 2021. The EPA needs to document and follow established procedures to ensure scientifically sound decisions regarding pesticides.

Report: EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory Has Taken Steps to Mitigate Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on Mobile Source Emission Compliance

Report #21-E-0158, June 7, 2021. The OIG determined how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted laboratory operations and testing at the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Report: EPA’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program Has Made Limited Progress in Assessing Pesticides

Report #21-E-0186, July 28, 2021. Without the required testing and an effective system of internal controls, the EPA cannot make measurable progress toward complying with statutory requirements or safeguarding human health and the environment against risks

Report: EPA Needs to Measure and Track Performance of Programs Eliminated in President’s Budget but Later Funded by Congress

Report #21-E-0219, September 2, 2021. Without internal controls to track ETF program performance, the EPA risks underreporting environmental and human health outcomes.