Science & Technology

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.

Report: EPA Region 6 Quickly Assessed Water Infrastructure after Hurricane Harvey but Can Improve Emergency Outreach to Disadvantaged Communities

Report #19-P-0236, July 16, 2019. Enhancements to environmental justice outreach efforts during emergencies could improve the public health protections of communities impacted by hurricanes or other disasters.

Report: Insufficient Practices for Managing Known Security Weaknesses and System Settings Weaken EPA's Ability to Combat Cyber Threats

Report #19-P-0158, May 21, 2019. Missing POA&M data and incorrect security settings limit the EPA's ability to manage enterprise risk and strengthen its security procedures.

Report: CSB Still Needs to Improve Its 'Incident Response' and 'Identity and Access Management' Information Security Functions

Report #19-P-0147, May 9, 2019. The CSB lacks established procedures for automated processes and authentication technologies, which could permit unauthorized access to agency systems.

Report: EPA Consistently Implements Processes Within Its Information Security Program, but Opportunities for Improvement Exist

Report #19-P-0058, January 30, 2019. Further improvements are needed to strengthen internal processes to better protect human health and environmental data from cybersecurity threats.

Report: EPA’s Information Security Program Is Established, but Improvements Are Needed to Strengthen Its Processes

Report #18-P-0031, October 30, 2017. Although the EPA has an effective information security program, management emphasis is needed to achieve a higher level of maturity for the agency’s information security program.

Report: EPA Has Developed Guidance for Disaster Debris but Has Limited Knowledge of State Preparedness

Report #16-P-0219, June 29, 2016. The EPA can reduce the risk of future unsafe debris disposal practices by improving its understanding and awareness of the quality and completeness of state disaster debris management plans.

Report: Quality Assurance Review of EPA OIG Audit Assignments Completed in Fiscal Year 2018

Report #19-N-0167, June 4, 2019. OIG audit reports issued in FY 2018 demonstrated high levels of compliance with OIG quality assurance procedures, receiving average compliance scores of 94 percent.

Report: EPA Demonstrates Effective Controls for Its On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicle Compliance Program; Further Improvements Could Be Made

Report #19-P-0168, June 3, 2019. The EPA's HD vehicle compliance program currently has controls to effectively detect and prevent noncompliance—a precursor to potential fraud.

Report: Further Efforts Needed to Uphold Scientific Integrity Policy at EPA

Report #20-P-0173, May 20, 2020. Improving implementation of the SI Policy will enable the EPA to more effectively carry out its mission to protect human health and the environment.