Criminal Enforcement Policy, Guidance and Publications
Environmental Crimes Case Bulletins
The Environmental Crimes Case Bulletins summarize monthly publicized investigative activity and adjudicated cases by EPA's Criminal Enforcement special agents, forensic specialists, and legal support staff. Sign up to get notified via email when new bulletins become available.
Data and Search Tools
The Summary of Criminal Prosecutions database provides information on concluded criminal enforcement cases. Searchable fields include dates, district court, state, defendant, statute and text searches.
Use EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online website to search for facilities in your community to assess their compliance with environmental regulations. You can also investigate pollution sources, examine and create enforcement-related maps, or explore your states performance.
Publications
Articles:
Article published in Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report. Author: Michael R. Fisher
Reports:
A management review of the Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training (OCEFT), which was intended to analyze the management practices of the office and to recommend improvements that would further the mission of the organization.
Alerts
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Lead-Based Paint, Volume 2, Issue 1, October, 2018
EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule generally covers any activity that disturbs lead-based paint (LBP), including remodeling, electrical work, window replacement, plumbing and painting. The rule requires that renovation firms obtain certification and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Renovators must also obtain training and certification and comply with lead-safe work practice standards. This Enforcement Alert highlights criminal and civil enforcement actions that addressed violations of the RRP Rule and other federal lead-based paint regulations, putting children and others at risk of exposure to lead and potential lead poisoning. -
Vehicle emissions test schemes have been around for many years but have been difficult to detect and enforce against because inspectors had to be "caught in the act." New vehicle testing technology makes inspection fraud easier to detect and spurs increased EPA Criminal Enforcement. -
Lead Based Paint, Volume 1, Issue 1, Sept. 2011
Exposure to lead based paint endangers the health of all citizens, but especially young children. The cases included in this enforcement alert involve licensed inspectors and building managers who failed to meet their responsibilities under lead based paint regulations.
Policies and Guidance
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The Exercise of Investigative Discretion, January 12, 1994.
Authored by: Earl E. Devaney, Director of Criminal Enforcement.
This document establishes case selection criteria for cases investigated by EPA's Office of Criminal Enforcement, Criminal Investigation Division. -
OECA Parallel Proceeding Policy, September 24, 2007.
This policy reaffirms and clarifies the earlier policies, while adding procedural mechanisms to enhance effective communications between the Agency's civil and criminal enforcement programs. -
Compliance-Focused Environmental Management System - Enforcement Agreement Guidance, June 2005
This document presents key elements for a compliance focused EMS and how these elements may be incorporated into environmental enforcement investigations -
Process-Base investigation Guide, March, 1997 - EPA-330/9-97-001
This guide provides information on process-based investigations.
Papers
Environmental Criminal Forensics – Tri-Annual Interpol Forensics Conferences
- Guidelines and Resources for Conducting An Environmental Crime Investigation in the United States; Environmental Forensics (2002) 3, 91-113
- Environmental Crime; 14th International Forensic Science Symposium (2004)
- Environmental Crime; 15th International Forensic Science Symposium (2007)
- Environmental Crime: 16th International Forensics Science Symposium (2010)