Report: Review of the EPA’s Water Earmark Drawdown Documentation
April 15, 2026, Report No. 26-N-0023
Why We Did This Report
We initiated an audit to determine whether the EPA is awarding water funding for congressionally directed spending and community project funding, commonly known as “earmarks,” in accordance with federal and EPA requirements. While conducting work on this audit, which remains ongoing, we are issuing this report to inform the Agency that the OIG has concerns about a lack of post-award monitoring documentation for the drawing down of these grant funds.
Summary of Findings
The EPA did not always ensure that its personnel documented why grant recipients did not draw down earmark funds in their monitoring reports. The EPA’s Policy on Compliance, Review and Monitoring requires regional office personnel to conduct annual grant monitoring, which may include, as appropriate, whether expended and remaining funds are reasonable.
Report Materials
OIG Independence of EPA
The EPA's Office of Inspector General is a part of the EPA, although Congress provides our funding separate from the agency, to ensure our independence. We were created pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.
Environmental Protection Agency | Office of Inspector General
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OIG Hotline: 1-888-546-8740.