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EPA OIG Hotline Information

Confidentiality

The IG Act and other pertinent laws protect persons making Hotline complaints.

Complaints Made by EPA Employees

In accordance with section 7(b) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the OIG shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an EPA employee, disclose the identity of the employee without the consent of the employee unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation. Any identifying information is confidential source material, and OIG employees must not disclose such information except to other OIG employees who have a need to know in connection with their official duties.

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Who Can File a Complaint?

Anyone, including members of the public and agency employees, may file a complaint with the OIG Hotline

What Information to Provide

Be as specific as possible and provide the following:

  • Relevant name(s) of all parties involved, including witnesses and other contacts.
  • Dates and times of the events or issues that you are identifying.
  • The location of the issue or the area that it impacts.
  • Name of contractor or grantee.
  • Contract or grant numbers.
  • Contract or grant award date.
  • Any additional pertinent information you have concerning the issue.
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What Not to Report to the OIG Hotline

The OIG Hotline handles allegations of fraud, waste and abuse in EPA and CSB programs generally. For immediate concerns regarding an environmental hazard, please contact an EPA hotline, as shown below.

Examples of Specific Incidents of Pollution That Must Be Reported to the EPA Directly

  • Dumping of waste or a hazardous chemical on land or into a waterway.
  • Storage of hazardous waste.
  • Asbestos removal, storage and disposal.
  • Release of hazardous chemicals or substances into the air.
  • Lead hazards.
  • Radon risks and testing.
  • Pesticide poisoning.
  • Indoor mold growth.

About the Hotline

EPA OIG Hotline Poster

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Hotline Poster

Per the requirement, EPAAR 1503.500–71, you may download or print the OIG Hotline poster (8.5 x11 PDF) or (11 x 17 PDF). Posters may also be obtained by contacting 1-888-546-8740.

Podcast: What is the EPA OIG Hotline? The Office of Inspector General Hotline (OIG) services both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). The hotline encourages suggestions for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of agency programs. It also receives complaints of fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in agency programs and operations, and violations of law, regulations and policies by EPA and CSB employees, grantees, contractors and program participants. Complaints and requests may be submitted by anyone, including EPA and CSB employees, participants in EPA and CSB programs, Congress, organizations and members of the public. While resources restrict the OIG from pursuing every allegation, reviews relating to the following topics, known or suspected, are prioritized:

  • Efficiency and effectiveness of agency programs.
  • EPA and CSB-related criminal activity.
  • EPA and CSB contract, procurement and grant fraud.
  • Mismanagement and waste of EPA and CSB resources, including in environmental programs.
  • Theft and misuse of EPA, CSB and other government property.
  • Misconduct by EPA and CSB employees.
  • EPA and CSB computer crimes.
  • Matters of high public, EPA, CSB or congressional interest.
  • Matters implicating high-level officials, for example, political or Senior Executive Service employees.

Upon receipt of a suggestion, allegation or request, the OIG may take any one of the following actions:

  • Initiate an OIG investigation or audit.
  • Refer the matter to EPA management for appropriate review and action.
  • Refer the allegation to the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Officer for appropriate review and action.
  • Refer the allegation to another federal agency, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • Determine that the OIG will not pursue any action or make any referral.

Understanding Fraud, Waste and Abuse

What is considered fraud, waste, or abuse?

 

  • Fraud 

    Generally, fraud is an intentional deception or false representation of a material fact designed to induce a person or entity, such as the US or the EPA, to act detrimentally by giving up money or something of value.

  • Waste 

    Waste is the extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of government funds; the consumption of government property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls, or decisions; or other improper practices.

  • Abuse 

    The intentional or improper use of government resources. Examples include misuse of rank; position; authority; or physical property, such as tools, vehicles, or computers.

Information for Whistleblowers

Information about laws protecting individuals who make complaints to the federal government and the role of the EPA’s Whistleblower Protection Coordinator is available on the OIG Whistleblower Protection page.

Information Regarding Mandatory Disclosures

Contractors and grantees are required in certain instances to make mandatory disclosures as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Code of Federal Regulations. Information regarding what disclosures are required and how to make a mandatory disclosure is available on the OIG Mandatory Disclosure page.

 

 

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Special Notice Concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our office will receive allegations of fraud, waste and abuse concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on EPA and CSB operations.

  • Be aware of companies placing the EPA seal or the EPA registration number on their products claiming that they meet EPA standards.
  • Be cautious of imported products marketed as proven to effectively block various epidemic viruses.
  • Be on the lookout for websites claiming their products contain EPA-approved active ingredients, which kill 99.9% of all viruses and bacteria, including SAR-CoV-2 virus. These companies may put the EPA logo on the website to legitimize their products. For a list of EPA-approved disinfectants, please visit EPA Official List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.
  • Be wary of companies claiming their services are endorsed or their equipment or material are certified by EPA.

If you suspect individuals or companies may be engaged in fraud, please contact our OIG hotline below. Learn more about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential investigation targets that we may pursue.