LGEAN - Compliance & Enforcement

Compliance & Enforcement

Latest News and Updates

For information about the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule see http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/web/content/spcc/

EPA to Cut Mercury, Other Toxic Emissions from Boilers, Solid Waste Incinerators
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing proposals that would cut U.S. mercury emissions by more than half and would significantly cut other pollutants from boilers, process heaters and solid waste incinerators.

The Rulemaking Gateway
The Rulemaking Gateway provides information to the public on the status of EPA's priority rulemakings.

Lean Manufacturing and the Environment
Eliminate waste while delivering quality products on time and at least cost with the resources available from the U.S. EPA LEAN Website at http://www.epa.gov/lean/.

Environmental Management Help Available at the Small Business Environmental Home Page
The Small Business Environmental Home Page (Home Page), funded by EPA ASBO, was developed in 1996 as a resource for small businesses and local governments and for the US EPA ASBO, state SBEAPs, state SBOs, NSC, and state and national CAPs. The Home Page is intended to be a one stop shop for small businesses and assistance providers who seek information on a wide range of environmental topics.

NESHAPS on Paint and Coatings, the "Auto Body Rule"
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources, also known as "the auto body rule," was published as a final rule on January 9, 2008. New facilities must come into compliance with this rule within 180 days of startup. Existing facilities have until January 11, 2010.

EPA Re-Issues Permit for Construction Site Stormwater
The EPA is re-issuing a stormwater Construction General Permit for a two-year time period. The permit will apply only in the five states where EPA is the permitting authority (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Idaho and Alaska); Washington, D.C.; most territories; and most Indian country lands.

New Industrial Stormwater Permit Guide
The Printers' National Environmental Assistance Center (PNEAC) (http://www.pneac.org/) now offers The Industrial Stormwater Permit Guide to explain how to comply with federal stormwater regulations. The Guide can be used by many businesses, not just printers.

Agencies Revise Guidance to Protect Wetlands and Streams
EPA and the Department of the Army issued revised guidance on December 2, 2008 to better protect wetlands, streams and other waters under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

CERCLA/EPCRA Administrative Reporting Exemption for Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Animal Waste at Farms
The final rule, "CERCLA/EPCRA Administrative Reporting Exemption for Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Animal Waste at Farms," is an exemption from the existing notification requirements in the 1984 final rule on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) notification requirements. The exemption became effective on January 20, 2009.

'Wanted' list web site aims to track down environmental fugitives

A new web tool is available to enlist the public and other law enforcement agencies in tracking down fugitives accused of violating environmental laws and evading arrest. The site includes photos of the accused, summaries of their alleged environmental violations, and information on each fugitive's last known whereabouts. The alleged violations include smuggling of ozone-depleting substances, illegally disposing of hazardous waste, discharging pollutants into the air and water, laundering money and making criminally false statements.

Issue Summary

Environmental compliance ensures that local governments can protect and improve the health safety and welfare of their communities. The resources below provide information on programs, publications, and organizations that can assist local governments' compliance efforts.

Resources

U.S. EPA

The Sector Notebook series is a unique set of profiles containing information for specific government operations. Unlike other resource materials, which are organized by air, water and land pollutants, the Notebooks provide a holistic approach by integrating processes, applicable regulations and other relevant environment information.

Training for federal, state and tribal environmental enforcement agencies:
This training is offered through the National Enforcement Training Institute via NETI Online. It is open only to regulatory or law enforcement professionals of Federal, state, local or tribal governments. Examples include government investigators, inspectors, attorneys, case developers and technical staff.

Environmental Finance Center Network
The EFCs provide state and local officials and small businesses with advisory services; education, publications, and training; technical assistance; and analyses on financing alternatives.

Compliance Assistance Centers
Compliance Assistance Centers help businesses, local governments, and federal facilities understand and comply with federal environmental requirements and save money through pollution prevention techniques. The Centers offer easy access to plain-language materials and other resources on environmental compliance.

National Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse
Need help understanding environmental regulations? This innovative web site provides quick access to compliance assistance tools, contacts, and planned activities from US EPA, its partners, and other compliance assistance providers.