Observation on EPA and State Enforcement Under the Clean Water Act -- Statement of Richard L. Hembra Before the Subcommittee on Water Resources on May 14, 1991

• NCJ Number: 151595
• Author(s): R L Hembra
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Azimuth Inc.; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Enforcement activities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are discussed.

Abstract

This testimony addresses the EPA's enforcement activities under the Clean Water Act. The testifier states that enforcement of water quality laws continues to be weak and sporadic. Even in cases where penalties have been assessed, the penalties are often significantly reduced or dropped without adequate documentation. Improvements in the areas of establishing enforcement priorities and identification of appropriate enforcement actions and criteria therefore still are needed. EPA headquarters' oversight of its regional office and State enforcement activities continues to be essential. Background on how enforcement is integrated into EPA's key water quality programs is presented. Persistent problems with enforcement of these programs are identified. A listing of selected General Accounting Office and EPA reports on water program enforcement is included