EPA Launches New Web Tools to Inform Public About Clean Water Enforcement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new set of Web tools, data and interactive maps to inform the public about serious Clean Water Act violations in their communities. Improving water quality is one of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s priorities and in 2009, Jackson directed the agency to develop concrete steps to improve water quality, better enforce the Clean Water Act and to use 21st century technology to transform the collection, use and availability of EPA data. The Web tools are part of EPA’s Clean Water Act Action Plan to work with states in ensuring that facilities comply with standards that keep our water clean.

"EPA is taking another important step to increase transparency and keep Americans informed about the safety of their local waters," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Making this information more accessible and understandable empowers millions of people to press for better compliance and enforcement in their communities."

The new Web page provides interactive information from EPA’s 2008 Annual Noncompliance Report, which pertains to about 40,000 permitted Clean Water Act dischargers across the country. The report lists state-by-state summary data of violations and enforcement responses taken by the states for smaller facilities. The new Web page also makes it easy to compare states by compliance rates and enforcement actions taken and provides access to updated State Review Framework reports.

Source: U.S. EPA