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EPA Region 7 Compliance and Enforcement Actions in 2010 Result in Record $3 Billion in Pollution Control and Cleanup

Release Date: 12/06/2010
Contact Information: Chris Whitley, 913-551-7394, whitley.christopher@epa.gov


Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 6, 2010) - Environmental compliance and enforcement activities concluded by EPA Region 7 during fiscal year 2010 set a new record, securing more than $3 billion in investments in pollution control and cleanup as a result of legal actions taken against polluters.

Region 7’s total of more than $3 billion in secured injunctive relief accounted for fully 31 percent of EPA’s national total for the fiscal year, which ended September 30.

Region 7’s actions will result in respondents in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and on tribal lands eliminating more than 470 million pounds of pollutants, and implementing more than $3 million in Supplemental Environmental Projects.

Region 7’s targeted actions to achieve EPA’s National Priorities – including reducing harmful discharges of pollutants into rivers and streams, and reducing air pollution from major industrial sources – will further result in the reduction, treatment, minimization or disposal of more than 227 million pounds of pollutants.

“Region 7’s 15 million people benefited from a remarkable year of progress toward a cleaner and safer environment,” Regional Administrator Karl Brooks said. “Our EPA team that links environmental professionals in program staff with skilled attorneys in our Office of Regional Counsel worked effectively with state and federal partners to gain these important results.”

A report of Region 7’s Fiscal Year 2010 Compliance and Enforcement Annual Results, including statistical summaries and state-by-state highlights, along with links to information about EPA’s national environmental enforcement and compliance activity, is available online at: www.epa.gov/region07/enforcement_compliance/end_of_year_10_results.htm

This year’s national reporting of annual results includes an enhanced mapping tool that allows the public to view detailed information about enforcement actions taken at more than 4,500 facilities across the U.S. and its territories. The mapping tool shows facilities and sites where civil and criminal enforcement actions were taken for alleged violations of U.S. environmental laws. The tool also displays community-based activities, including locations of environmental justice grants awarded during FY 2010, and Environmental Justice Showcase Communities.