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EPA 2008 enforcement efforts drive big pollution reductions in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska

Release Date: 12/04/2008
Contact Information: Marianne Holsman, 206-553-1237, holsman.marianne@epa.gov; Anthony Brown, 206-553-1203, brown.anthony@epa.gov

EPA Regional Administrator: “Regionally, we’ve increased inspections and more than doubled the pounds of pollution reduced and treated over last year. This translates directly into better health protection and environmental improvements in our communities.”

(Seattle, WA – December 4, 2008) In fiscal year 2008, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enforcement work in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska helped reduce or treat almost 22 million pounds of pollution in the region. EPA enforcement data gathered for FY 08 also reveals that 1,183 inspections led to 142 completed enforcement actions, resulting in facilities investing over $57 million in plant and process improvements to insure compliance. In terms of pollution reduced or treated, FY ‘08 more than doubled the pollution reductions of FY ’07.

According to Elin D. Miller, EPA’s regional administrator in Seattle, the Agency’s robust enforcement and compliance program helps protect public health and inspires responsible behavior in the regulated community.

“Our enforcement results speak for themselves,” said Miller. “We've increased our inspections, more than doubled the pounds of pollution reduced or treated, and required more than $57 million in process improvements to ensure future compliance. This translates directly into better health protection for both the environment and local communities.”

Here’s a snapshot of the EPA regional enforcement record for the past three years:

Total inspections:
FY06 - 1299
FY07 - 976
FY08 - 1183

Pollution reduced/treated (in pounds):
FY06 - 26,429,316
FY07 - 9,100,000
FY08 - 21,244,945

Total penalties assessed:
FY06 - $3,567,324
FY07 - $4,115,000
FY08 - $3,050,796

Enforcement actions concluded:
FY06 - 345
FY07 - 203
FY08 - 142

Injunctive Relief**:
FY06 - $115,280,599
FY07 - $31,123,449
FY08 - $57,719,248

NOTES: ** Financial investment required by enforcement action to make process improvements, help insure compliance, and prevent future problems.