EPA issues 2009 enforcement data, new map tool, offering online access to local enforcement data

There's a new way to check on envieornmental violations and enforcement in your area. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its enforcement data for 2009 and developed a new Web-based tool and interactive map that allows the public to get detailed information by location about the enforcement actions taken at approximately 4,600 facilities. In 2009 EPA enforcement actions required polluters to invest more than $5 billion on pollution controls, cleanup, and environmental projects, says an EPA news release.

The maps show facilities where civil enforcement actions were taken for air, water, and land pollution, and a separate map shows criminal enforcement actions. Clicking on specific facilities reveals historical information about specific enforcement actions. The maps also show which facilities are near bodies of water that are deemed impaired because they do not meet federal water quality standards.

The maps include 90 percent of the facilities that were subject to enforcement action in 2009 but omits the locations of drinking water treatment plants due to possible security concerns. You can read the entire report or the EPA release.