Air, water, waste, and chemicals are regulated by this agency, which writes the limits and then checks whether facilities meet them. The limits are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
What It Is Responsible For
- Air and water. Permits and numerical limits for what a facility may release.
- Waste and chemicals. Rules for hazardous waste and for substances that must be tested before wide use.
- Enforcement. Inspections, civil penalties, and, in serious cases, a referral for prosecution.
Statute, Rule, and Daily Work
| Piece | Role |
| A limit | A number or a practice a facility must meet |
| A permit | Permission to operate inside that limit |
| An enforcement case | The response when the limit or the permit is ignored |
