EPA Updates Policy on Case Settlements That Add Supplemental Projects to Penalties

摘要

The Environmental Protection Agency has updated its policy on the use of supplemental projects as negotiated elements of settlements in civil enforcement cases. EPA Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles signed off on the "Supplemental Environmental Projects Policy 2015 Update" to pull together all guidance and implementation decisions issued on the policy since a 1998 update. The new update superseded the 1998 update and took effect immediately. Supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) are projects that cannot be required by the EPA. The agency's update said the projects can involve public health protection, pollution reduction and prevention, environmental restoration and protection, assessments and audits, compliance training and technical support, and emergency planning and preparedness.