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POST INSPECTION LETTER REINFORCES THE INSPECTION AND ENCOURAGES COMPLIANCE. September 29, 2005 Maggie Theroux 617-918-1613 theroux.maggie@epa.gov. EPA New England. What is the Purpose?. Reach every facility that we inspect
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POST INSPECTION LETTER REINFORCES THE INSPECTION AND ENCOURAGES COMPLIANCE September 29, 2005 Maggie Theroux 617-918-1613 theroux.maggie@epa.gov EPA New England
What is the Purpose? • Reach every facility that we inspect • Provide compliance and “beyond compliance” info via the Attachment or the Region’s "Solutions" web site • Help facilities to improve their environmental performance at a time when they have an incentive to listen • Maximize the environmental impact of our inspections with .10 FTE Please note: It is not a “close out” letter.
What type of Information is included in the Attachment? • Access to web resources for: • Compliance assistance • Sector specific information • Pollution prevention • Energy efficiency • Green buildings • Environmentally-preferable purchasing • Technology Connection • Environmental Management Systems • Recycling • Enhanced security
EPA Internal Approval Process • Text of letter & attachment reviewed in FY’02 by: • Region 1 Assistance & P2 manager & staff • Region 1 Enforcement management, attorneys, & inspectors • Regional Administrator • OECA
What is the Process? • Enter the facility inspection data & contact information into ICIS • Create an ICIS report & eliminate duplicates • Review the list of facilities
What is the Process? • Use the report to create the Letters which are signed by the A&P2 manager • Send the Letter & Attachment to recently inspected facilities • Update the Attachment & web site every 6 months
Results • Sent 432 letters since November, 2002 • Received 3,221 page requests on the “Solutions” web site • Most popular information: P2, Compliance Assistance, Sector Specific, & Recycling • Measurement survey – 8/03 • Received OECA Best Practice Award – ’04 • Now being considered by other Regions
Measurement Survey – 8/03 • 7 out of 9 remember receiving the letter & reviewing the attachment • Some remembered visiting the web sites for CA info & regulations, & Sector Specific • 5 out of 9 knew they needed to make improvements & 4 of these were already making the changes
Measurement Survey – 8/03 • Overall, the results emphasized the importance of getting back in touch with inspected facilities.
Enforcement Issues Addressed • Limiting use of Enforcement resources • Avoiding impression that we are pressuring facilities into making environmental improvements • Complicating penalty negotiations if companies argue that they are owed reductions due to actions taken
How can it be used by the States? • Customize the Letter & Attachment • Copy the "Solutions" web site • Make sure your inspection data entry system includes facility contact information • Add topics for specific sectors • UST example – 1,689 page requests from 12/02-6/04