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EPA: Agency failed to implement IG recommendations -- report
By Katherine Boyle
E&E; News PM
November 3, 2008
U.S. EPA has failed to implement at least 40 major program recommendations in the past decade, the agency's Office of the Inspector General said in an internal report released today.
The EPA inspector general's recommendations on topics ranging from Superfund cleanup to emergency response by due dates agreed upon by the agency were not implemented, the report says.
In June 2007, EPA agreed to promulgate better management tools and controls for Superfund sites not listed on the Superfund National Priorities List by Sept. 30, 2008. Now, the agency said it expects to update tools and controls by March 2009. The agency also planned to track and report construction completions, human exposure levels, groundwater safety measures and final remedies used at Superfund alternative sites. EPA has said the fiscal 2008 report will be available soon.
The inspector general also said in a February 2006 report that EPA should better manage Superfund resources. The agency is still working on certain measures to improve Superfund management, such as assessing site removal needs and current allocations.
The inspector general recommended that EPA improve its response to catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina in September 2006. Specifically, EPA agreed to develop a strategy that would allow the agency to deploy emergency response contractors and other support personnel to disaster areas as quickly as possible. EPA's guidance was due in December 2006 but is slated to be finished this December. Further plans to create a central location where agency officials could record equipment purchases for an emergency situation have been delayed to December 2009.
In March 2005, the inspector general suggested that EPA improve its implementation and oversight of Title V air pollution permits to ensure that companies are in compliance. The agency, however, has not yet submitted a formal action plan, although the Air and Radiation Office said it has begun working on a guidance document. A dispute between the inspector general and the agency regarding intermittent versus continuous monitoring also has not been resolved.
The inspector general is required to submit semiannual reports to Congress discussing where EPA has failed to take corrective action. Today's report, however, was addressed to top EPA officials and staff. The inspector general indicated that EPA will provide updates on the status of each unimplemented recommendation and explain the reasons behind the delays.
Click here to view the report.
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