The FBI views environmental crime as a serious problem which threatens both the public health and natural resources of our Nation. Since 1982, the FBI and EPA have allied to identify specific environmental crime problems and enforce the environmental laws. Today, in the region, our top priority is protecting the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and associated natural resources.

The FBI regularly participates in Environmental Crimes Task Forces as a joint venture with other Law Enforcement Agencies and Environmental Groups to identify crime problems, initiate investigations, and bring violators to justice. FBI participation in this area formally recognizes environmental crime as much more than a regulation problem. To underscore this importance, the FBI established these investigations as one of its top priorities. During FY 1997, over $24 million in fines and restitutions were obtained as a result of 115 convictions from environmental crimes investigations.

Our objective remains to reduce the amount of economic loss and environmental incidents attributable to individuals, and businesses, who engage in the improper and illegal production, distribution, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

We will do this through increased efforts in joint investigations and task forces targeting these violations, and with increased training and support.

FBI Headquarters has established a national strategy targeting those situations involving:

1. knowing endangerment of employees and the public
2. catastrophic events
3. patterned flagrant violations
4. violations of government facilities
5. organized crime

The Baltimore Office of the FBI is an integral member of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Enforcement Coalition (CBEEC).