Pursuit's Take
The EPA’s actions to ensure that hazardous waste imports to the United States are received, processed and managed are incomplete and ineffective. The EPA is unable to (1) confirm that all imported hazardous waste shipments reach their intended destinations, (2) ensure hazardous waste shipments are received only by facilities that are properly permitted to handle the waste, (3) determine whether there are any lost or unaccounted for shipments of hazardous waste, and (4) block hazardous waste from coming into the country without the EPA’s consent.
Based on OIG’s assessment of data in EPA information systems, the EPA has an incomplete picture of hazardous waste entering the country. This can give rise to undetected and unenforced violations of federal hazardous waste laws, which could result in unknown human and environmental exposure to toxic substances.
Media Coverage
Free Beacon: Report: EPA ‘Does Not Effectively Track’ Toxic Waste Entering U.S.
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