Federal agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Sets and enforces federal rules for air, water, hazardous waste, and pollution. State agencies usually carry out day-to-day permitting.

Official Source · Federal

Best use cases

When this agency is the right first call.

Suspected violation of a federal pollution permit
Researching a facility's enforcement history (ECHO)
Asking who at the state has delegated permit authority

What to expect after you contact them

Tip-line complaints route to a regional office. Expect an acknowledgement in days, not hours. Day-to-day permitting is usually carried out by your state environmental agency under federal delegation.

What they handle

Air permits and emissions standards
Clean Water Act discharges (with state co-enforcement)
Hazardous waste and Superfund sites
Lead, asbestos, and indoor air guidance

What they don't handle

Property disputes between neighbours
Easements or zoning decisions
Noise complaints (except aircraft, which is FAA)
Local code enforcement

Common permits

NPDES water discharge
Title V air permit
Hazardous waste handler ID

Common complaints

Illegal dumping
Air pollution from a facility
Suspected water contamination

Common documents

Permit applications
Inspection reports
Environmental Assessments
Consent decrees

Questions to ask

Is there a current permit for this facility?
When was the last inspection?
Has the facility had violations in the last 5 years?
Is there a public comment period right now?
Who is the regional contact for this case?