The EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

EPA Office of Inspector General

The OIG evaluated the effectiveness of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) programs in preventing and addressing contamination of surface water from hazardous chemicals passing through publicly owned treatment works.

The OIG made recommendations to the EPA develop a format for sharing annual Toxics Release Inventory data, develop a list of chemicals beyond the priority pollutants list for inclusion in permits, confirm compliance with the hazardous waste notification requirement, and track required submittals of toxicity tests and violations. Final determinations on matters in the report were made by EPA managers in accordance with established audit resolution procedures. All recommendations are resolved.

• More Action is Needed to Protect Water Resources From Unmonitored Hazardous Chemicals (PDF)(31 pp, 1 MB, September 2014, 14-P-0363)