Water Pollution:
EPA Controls Over Ballast Water at Trans-Alaska Pipeline Marine Terminal
RCED-87-118: Published: Jun 18, 1987. Publicly Released: Jul 24, 1987.
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In response to a congressional request, GAO obtained information on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) controls over pollutants that a pipeline company discharged into Valdez Bay, Alaska, at its ballast water treatment plant to determine: (1) why EPA has not issued the plant a new water discharge permit; and (2) whether EPA has effectively monitored and enforced the conditions of the existing permit.
GAO found that: (1) EPA did not issue a new permit in 1983 because of higher-priority work, staff limitations, and absence of funds to hire an expert permit writer; (2) EPA expects to issue a draft permit in 1987; (3) the company has operated under an extension of the less stringent old permit; (4) EPA monitored the company's permit and identified instances of noncompliance, but has not taken formal enforcement actions; and (5) since 1984, EPA has taken steps to enforce compliance with permit requirements, but has not finalized its investigation of allegations of other environmental problems. GAO believes that EPA needs to resolve environmental concerns surrounding the facility as soon as possible.
Mar 1, 2021
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Man-Made Chemicals and Potential Health Risks:
EPA Has Completed Some Regulatory-Related Actions for PFASGAO-21-37: Published: Jan 27, 2021. Publicly Released: Mar 1, 2021.
Jan 22, 2021
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Information on the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability ProgramGAO-21-240R: Published: Jan 22, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 22, 2021.
Jan 19, 2021
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Chemical Assessments:
Annual EPA Survey Inconsistent with Leading Practices in Program ManagementGAO-21-156: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 19, 2021.
Jan 15, 2021
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Environmental Liabilities:
NASA's Reported Financial Liabilities Have Grown, and Several Factors Contribute to Future UncertaintiesGAO-21-205: Published: Jan 15, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 15, 2021.
Jan 13, 2021
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Nuclear Waste:
Congressional Action Needed to Clarify a Disposal Option at West Valley Site in New YorkGAO-21-115: Published: Jan 13, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 13, 2021.
Jan 7, 2021
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Hanford Cleanup:
DOE's Efforts to Close Tank Farms Would Benefit from Clearer Legal Authorities and CommunicationGAO-21-73: Published: Jan 7, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 7, 2021.
Dec 18, 2020
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Drinking Water:
EPA Could Use Available Data to Better Identify Neighborhoods at Risk of Lead ExposureGAO-21-78: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020. -
Recycling:
Building on Existing Federal Efforts Could Help Address Cross-Cutting ChallengesGAO-21-87: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020.
Dec 9, 2020
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Environmental Protection:
Action Needed to Ensure EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Activities Support Its Strategic GoalsGAO-21-82: Published: Dec 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020. -
Oil and Gas:
Onshore Competitive and Noncompetitive Lease RevenuesGAO-21-138: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020.
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