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N. E. CITIZENS REWARDED FOR INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL LAW-BREAKERS

Release Date: 02/14/1997
Contact Information: Alice Kaufman, EPA Press Office, (617) 565-04592

Boston - Five New Englanders will receive cash awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for coming forward with information that led to the prosecution of four companies found violating federal environmental laws, and potentially polluting the environment. Twenty individuals across the country will receive from between $300 to $10,000 for their efforts. This is the first time EPA has used a new provision of the federal Clean Air Act that allows the government to reward a person who provides information or services which leads to a criminal conviction or a judicial or administrative civil penalty for violations of certain air quality regulations. The four cases filed by EPA amounted to penalties totaling $19,500 for violations involving the release of chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) into the air. The New England citizens each received between $1,000 and $1,200 for their efforts.

The release of regulated refrigerants such as CFCs can break down the stratospheric ozone layer, which shields the earth's surface from dangerous ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation. Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer increases UV-B radiation, resulting in potential health and environmental harm.

Steven A. Herman, the Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, said that "EPA commends these citizens for taking action to help protect public health and the environment. They have made a significant contribution both to our nation's environment and to EPA's mission."

As part of the 1988 Montreal Protocol agreement, more than 150 countries agreed to stop manufacturing CFCs and other related substances. Further, Title VI of the federal Clean Air Act prohibits the release of CFCs into the atmosphere from certain activities, requires proper handling and recycling of these compunds, and limits the sale of CFC refrigerants to certified air conditioning and refrigeration technicians.

"In each of these cases, EPA would most likely not have known about the illegal activities of company employees without the efforts of vigilant citizens concerned with our environment. For that, we thank them," said John P. DeVillars, EPA's New England administrator. "I urge anyone with information about possible illegal environmental activities to call EPA's tips hotline at 1-888-EPATIPS. Although cash rewards are made possible only in cases involving illegal air emissions, we follow up and will bring to justice any company found to be violating this nation's environmental laws."

Callers to EPA's tips hotline can remain anonymous