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Y2K ENFORCEMENT POLICY INCENTIVES
Release Date: 03/12/99
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1999
Y2K ENFORCEMENT POLICY INCENTIVES
On March 10, EPA published its final Y2K Enforcement Policy in the Federal Register. The policy is designed to encourage companies and facilities to promptly test their computer-related equipment, such as monitoring and pollution control devices, to ensure that environmental compliance is not impaired by Y2K computer problems. EPA will waive 100 percent of the civil penalties that would apply and will recommend against any criminal prosecution for any environmental violation caused during specific tests designed to identify and eliminate Y2K-related malfunctions. The policy applies to testing-related violations disclosed to EPA by Feb. 1, 2000. The penalty waiver and recommendation against criminal prosecution are subject to certain conditions. For example, the regulated entity should design and conduct tests well before certain dates, such as 9/9/99 and 1/1/00; conduct the tests for the shortest possible time period; correct any testing-related violations immediately; and take other steps to ensure that protection of human health and the environment are not compromised. Additional information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/year2000.
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