The EPA Goes All COPS On Environmental Criminals
The EPA has launched a new website hoping to enlist the public and law enforcement in capturing fugitives accused of environmental violations. The site, EPA Fugitives, includes photos of the accused along with summaries of their violations.
Some of the alleged violations are the smuggling of ozone-depleting substances, illegally disposing of hazardous waste, and discharging pollutants into the air and water. One fugitive, Mauro Valenzuela, illegally transported waste oxygen generators on board a jet without proper markings or safety measures. The jet crashed and killed all 110 passengers and crew.
“Putting this information on the EPA’s Web site will increase the number of ‘eyes’ looking for environmental fugitives,” said Granta Y. Nakayama, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Two EPA fugitives were captured this year, and this Web site could help us find more fugitives in the future.”
If you encounter any of these fugitives, please resist from enacting some hippy version of COPS, as they maybe armed and dangerous. Please notify the EPA via the website. You can also report the information to your local police or the nearest U.S. Embassy (in case you defected because you thought McCain might win).
Image: EPA Fugitive website
