ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE FORMED TO ADDRESS THE ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
PITTSBURGH - April 21, 2008 - United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan and key officials from federal, state and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies announced today the launch of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Enforcement Task Force, a strategic partnership intended to address and combat violations of federal and state environmental laws in Allegheny County and the Greater Pittsburgh region.
The purpose of the Task Force is to investigate and prosecute entities and individuals who violate federal and state environmental laws. While the general scope of the Task Force will be broad-based, the Task Force is committed to focusing on ensuring that area businesses and individuals comply with federal and state laws concerning the air and water in our community. Specifically, the Task Force will work to address the improper discharge into the region's navigable waterways, release of pollutants into the air, and unlawful asbestos abatement practices to help improve the quality of the air and water in the Greater Pittsburgh region.
United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan stated, "While all of the members of the Task Force have pursued violators of our laws protecting the environment, by integrating our efforts into a focused plan, we can combine our resources to more effectively and efficiently investigate and prosecute those who harm our environment through illegal conduct."
The Environmental Enforcement Task Force brings together representatives from the United States Attorney's Office, Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division, Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration, United States Coast Guard, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, the District Attorney's Office of Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, Allegheny County Health Department, and the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority.
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