How to Report an Environmental Crime

You can help stop pollution and other crimes against the environment.

All it takes is visiting an easy-to-use Environmental Protection Agency Web site.

The EPA this week celebrated the role that a citizen played in reporting the illegal discharge of raw sewage from a treatment plant in Jefferson City, Mo. into Lake Ozark. A former public works director pleaded guilty to a felony charge of failing to report the discharge of pollution, thanks to the tip, and he could face up to three years in prison or a fine of $250,000.

The criminal charge is the first to result from a tip to the EPA's Report an Environmental Violation Web site, which the agency launched in 2006.

"This is a great example of how the public can help federal and state authorities fight environmental crime," said Granta Nakayama, assistant administrator for EPA's enforcement and compliance assurance program. "We invite all citizens to help protect our nation's environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations."

If you've seen an environmental crime, now you know what to do.

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