EPA unveils fugitive Web site

Lisa Jackson, expected to be nominated for the commissionership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by President-elect Barack Obama, will have a new weapon at her disposal to go after people charged with environmental crimes or other federal violations.

The EPA on December 10 unveiled a Web site that the federal agency hopes will help it track down fugitives accused of crimes like the smuggling of ozone-depleting substances, illegal disposal of hazardous waste, discharge of pollutants into the air and water, and money laundering. The new site includes wanted posters of each fugitive and details on their alleged violations.

“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 the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, who noted that two EPA fugitives have been captured in 2008.

To keep yourself from violating any environmental laws, learn how to dispose of leftover paint and handle household and construction waste. And the next time you make a real-estate investment, be sure the property you’re considering doesn't have any environmental red flags.—Steven H. Saltzman