EPA Helps States Reduce Trash, Including Plastic, in U.S. Waterways but Needs to Identify Obstacles and Develop Strategies for Further Progress

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Date Issued

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Submitting OIG

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Environmental Protection Agency

Report Number

21-P-0130

Report Description

The EPA and states can reduce the volume of trash, including plastics, in U.S. waterways by evaluating barriers to implementing the Clean Water Act and developing strategies to overcome those barriers.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Additional Details

https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/report-epa-helps-states-reduce-tra…

Open Recommendations

This report has 2 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
21-P-0130_1	No	$0	$0
Evaluate the obstacles to implementing the Clean Water Act to controltrash in U.S. waterways and provide a public report describing those obstacles.
21-P-0130_2	No	$0	$0
Develop and disseminate strategies to states and municipalities for addressing the obstacles identified in the evaluation from Recommendation 1. These strategies may include guidance regarding how to develop narrative water quality criteria, consistent assessment and measurement methodologies, and total maximum daily loads for trash pollution.