How to Find Industrial Facilities with Chronic Violations

Finding industrial facilities with chronic violations typically involves researching various official databases, public records, and sometimes leveraging additional investigative techniques. There are two approaches, one is Citylitics and our Environmental Monitoring Dashboard (EMD).

or here is a step-by-step guide:

• U.S. Example: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database. ECHO provides detailed information about environmental compliance and enforcement for industrial facilities.
• Other countries may have their regulatory bodies and databases, which track industrial facility compliance.

• Define what constitutes a “chronic” violator. It could be based on the number of violations within a certain time frame, the severity of violations, or repeated offenses of a similar nature.

• Once you have a list of potential facilities, categorize and analyze violations based on type (e.g., air pollution, water contamination) and severity.
• Identify facilities that repeatedly violate the same regulations or have multiple types of violations.

• Local news sources may cover violations or concerns about specific facilities.
• Investigative journalism pieces can provide in-depth information about chronic offenders.

• Local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on environmental issues can be valuable sources of information. They might be aware of ongoing problems not yet documented in official records.

• Facilities with chronic violations might have faced legal actions. Check local and federal court records for lawsuits related to environmental violations.

• Attend public meetings, like city council or environmental review board meetings, where residents or officials might discuss concerns about specific industrial facilities.

• If possible, and following legal guidelines, consider visiting areas around suspected facilities to observe any visible signs of violations like pollution discharges.

• Satellite imagery or aerial photography can sometimes show evidence of environmental issues, especially in larger facilities.
• Consider using air and water quality monitoring equipment near suspected facilities to gather direct evidence of violations.

• Review the licensing and permitting status of suspicious facilities. Chronic violators might have lapses or issues with their required permits.

• Consider working with environmental scientists, lawyers, or experts who might have deeper insights or the ability to conduct more technical investigations.

• Keep a detailed record of your findings, sources of information, and any evidence collected. This can be crucial for future reference or if the information is used for legal or advocacy purposes.

Finding industrial facilities with chronic violations requires diligent research, cross-referencing of various sources, and sometimes on-the-ground investigations. It’s also essential to approach the task ethically and legally, especially when considering direct investigations or engagements with the facilities in question.