EPA's online tool promotes self-disclosure

Several state facilities regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency can now report environmental violations though a new system on the agency’s Web site.The online tool supports an EPA policy that encourages organizations to voluntarily disclose violations.The agency said the electronic system, eDisclosure, will reduce transaction costs for companies by ensuring that each disclosure contains all the necessary information.Under the pilot program, certain facilities can use eDisclosure to report violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. For example, failing to submit toxic chemical release forms to EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory would violate the act.Facilities in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas can participate in the test of eDisclosure. Based on the results of the pilot project, EPA officials will consider expanding eDisclosure to other states, agency officials said in announcing the program Aug. 7.