How to Request Environmental Violation Records

Environmental inspection and violation records reveal how well companies comply with pollution laws — and how aggressively regulators enforce them.

Types of Records Available

Inspection reports: Detailed findings from facility inspections

Violation notices: Citations for non-compliance

Discharge permits: What companies are allowed to release into air and water

Monitoring data: Self-reported emissions and discharge data

Enforcement actions: Fines, consent orders, and settlements

Sample Request Language

I am requesting all inspection reports, violation notices, enforcement actions, and compliance correspondence for [FACILITY NAME] located at [ADDRESS], including all records held by [EPA/STATE AGENCY] for the period of [START DATE] to [END DATE].

Pro Tips for Environmental Records

Start with EPA's ECHO database for publicly available compliance data, then FOIA the underlying documents

Request permit applications — these contain the company's own descriptions of what they're emitting

Ask for complaint records — citizen complaints about odors, discharges, or health effects

Cross-reference with health data requests to the state department of health

File your environmental records request →