Notwithstanding the source, all reports of violations of environmental enforcement statutes should be referred to the enforcement agencies charged with administering the acts. There are numerous reasons for this policy. In addition to the fact that prompt referral may avert wasteful duplication of federal effort, under certain of the statutes identified in JM 5-12.100, administrative consideration may be a prerequisite to civil enforcement. See, e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 7413(a)(1). In some instances, such matters may be resolved administratively without resort to litigation.

[updated April 2018]