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Environmental Justice and Enforcement

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality, human health, and wildlife throughout the district. In coordination with components of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office holds violators accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce environmental harms to the health of historically underserved, overburdened, and marginalized communities.

In May 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a series of actions to secure environmental justice for all Americans, including the launch of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Justice Department and a new comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy to guide the Justice Department’s work. Implementation of the DOJ’s strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results. 

The District of Minnesota has two Environmental Justice Coordinators who are responsible for coordinating efforts to enforce both civil and criminal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste laws. This district will also undertake efforts to remedy environmental violations and pollutants by pursuing actions under the civil rights laws, worker safety and consumer protection statutes, and the False Claims Act, where appropriate. Other examples of civil or criminal environmental misconduct may include:

  • Air emissions of toxic pollutants resulting from inadequate or nonexistent pollution control
  • Oil spills or other environmental incidents that compromise the land or practices of indigenous or disadvantaged communities
  • Unpermitted discharges of a pollutant into waters of the United States
  • Illegal discharges into waters or sewer systems that threaten public safety and cause damage to our water infrastructure
  • Illegal handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes and pesticides
  • Illegal asbestos removals that expose and create health risks for workers and the public
  • False statements to the EPA or other regulatory agencies that threaten the integrity of environmental protection programs

Contact Information Regarding an Environmental Justice or Enforcement Matter  

This Office welcomes information from the public regarding possible environmental, public health, and climate impacts on individuals and communities in the district. You may submit information or concerns regarding potential violations and environmental justice by email or U.S. mail. 

Email:

You can send your information or concerns by email to emily.polachek@usdoj.gov and fred.siekert@usdoj.gov

Mail:

You can also send your information or concerns by mail to: 

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota

Attn: Environmental Justice Coordinators

300 South 4th Street, Suite 600

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Contact Information for Other Federal Agencies

The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district to the federal agency with oversight.

If the violation impacts:

  • Air quality
  • Chemicals and Toxics
  • Health
  • Land, waste, and cleanup
  • Water

Complaints should be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency

If the violation concerns workplace conditions such as chemicals or noxious fumes:

Contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at (800) 321-6742    

If the violation concerns pesticides harming wildlife:

Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bloomington Field Office at (952) 858-0793

If the violation concerns the destruction of wetlands:                     

Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District at (651) 290-5807or by filling out the form at https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Contact/

If you are concerned about discriminatory environmental and health impacts caused by recipients of federal funds:

Contact the USAO’s Environmental Justice Coordinators by calling the office’s main number at (612) 664-5600 or DOJ Civil Rights at 888-TITLE-06 (888/848-5306)

Updated April 23, 2023