Administrative cases are handled exclusively by ORC attorneys who appear before administrative law judges and other hearing officers. Civil cases are handled jointly with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney s Offices. EPA also has an active criminal enforcement program. As is typical of most litigation, few enforcement cases actually reach the trial stage. Thus, ORC attorneys spend most of their time in negotiations.
Attorneys also participate in public outreach efforts.
Non-enforcement responsibilities entail counseling regional program staff and managers on the application of statutes, regulations, cases and policies to regional matters, as well as any other legal issues that arise. For example, issues often surface in connection with issuance of a permit or review of a state submission. In addition, ORC attorneys draft federal rules and defend the Region when litigation is initiated to protest a regional action. Organization Most staff attorneys work in one of two branches. The Hazardous Waste Branch handles all matters arising under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.