These responsibilities encompass laws governing such diverse areas as air pollution, asbestos, hazardous waste/hazardous materials/hazardous substances, illegal land development, illegal pesticide use, exposure warnings, timber protection, underground storage tanks, water pollution, unlawful streambed alterations, wildlife protection and workplace safety where fatalities or serious injuries are involved.
Agencies that investigate alleged violations include local fire and police departments and code compliance inspectors, water pollution control plant and water district staff, the Department of Fish and Game, the State Toxics Department, CHP and Cal-OSHA.
Enforcement of these laws includes civil as well as criminal proceedings, which can result in substantial monetary penalties and recovery of damages to natural resources, as well as incarceration.
