ECHO Comments Archive

"I think it is a good idea to have this information readily available to the public. For example, we recently went out for Household Hazardous Waste bids, and were able to look up the companies via their EPA ID# to see if there had been any violations in the past two years. Even though it is valid information, it would be nice to see a more thorough list (i.e. more years than 2, and perhaps a description of the case/violation so that citizens/those looking for the information don't have to call and track it down). Other than that - good job!"
- City government user

"...I use EDR reports, Enviromapper, Envirofacts, and state databases/web sites. This appears to be just one more place to have to look which is limited in the data it contains. I did find some of the data here to be more current than the state information on their database, but I will still have to look at all the other places. I realize the intent of ECHO is not to track all EPA actions, but wouldn't it be nice if it could?! Could it at least track enough additional information to replace say, Envirofacts? The data dictionary is a good thing. Good luck in this endeavor."
- Federal government user

"This is an excellent site with very useful information for local citizens and local government. For example, a site listed in the [xxx] area which has violations in the last two years applied for architectural review and building permits for an expansion project. The information on this site givew the City more ability to regulate discharges to make sure the site conforms to state and EPA standards. The information on this site gives residents living in the surrounding neighborhood a chance to learn more about the project and site development. This is an important site for citizens to be able to access. Thank you!"
- Unaffiliated user

"THANK YOU! This database was brought to my attention ... & I am grateful for it! This is a wonderful idea whose time was long overdue. As a concerned citizen that is presently seeking to move north of my current community, this is an invaluable resource. My family & I have already terminated an agreement for a home purchase due to the excessive quantities of both lead & arsenic in the home's drinking water. To have access to the various water-treatment facilities' statistical information, it will assist countless individuals to make the best choices for their loved-ones. Again, THANK YOU for enabling the public-at-large to view this information."
- Unaffiliated user

"This site is fantastic. It really makes it easy to see what is going on with facilities, and their compliance history!"
- State government user

"A mapping function would greatly enhance the usefulness of the ECHO database. Users seeking information about potential polluters (or "green" businesses) in an area could quickly scan a map of the facilities listed in the database rather than independently mapping each facility to see if it is relevant to the user's area of interest. Just a simple location map would suffice as opposed to a fancy, interactive GIS interface."
- Federal government user

"I am researching the toxic waste dumping of [xxx] in [xxx] and [xxx].These files arenot user friendly yet!..."
- Unaffiliated user