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​​​​​The Division of Enforcement

The Division of Enforcement promotes a fair, firm and consistent ​approach to gaining compliance through the resolution of enforcement cases.

The division was created on July 9, 2004, by Executive Order 2004-731.  Significant revisions in the organizational structure of the former Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet included combining the staff and most activities previously included in the enforcement branches of the Division for Air Quality, the Division of Waste Management, and the Division of Water into a single division organized as the new Division of Enforcement.

The division currently provides a unified enforcement structure for imposing compliance on entities regulated by Kentucky's environmental statutes and regulations.

Mission Statement

The Division of Enforcement exists to change behaviors and improve compliance with the Department’s regulatory programs.  The division will accomplish its mission by increasing environmental knowledge, providing high-level customer service, and responding timely and appropriately in its actions.  The goal of this mission is to protect and enhance the quality of Kentucky’s environment and communities.​

Organizational Structure

The Division of Enforcement is organized into four branches; the Civil Enforcement Branch (CEB), the Compliance and Operations Branch (COB) and the Environmental Assistance Branch (EAB) and the Certifications and Licensing Branch (CLB).

The CEB's primary duties include reviewing and pursuing violations referred by the other program divisions of the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP). The CEB pursues referred cases administratively utilizing an escalating system of enforcement procedures on regulated entities referred for environmental regulation. The process begins with informal administrative conferences held at the division's offices in Frankfort.  If a case cannot be resolved using informal methods, then the case is escalated and referred to the cabinet's attorneys for formal action.  Formal actions can include a formal hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings or at Franklin Circuit Court.  If violations are egregious, the division may refer the case for criminal prosecution.

The COB's primary duties include issuing Notices of Violation (NOVs) and providing administrative support for the division. Program divisions of the DEP refer cases to the Division of Enforcement for review and issuance of an NOV.  Violations discovered by field inspectors are issued by the respective regional field offices and are not referred to the division for issuance.​

The EAB's primary duties include providing compliance resources and support for issues relating to air quality, waste management, and water; overseeing Kentucky's voluntary environmental leadership program for individuals, businesses and organizations; and overseeing the Kentucky Brownfield Redevelopment Program to help redevelop and revitalize undesireable properties with real or perceived contamination.​​

The CLB's primarty duties include offering operator certification assistance and training for waste water, drinking water, and solid waste operators​.

Division of Enforcement

300​ Sower Boulevard
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-2150
Fax: 502-564-4245

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Have questions about compliance?

​E-mail envhelp@ky.gov or call the Help Desk: 502-782-6189​

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601

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The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability or sex. This policy protects the rights of Cabinet employees, service applicants and customers. Vendors, agencies and organizations providing services to the Cabinet or its recipients of federally-aided programs also must comply with this policy.