The EPA is stepping up efforts to catch polluters.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched its first-ever environmental fugitives list, consisting of people accused of everything from rigging pipes to dumping chemicals into waterways to smuggling ozone-depleting substances into the country or illegally importing vehicles that don’t meet United States emissions standards.

THE DETAILS: The EPA launched its fugitive list on Dec. 10. The website includes the names of almost two dozen people, summaries of their alleged offenses, and last known whereabouts of the fugitives. Many are believed to be in other countries. “Putting this information on the EPA’s website will increase the number of eyes looking for environmental fugitives,” says Granta Nakayama, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

WHAT IT MEANS: Most of the people on the fugitives list are believed to be in other countries—but who knows, you might spot them on vacation. Perhaps more important, the new list will hopefully raise awareness of the seriousness of this type of crime.

Here’s what to do if you you suspect or witness illegal polluting:

• Know what to look for. If you see a pipe spewing waste, notice people dumping something from a boat, or encounter a noxious, overpowering stench, be suspicious. If you’re taken aback by a smell of sewage or witness people dumping motor oil, that would also be a cause for concern.

• Be a reporter. If you suspect illegal polluting, report it to the EPA and your local authorities. As a backup, contact local environmental watchdog groups that protect rivers, streams and wetlands, and other precious places; many of them have 24-hour pollution hotlines and they may be able to act quickly. Make sure you have the address of the suspected discharge site and document what you see.

• Take pictures. If you can, take pictures of what you suspect to be illegal pollution, and share them with authorities and environmental groups.