What does an EPO include?

Under Section 34 of the PERA Force Laws, once a public nuisance is confirmed, the Enforcement Officer (EO) issues an Environmental Protection Order (EPO). The EPO is not a simple notice — it is a legally binding document that outlines the findings, directives, and consequences associated with the nuisance.

A valid EPO must contain four essential components:

1. 
   

   Details of the nuisance: A clear description of the environmental violation or public hazard discovered during inspection.

   
   


2. 
   

   Reasons for issuance: The specific grounds or observations leading to the conclusion that a nuisance exists.

   
   


3. 
   

   Directions for compliance: Concrete steps the offender must take to remove or mitigate the nuisance, along with a specified time frame for compliance.

   
   


4. 
   

   Penalty warning: A legal warning that failure to comply with the EPO may result in prosecution, fines, or further enforcement under PERA laws.

   
   

This detailed structure ensures transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness. The offender understands exactly what the issue is, why action is being taken, and how to comply to avoid penalties.

For example, if a company is found releasing untreated industrial waste, the EPO might direct it to stop the discharge immediately, install treatment systems, and submit proof of compliance within a given period. The penalty warning emphasizes that non-compliance will invite legal consequences.

The inclusion of these details transforms the EPO into an effective administrative and legal instrument—balancing enforcement authority with fair notice to the offender.

In essence, Section 34 ensures that every EPO includes details, reasons, directions, and a penalty warning, making it a comprehensive and enforceable tool for maintaining environmental order and public safety.