A Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) is an environmentally beneficial project that is included as part of a settlement for environmental violations. Violators can voluntarily agree to undertake such projects in lieu of part of the penalty that they are required to pay for the violations.
To be a SEP, the project must meet certain requirements under the law, as well as any additional requirements established by the individual CalEPA board or department that brought the enforcement action.
Among the requirements, a SEP must be a project that the violator would not otherwise be legally mandated to perform under a federal, state or local law or regulation. A SEP must also improve, protect or reduce risks to public health or the environment.
Projects do not have to be on CalEPA’s list of SEPs to be included in a settlement. Similarly, the enforcing agency is not limited to the projects that are on its list. Projects will be considered on a case by case basis and may be included in a settlement as long as they comply with enforcing board or department’s SEP policy. Learn more by visiting the SEP links below and by exploring the list of SEPs (Excel) that are available to be funded.
Do you have a project to propose for SEP listing?
If you are have a project that you would like to have considered for listing as a SEP, please submit your SEP proposal here. CalEPA will route your SEP proposal to the appropriate board or department for consideration. For information about the boards or departments SEP procedures and policies, please the links below.
Projects that are listed may be considered for inclusion in settlement agreements with violators. However, whether a project will be funded depends on many factors and is not guaranteed.
SEP Policies and More Information:
- Air Resources Board
- CalRecycle
- Department of Pesticide Regulation
- Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Water Boards
Guidance for CalEPA’s Boards and Departments:
CalEPA has provided its boards and departments with guidance on SEPs. Click here for the current guidance document.
