Virus Could Bite Into Environmental Enforcement: Ex-Officials (1)

The new coronavirus pandemic that is sharply curtailing Americans’ activities may soon limit field inspections from the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers, former federal officials say.

Over time the national self-quarantine “would obviously start to cramp inspections as everyone is being advised to avoid social contact,” said Eric Schaeffer, the former director of EPA’s Office of Civil Enforcement under the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations.

Agency officials stressed Wednesday that their work continues, even with telework provisions and smaller gatherings.

But while much of enforcement work happens remotely, lawyers and officials say measures requiring social distance will soon ...