What are Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)?

Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) refer to specific environmental improvement initiatives that a violator of environmental regulations can undertake as part of a settlement or penalty agreement with regulatory authorities. These projects are designed to benefit the environment and the public, and they allow violators to offset a portion of their penalties by investing in meaningful environmental improvements.

By engaging in SEPs, violators can address the environmental harm caused by their actions while also enhancing community resources or public health through projects such as pollution reduction, habitat restoration, or other initiatives that support environmental sustainability. This aspect of SEPs creates a win-win situation that fosters compliance and encourages responsible environmental stewardship.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of SEPs. While raising public awareness and environmental education can be important, SEPs specifically focus on projects that offset penalties rather than general awareness. Additionally, SEPs are not projects required by law, nor are they solely intended to benefit the violators; rather, they must have a broader public and environmental benefit.