Lean Government
EPA Region 6
Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution
Lean Event Case Study
Summary
EPA Region 6 conducted a Lean value stream mapping (VSM) event in October 2009 to improve the speed and
effectiveness of its Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution Process. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is responsible for regulating the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides and prohibits the
application of pesticides that are not registered by the EPA. Pesticide enforcement cases are initiated via referrals from
within the EPA, state agencies, or the public. Cases resulting in enforcement actions are eventually entered into the
Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS) upon resolution. The goals of the event were to reduce non-value
added time in order to increase EPA's ability to close enforcement actions in a timely manner, and to reduce public
exposure to pesticides. Prior to the event, it took an estimated 455 days from receipt of a pesticide enforcement referral
to resolution of the case and entry into ICIS. The excessive time to achieve resolution posed risks of litigation due to the
"age of violation" and potentially extended public exposure to pesticides. With the new process, the EPA Region 6
Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution Process could be reduced to as little as 216 days (53 percent less time).
During the Lean event, the team created a detailed map of the existing Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution Process
and formulated "future state" as well as "ideal state" process maps that aim to reduce delays and total overall timelines.
The participants were able to identify seven improvement initiatives that promise to eliminate inefficiencies and waste.
Results
Participants in the Lean event designed a new procedure for the Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution Process to cut waste and
advance the process toward the improved future state developed by participants. With full implementation, the new process is
anticipated to yield the following results:
• Reduced total processing time forthe Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution process from 455 to 216 days (53% reduction)
• Reduced time spent working on a case that adds value to the product (value added time) from 56 to 46 hours (18%
reduction)
The team that participated in the event is actively working together on implementation priorities. The team's goal is that the future
state process map will be implemented within six months of the event.
Scope of the Lean Project
Project Scope: FIFRA Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution Process from the time complaints are received until
enforcement actions are complete and the ICIS database is updated
Goals of the Lean Event
• Reduce the time each case takes to resolve
• Reduce public exposure to pesticides
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Process Changes
During the event, participants developed and analyzed "current state," "future state," and "ideal state" maps of
the Pesticide Enforcement Case Resolution process, focusing on three major delays along the current state
process map which each consisted of over 70 days. These delays were identified as key system constraints.
Along with the process maps, participants came up with the following key improvement actions to achieve the
future state process.
Table i: Key Improvement Actions and Anticipated Results
Improvement
i.
2.
3-
Implement a policy that the preliminary presentation of all
referrals should be conducted at the first Pesticide
Enforcement Team (PET) meeting after receipt.
Implement a policy that all cases should be logged in and case
file established with 7 days of assignment of
Enforcement Officer.
Implement a policy that the assigned Enforcement Officer
presents the case not later than the second PET meeting after
the case is logged in.
4.. Develop a plan that would increase the number of
inspections conducted by the PET. This improvement should
reduce the length of delays incurred through the inspection
process.
5-
6.
7-
Develop a tracking system (Bluebook) to monitor the
Enforcement Case Review (ECR) cycle time and facilitate timely
follow-up.
Revisit Memorandum of Agreement (MOD) on requirement to
request an attorney at greater than $16,500.
Implement a policy that the assigned counsel will complete
their review and attend the Penalty/Calculation Review Meet-
ing within 15 days of the initial PET meeting
introducing the referral.
Projected Reduction in
Process Cycle Time
48 days
19 days
12 days
105 days (If all inspections are
conducted by PET)
40 days (If all ECR are success-
fully returned within 30 days)
15 days1
15 days
; is not included in the total benefits estimate as it is dependent on the revised dollar breakpoint and on the suc-
cessful implementation of Improvement #7.
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Figure i: Pesticide Enforcement Value Stream Mapping Development
Implementation
As of six months after the value stream mapping event, the Pesticide Enforcement Team has successfully
implemented six of the seven identified improvement actions. Because of these changes, enforcement case
resolution time has been significantly and consistently reduced. In addition to the process improvements, the team
(which included representation from the Office of Regional Counsel) has benefited from the opportunity to come
together cohesively to solve problems, and has recognized the value of Lean in helping lay out the pesticides
enforcement process. Morale in the Pesticide Enforcement Team remains high as it continues to make process
improvements and share its experience with colleagues and management.
For More
Information:
EPA Region 6 Lean Event
Wes McQuiddy, EPA Region 6, Chief of Pesticides Section,
(214) 665-6722, mcquiddy.david@epa.gov
Terry Sykes, EPA Region 6 Office of the Regional Counsel, Hazardous
Waste Enforcement Legal Issues, (214) 665-2158, sykes.terry@epa.gov
William Rhea, EPA Region 6, Special Project Coordinator,
(214) 665-6767, rhea.william@epa.gov
EPA Lean Government Initiative
Jamie Burnett, EPA OPEI, (202) 566-2305, burnett.jamie@epa.gov
Kimberly Green-Goldsborough, EPA OPEI, (202) 566-2355,
green-goldsborough.kimberly@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/lean/leangovernment
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Policy,
Economics and Innovation
(1807T)
June 2010
EPA-100-F-10-023
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