U.S. CUSTOMS, EPA TO SHARE INFORMATION ON HAZMAT IMPORTS

U.S. CUSTOMS, EPA TO SHARE INFORMATION ON HAZMAT IMPORTS    The U.S. Customs Service will share information on imports of hazardous waste, chemicals and pesticides with the Environmental Protection Agency under a new agreement the two agencies signed Jan. 15 designed to improve enforcement of environmental laws and enhance domestic security.
   'Since Sept. 11, Customs has worked to eliminate the stovepipes that have hampered past federal law enforcement efforts,' Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner said in a statement. 'Today's agreement between Customs and EPA represents yet another important step towards achieving the free flow of information that will enhance homeland security.'
   Customs will provide EPA access to its Automated Commercial System, an automated system by which companies submit trade documentation to the border control agency, and other information to help EPA classify and track hazmat substances in the United States.