The DEP continues to use a broad range of regulatory, permitting, assistance and enforcement tools to maximize protection of public health and the environment, maintain a strong, credible enforcement presence and to minimize potential impacts that regulated activities can have on the environment. The enforcement and/or compliance tools the Department employs include inspections, data tracking and monitoring, compliance assistance, and administrative enforcement. This section provides an overview of the tools available to the DEP and the policies associated with Department enforcement activities.