Federal, state and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies have formed a task force to combat violations of federal and state environmental laws in Western Pennsylvania.

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Enforcement Task Force will be committed to ensuring that businesses and individuals comply with laws regarding air and water, U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said in announcing the unit.

The task force will address improper discharges into the region's navigable waterways, release of pollutants into the air and unlawful asbestos abatement practices.

While members of the task force currently pursue violators, she said, integrating their efforts into a focused plan will produce more effective investigations and prosecutions.

The 15-member task force includes the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the FBI, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and the state police, the Allegheny County Health Department and the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.