Founded in 1972, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency works to protect the public health. The agency manages more than four district offices. It establishes and enforces standards for the air, water, waste management and cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances. The agency also provides financial and pollution prevention assistance to businesses and communities. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency manages an air pollution control division that issues permits to factories. In addition, the agency offers environmental education programs. Its drinking and ground waters division evaluates potential threats to more than 1,500 public water systems. The agency oversees investigation and cleanup work at contaminated sites. It manages hazardous waste management and surface water divisions.