CFR > Title 40 - Protection of Environment > CHAPTER I—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY > SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL (Parts 1–29) > PART 27—PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES > 27.24—Protective order.

27.24—Protective order.

(a) A party or a prospective witness or deponent may file a motion for a protective order with respect to discovery sought by a party or with respect to the hearing, seeking to limit the availability or disclosure of evidence.
(b) In issuing a protective order, the presiding officer may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:
(1) That the discovery not be had;
(2) That the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place;
(3) That the discovery may be had only through a method of discovery other than that requested;
(4) That certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of discovery be limited to certain matters;
(5) That discovery be conducted with no one present except persons designated by the presiding officer;
(6) That the contents of discovery or evidence be sealed;
(7) That a deposition after being sealed be opened only by order of the presiding officer;
(8) That a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information, or facts pertaining to any criminal investigation, proceeding, or other administrative investigation not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way; or
(9) That the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the presiding officer.