Notices to Comply (NTC)and Notices of Violation (NOV)

March 22, 2006

Peter MooreYorke Engineering, LLC

949-248-8490 x24PMoore@YorkeEngr.com

Agenda

Preparation When the Inspector Comes Dealing with Notices to

Comply Dealing with Notices of

Violation

Preparation: Self-Audits

Conduct systematic self-audits to identify potential problems Go through each permit requirement Go through each rule requirement Document your findings Make corrections!

Preparation: Get Organized Have a copy of your current permit in a 3

ring binder Keep all current and previous permits

organized in files Create a facility map showing equipment

locations Keep organized files of submitted reports Organize your records

Electronic and hardcopy

Preparation: Organize Records

Rule 109 VOC logs RECLAIM reports Annual Emission Reports Natural gas bills Tune-up records for boilers Maintenance records Source test reports

Preparation: Organize Records

CEMS records Calibration records Electronic transmissions Calculation of CEMS missing data;

What days, how you calculated Maintenance records Calibration gas certificates

When the Inspector Comes Inspectors have a legal basis to

inspect equipment and records Treat the inspector with

respect and understanding for their job

Provide documents quickly Make copies of any requested

records

Notice to Comply (NC or NTC) “Fix it" ticket issued for minor administrative or

paperwork violations that involve no, or minimal, emissions.

Examples Incomplete records Permit not posted near the equipment

Typically have two weeks to comply. If the recipient fixes the problem, no additional

action. No fine associated with a Notice to Comply. However, if the problem is not fixed by the

deadline, AQMD may issue a Notice of Violation

Dealing with Notices to Comply

Understand the problem Read the permit condition(s) cited Read the specific rule or regulatory

requirement Follow deadlines provided Fix the problem and document

compliance All correspondence should be in writing Get help if you need!

Notice of Violation (NOV) This type of ticket is issued if the facility

has failed to comply with an AQMD rule or permit, or a state air pollution regulation

Often involves emissions of some kind Each day or part of a day that you are in

violation is a separate violation Facility is required to correct the problem There is usually a fine or penalty

What happens when you are issued an NOV?

Forwarded to AQMD's District Prosecutor for handling

Staff from prosecutors office will review your case Several factors determine whether a violation is

handled as a civil case by AQMD or referred for review as a potential criminal case to a law enforcement agency (i.e. District Attorney)

Among these factors are the: Extent of harm caused by the violation Type and length of the violation Intent that led to the violation and Frequency of past violations

Minor Source Penalty Assessment Program

Cases involving lesser offenses or companies with no prior violations are usually handled under AQMD's Minor Source Penalty Assessment Program

Facility and AQMD agree on actions to comply with clean air rules

Negotiate penalty Settlement is reached without involving attorneys or the

courts If your case is considered appropriate for this program,

you will receive a letter or phone call from an investigator in AQMD's District Prosecutor offering to settle your violation

Settlement terms usually call for a penalty payment and written proof of current compliance

Penalties According to the California Health and Safety

Code, penalties in the most egregious cases can be assessed against individuals in an amount up to $250,000 per day per violation, and against corporations in an amount up to $1,000,000 per day per violation.  Criminal sanctions may also be involved.

Actual penalties tend to be far less, depending on the circumstances, such as how bad the violation was, whether the business owner knew the law was being violated, and whether anyone was injured.

Dealing With Notices of Violation

Understand the problem Read the permit condition(s) cited Read the specific rule or regulatory

requirement Follow deadlines provided Document correspondence in writing You may have to shut down equipment to

avoid further violations or increased fines Apply for a variance if you need to

continue operating Get professional help (i.e. an attorney)

Resources for Help Talk to your Account Executive (AE)

For permitting assistance For equipment information For incentive programs

Call The Gas Company’s Air Quality AnswerLine with any combustion related air quality question!

800-GAS-2000 or 562-803-7428