Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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Industrial Wastewater Compliance Assistance

What To Do If You Receive A Notice of Violation (NOV)

check mark Read the Notice of Violation.

It tells you:

  • environmental laws you are not complying with;
  • in some cases, what action you need to take to address the environmental problem;
  • deadline for submitting a written response to the NOV;
  • how quickly Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) expects you to take action; and 
  • whom to contact if you have a question or problem.

check mark Call If You Don’t Understand.

The most important thing to remember is to call the DEEP if you have any questions. The name and telephone number of appropriate DEEP staff are given at the end of the Notice of Violation or call 860-424-3018.

  • Staff is available to help answer your questions and work with you to resolve the environmental compliance issue.
  • In some cases you may need to obtain the services of a professional consultant to plan and implement effective corrective measures.
  • DEEP staff can discuss with you the kind of professional help you may need to address the alleged violation cited in the notice.

check mark Do Not Cause Additional Problems.

Make sure that you do not engage in activity that might result in further environmental harm.

check mark Follow the Deadlines.

If you cannot meet the deadlines provided in the Notice of Violation, call the contact person specified in the Notice of Violation. Explain why you can’t meet the deadline. Staff will explore with you the feasibility of alternate deadlines.

check mark Cooperate with DEEP.

Generally, DEEP’s first attempt to resolve violations is through the issuance of a Notice of Violation. If you disregard this notice, it will be assumed you do not wish to cooperate, and you should expect that DEEP will take more formal enforcement action such as issuing an administrative order or filing suit to obtain an injunction and penalties as provided by law.

How to Maintain Compliance with Your Individual Discharge Permit

Content last updated March 2020