340-012-0026
Policy

(1) The goals of enforcement are to:

(a) Protect the public health and the environment;

(b) Obtain and maintain compliance with applicable environmental statutes and DEQ's rules, permits and orders;

(c) Deter future violators and violations; and

(d) Ensure an appropriate and consistent statewide enforcement program.

(2) DEQ shall endeavor by conference, conciliation and persuasion to solicit compliance.

(3) DEQ endeavors to address all alleged violations in order of priority, based on the actual or potential impact to human health or the environment, using increasing levels of enforcement as necessary to achieve the goals set forth in section (1) of this rule.

(4) DEQ subjects violators who do not comply with an initial enforcement action to increasing levels of enforcement until they come into compliance.

(5) DEQ endeavors to issue a formal enforcement action within six months from completion of the investigation of the violation.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459.995, 466, 467, 468.020, 468.996, 468A & 468B
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 183.090, 454.635, 454.645, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 466.210, 466.880 - 895, 468.090 - 140, 468A.990, 468.992, 468B.025, 468B.220 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89

340-012-0028
Scope of Applicability

Amendments to OAR 340-012-0026 to 340-012-0170 shall only apply to formal enforcement actions issued by DEQ on or after the effective date of such amendments and not to any contested cases pending or formal enforcement actions issued prior to the effective date of such amendments.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 454, 459.995, 466, 467, 468.020 & 468.996
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 183.090, 454.635, 454.645, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 466.210, 466.880 - 895, 468.090 - 140, 468A.990, 468.992, 468B.025, 468B.220 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92, Renumbered from 340-012-0080
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89

340-012-0030
Definitions

All terms used in this division have the meaning given to the term in the appropriate substantive statute or rule or, in the absence of such definition, their common and ordinary meaning unless otherwise required by context or defined below:

(1) "Alleged Violation" means any violation cited in a written notice issued by DEQ or other government agency.

(2) "Class I Equivalent," which is used to determine the value of the "P" factor in the civil penalty formula, means two Class II violations, one Class II and two Class III violations, or three Class III violations.

(3) "Commission" means the Environmental Quality Commission.

(4) "Compliance" means meeting the requirements of the applicable statutes, and commission or DEQ rules, permits, permit attachments or orders.

(5) "Conduct" means an act or omission.

(6) "Director" means the director of DEQ or the director's authorized deputies or officers.

(7) "DEQ" means the Department of Environmental Quality.

(8) “Expedited Enforcement Offer” (EEO) means a written offer by DEQ to settle an alleged violation in accordance with the expedited procedure described in OAR 340-012-0170(2).

(9) “Field Penalty” as used in this division, has the meaning given that term in OAR chapter 340, division 150.

(10) "Final Order and Stipulated Penalty Demand Notice" means a written notice issued to a respondent by DEQ demanding payment of a stipulated penalty as required by the terms of an agreement entered into between the respondent and DEQ.

(11) "Flagrant" or "flagrantly" means the respondent had actual knowledge that the conduct was unlawful and consciously set out to commit the violation.

(12) "Formal Enforcement Action" (FEA) means a proceeding initiated by DEQ that entitles a person to a contested case hearing or that settles such entitlement, including, but not limited to, Notices of Civil Penalty Assessment and Order, Final Order and Stipulated Penalty Demand Notices, department or commission orders originating with the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, Mutual Agreement and Orders, accepted Expedited Enforcement Offers, Field Penalties, and other consent orders.

(13) "Intentional" means the respondent acted with a conscious objective to cause the result of the conduct.

(14) "Magnitude of the Violation" means the extent and effects of a respondent's deviation from statutory requirements, rules, standards, permits or orders.

(15) "Negligence" or "Negligent" means the respondent failed to take reasonable care to avoid a foreseeable risk of conduct constituting or resulting in a violation.

(16) “Notice of Civil Penalty Assessment and Order” means a notice provided under OAR 137-003-0505 to notify a person that DEQ has initiated a formal enforcement action that includes a financial penalty and may include an order to comply.

(17) "Pre-Enforcement Notice" (PEN) means an informal written notice of an alleged violation that DEQ is considering for formal enforcement.

(18) "Person" includes, but is not limited to, individuals, corporations, associations, firms, partnerships, trusts, joint stock companies, public and municipal corporations, political subdivisions, states and their agencies, and the federal government and its agencies.

(19) "Prior Significant Action" (PSA) means any violation cited in an FEA, with or without admission of a violation, that becomes final by payment of a civil penalty, by a final order of the commission or DEQ, or by judgment of a court.

(20) "Reckless" or "Recklessly" means the respondent consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the result would occur or that the circumstance existed. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that disregarding that risk constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe in that situation.

(21) "Residential Owner-Occupant" means the natural person who owns or otherwise possesses a single family dwelling unit, and who occupies that dwelling at the time of the alleged violation. The violation must involve or relate to the normal uses of a dwelling unit.

(22) "Respondent" means the person named in a formal enforcement action (FEA).

(23) "Systematic" means any violation that occurred or occurs on a regular basis.

(24) "Violation" means a transgression of any statute, rule, order, license, permit, permit attachment, or any part thereof and includes both acts and omissions.

(25) "Warning Letter" (WL) means an informal written notice of an alleged violation for which formal enforcement is not anticipated.

(26) "Willful" means the respondent had a conscious objective to cause the result of the conduct and the respondent knew or had reason to know that the result was not lawful.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.130
Statutes/Other Implemented: 459.995, 465.900, 468.090-140, 466.880 - 466.895, 468.996 - 468.997, 468A.990 -468A.992, 468B.220 & ORS 459.376
History:
DEQ 197-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 11/16/2018
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 14-2008, f. & cert. ef. 11-10-08
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0038
Warning Letters, Pre-Enforcement Notices, and Notices of Permit Violation

(1) A Warning Letter (WL) may contain an opportunity to correct noncompliance as a means of avoiding formal enforcement. A WL generally will identify the alleged violation(s) found, what needs to be done to comply, and the consequences of further noncompliance. WLs will be issued under the direction of a manager or authorized representative. A person receiving a WL may provide information to DEQ to clarify the facts surrounding the alleged violation(s). If DEQ determines that the conduct identified in the WL did not occur, DEQ will withdraw or amend the WL, as appropriate, within 30 days. A WL is not an FEA and does not afford any person a right to a contested case hearing.

(2) A Pre-Enforcement Notice (PEN) generally will identify the alleged violations found, what needs to be done to comply, the consequences of further noncompliance, and the formal enforcement process that may occur. PENs will be issued under the direction of a manager or authorized representative. A person receiving a PEN may provide information to DEQ to clarify the facts surrounding the alleged violations. If DEQ determines that the conduct identified in the PEN did not occur, DEQ will withdraw or amend the PEN, as appropriate, within 30 days. Failure to send a PEN does not preclude DEQ from issuing an FEA. A PEN is not a formal enforcement action and does not afford any person a right to a contested case hearing.

(3) Notice of Permit Violation (NPV):

(a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(e) below, an NPV will be issued for the first occurrence of an alleged Class I violation of an air, water or solid waste permit issued by DEQ, and for repeated or continuing alleged Class II or Class III violations of an air, water, or solid waste permit issued by DEQ when a WL has failed to achieve compliance or satisfactory progress toward compliance.

(b) An NPV must be in writing, specify the violation and state that a civil penalty will be imposed for the permit violation unless the permittee submits one of the following to DEQ within five working days of receipt of the NPV:

(A) A written response from the permittee certifying that the permittee is complying with all terms and conditions of the permit from which the violation is cited. The response must include a description of the information on which the permittee's certification relies sufficient to enable DEQ to determine that compliance has been achieved. The certification must be signed by a Responsible Official based on information and belief after making reasonable inquiry. For purposes of this rule, "Responsible Official" means one of the following:

(i) For a corporation: a president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy- or decision-making functions for the corporation; or the manager of one or more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities if authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures.

(ii) For a partnership or sole proprietorship: a general partner or the proprietor, respectively.

(iii) For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: either a principal executive officer or appropriate elected official.

(B) A written proposal, acceptable to DEQ, describing how the permittee will bring the facility into compliance with the permit. At a minimum, an acceptable proposal must include the following:

(i) A detailed plan and time schedule for achieving compliance in the shortest practicable time;

(ii) A description of the interim steps that will be taken to reduce the impact of the permit violation until the permittee is in compliance with the permit; and

(iii) A statement that the permittee has reviewed all other conditions and limitations of the permit and no other violations of the permit were discovered; or

(C) For a water quality permit violation, a written request to DEQ that DEQ follow procedures described in ORS 468B.032. Notwithstanding the requirement for a response to DEQ within five working days, the permittee may file a request under this paragraph within 20 days from the date of service of the NPV.

(c) If a compliance schedule approved by DEQ under paragraph (3)(b)(B) provides for a compliance period of more than six months, the compliance schedule must be incorporated into a final order that provides for stipulated penalties in the event of any failure to comply with the approved schedule. The stipulated penalties may be set at amounts equivalent to the base penalty amount appropriate for the underlying violation as set forth in OAR 340-012-0140;

(d) If the NPV is issued by a regional authority, the regional authority may require that the permittee submit information in addition to that described in subsection (3)(b).

(e) DEQ may assess a penalty without first issuing an NPV if:

(A) The violation is intentional;

(B) The water or air violation would not normally occur for five consecutive days;

(C) The permittee has received an NPV or an FEA with respect to any violation of the permit within the 36 months immediately preceding the alleged violation;

(D) The permittee is subject to the Oregon Title V operating permit program and violates any rule or standard adopted under ORS Chapter 468A or any permit or order issued under Chapter 468A; or

(E) The requirement to provide an NPV would disqualify a state program from federal approval or delegation. The permits and permit conditions to which this NPV exception applies include:

(i) Air Contaminant Discharge Permit (ACDP) conditions that implement the State Implementation Plan under the federal Clean Air Act;

(ii) Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) permit or rule authorization conditions that implement the Underground Injection Control program under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;

(iii) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit conditions; and

(iv) Municipal Landfill Solid Waste Disposal Permit conditions that implement Subtitle D of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act.

(f) For purposes of section (3), a permit renewal or modification does not result in the requirement that DEQ provide the permittee with an additional advance notice before formal enforcement if the permittee has received an NPV, or other FEA, with respect to the permit, within the 36 months immediately preceding the alleged violation.

[Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.376, 468.090 - 468.140, 468A.990 & 468B.025
History:
DEQ 14-2018, minor correction filed 03/28/2018, effective 03/28/2018
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 14-2008, f. & cert. ef. 11-10-08
Renumbered from 340-012-0040, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 16-1985, f. & ef. 12-3-85
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 25-1979, f. & ef. 7-5-79
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0041
Formal Enforcement Actions

(1) FEAs may require that the respondent take action within a specified timeframe or may assess civil penalties. DEQ may issue an NPV or FEA whether or not it has previously issued a WL or PEN related to the issue or violation. Unless specifically prohibited by statute or rule, DEQ may issue an FEA without first issuing an NPV.

(2) A Notice of Civil Penalty Assessment and Order may be issued for the occurrence of any class of violation that is not limited by the NPV requirement of OAR 340-012-0038(3).

(3) An Order may be in the form of a commission or department order, including any written order that has been consented to in writing by the parties thereto, including but not limited to, a Mutual Agreement and Order (MAO).

(4) A Final Order and Stipulated Penalty Demand Notice may be issued according to the terms of any written final order that has been consented to in writing by the parties thereto, including, but not limited to, a MAO.

(5) A pre-enforcement offer to settle may be made pursuant to DEQ’s expedited enforcement procedures in OAR 340-012-0170(2) or Field Penalty procedures prescribed by OAR chapter 340, division 150.

(6) The enforcement actions described in sections (2) through (5) of this rule in no way limit DEQ or commission from seeking any other legal or equitable remedies, including revocation of any DEQ-issued license or permit, provided by ORS Chapters 183, 454, 459, 465, 466, 467, 468, 468A, and 468B.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 454.625, 459.376, 465.400-410, 466.625, 467.030, 468.020, 468A.025, 468A.045 & 468B.035
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 454.635, 454.645, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 466.210, 466.880-895, 468.090-140, 468A.990, 468.992, 468B.025, 468B.220 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89

340-012-0045
Civil Penalty Determination Procedure

DEQ may assess a civil penalty for any violation, in addition to any other liability, duty, or other penalty provided by law. Except for civil penalties assessed under either OAR 340-012-0155 or OAR 340-012-0160, DEQ determines the amount of the civil penalty using the following formula: BP + [(0.1 x BP) x (P + H + O + M + C)] + EB.

(1) BP is the base penalty and is determined by the following procedure:

(a) The classification of each violation is determined according to OAR 340-012-0053 to 340-012-0097.

(b) The magnitude of the violation is determined according to OAR 340-012-0130 and 340-012-0135.

(c) The appropriate base penalty (BP) for each violation is determined by applying the classification and magnitude of each violation to the matrices in OAR 340-012-0140.

(2) The base penalty is adjusted by the application of aggravating or mitigating factors set forth in OAR 340-012-0145.

(3) The appropriate economic benefit (EB) is determined as set forth in OAR 340-012-0150.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 454.635, 454.645, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 466.210, 466.880-895, 468.090-140, 468.992, 468A.990, 468B.025, 468B.220 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-03
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0053
Classification of Violations that Apply to all Programs

(1) Class I:

(a) Violating a requirement or condition of a commission or department order, consent order, agreement, consent judgment (formerly called judicial consent decree) or compliance schedule contained in a permit or permit attachment;

(b) Submitting false, inaccurate or incomplete information to DEQ where the submittal masked a violation, caused environmental harm, or caused DEQ to misinterpret any substantive fact;

(c) Failing to provide access to premises or records as required by statute, permit, order, consent order, agreement or consent judgment (formerly called judicial consent decree); or

(d) Using fraud or deceit to obtain DEQ approval, permit, permit attachment, certification, or license.

(2) Class II: Violating any otherwise unclassified requirement.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.130
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 465.992, 466.990 - 466.994, 468.090 - 468.140 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 197-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 11/16/2018
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0054
Air Quality Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Constructing a new source or modifying an existing source without first obtaining a required New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration (NSR/PSD) permit;

(b) Constructing a new source, as defined in OAR 340-245-0020, without first obtaining a required Air Contaminant Discharge Permit that includes permit conditions required under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050 or without complying with Cleaner Air Oregon rules under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050;

(c) Failing to conduct a source risk assessment, as required under OAR 340-245-0050;

(d) Modifying a source in such a way as to require a permit modification under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050, that would increase risk above permitted levels under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050 without first obtaining such approval from DEQ;

(e) Operating a major source, as defined in OAR 340-200-0020, without first obtaining the required permit;

(f) Operating an existing source, as defined in OAR 340-245-0020, after a submittal deadline under OAR 340-245-0030 without having submitted a complete application for a Toxic Air Contaminant Permit Addendum required under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050;

(g) Exceeding a Plant Site Emission Limit (PSEL);

(h) Exceeding a risk limit, including a Source Risk Limit, applicable to a source under OAR 340-245-0100;

(i) Failing to install control equipment or meet emission limits, operating limits, work practice requirements, or performance standards as required by New Source Performance Standards under OAR 340 division 238 or National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Standards under OAR 340 division 244;

(j) Exceeding a hazardous air pollutant emission limitation;

(k) Failing to comply with an Emergency Action Plan;

(l) Exceeding an opacity or emission limit (including a grain loading standard) or violating an operational or process standard, that was established under New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration (NSR/PSD);

(m) Exceeding an emission limit or violating an operational or process standard that was established to limit emissions to avoid classification as a major source, as defined in OAR 340-200-0020;

(n) Exceeding an emission limit or violating an operational limit, process limit, or work practice requirement that was established to limit risk or emissions to avoid exceeding an applicable Risk Action Level or other requirement under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050;

(o) Exceeding an emission limit, including a grain loading standard, by a major source, as defined in OAR 340-200-0020, when the violation was detected during a reference method stack test;

(p) Failing to perform testing or monitoring, required by a permit, permit attachment, rule or order, that results in failure to show compliance with a Plant Site Emission Limit or with an emission limitation or a performance standard established under New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, New Source Performance Standards, Reasonably Available Control Technology, Best Available Control Technology, Maximum Achievable Control Technology, Typically Achievable Control Technology, Lowest Achievable Emission Rate, Toxics Best Available Control Technology, Toxics Lowest Achievable Emission Rate, or adopted under section 111(d) of the Federal Clean Air Act;

(q) Causing emissions that are a hazard to public safety;

(r) Violating a work practice requirement for asbestos abatement projects;

(s) Improperly storing or openly accumulating friable asbestos material or asbestos-containing waste material;

(t) Conducting an asbestos abatement project, by a person not licensed as an asbestos abatement contractor;

(u) Violating an OAR 340 division 248 disposal requirement for asbestos-containing waste material;

(v) Failing to hire a licensed contractor to conduct an asbestos abatement project;

(w) Openly burning materials which are prohibited from being open burned anywhere in the state by OAR 340-264-0060(3), or burning materials in a solid fuel burning device, fireplace, trash burner or other device as prohibited by OAR 340-262-0900(1);

(x) Failing to install certified vapor recovery equipment;

(y) Delivering for sale a noncompliant vehicle by a vehicle manufacturer in violation of Oregon Low Emission and Zero Emission Vehicle rules set forth in OAR 340 division 257;

(z) Exceeding an Oregon Low Emission Vehicle average emission limit set forth in OAR 340 division 257;

(aa) Failing to comply with Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales requirements, or to meet credit retirement and/or deficit requirements, under OAR 340 division 257;

(bb) Failing to obtain a Motor Vehicle Indirect Source Permit as required in OAR 340 division 257;

(cc) Selling, leasing, or renting a noncompliant vehicle by an automobile dealer or rental car agency in violation of Oregon Low Emission Vehicle rules set forth in OAR 340 division 257;

(dd) Violating any of the clean fuel standards set forth in OAR 340-253-0100(6) and in Tables 1 and 2 of OAR 340-253-8010;

(ee) Committing any action related to a credit transfer that is prohibited in OAR 340-253-1005(8);

(ff) Inaccurate reporting that causes illegitimate credits to be generated in the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, OAR chapter 340, division 253, or that understates a registered party’s true compliance obligation in deficits under such program;

(gg) Misstating material information or providing false information when submitting an application for a carbon intensity score under OAR 340-253-0450, OAR 340-253-0460, or OAR 340-253-0470, or when submitting an application for advance credits under OAR 340-253-1100;

(hh) Failing to timely submit a complete and accurate annual compliance report under OAR 340-253-0650;

(ii) Failing to timely submit a complete and accurate emissions data report under OAR 340-215-0044 and OAR 340-215-0046;

(jj) Submitting a verification statement to DEQ prepared by a person not approved by DEQ under OAR 340-272-0220 to perform verification services;

(kk) Failing to timely submit a verification statement that meets the verification requirements under OAR 340-272-0100 and OAR 340-272-0495;

(ll) Failing to submit a revised application or report to DEQ according to OAR 340-272-0435;

(mm) Failing to complete re-verification according to OAR 340-272-0350(2);

(nn) Failing to timely submit a Methane Generation Rate Report or Instantaneous Surface Monitoring Report according to OAR 340-239-0100;

(oo) Failing to timely submit a Design Plan or Amended Design Plan in accordance with OAR 340-239-0110(1);

(pp) Failing to timely install and operate a landfill gas collection and control system according to OAR 340-239-0110(1);

(qq) Failing to operate a landfill gas collection and control system or conduct performance testing of a landfill gas control device according to the requirements in OAR 340-239-0110(2);

(rr) Failing to conduct landfill wellhead sampling under OAR 340-239-0110(3);

(ss) Failing to comply with a landfill compliance standard in OAR 340-239-0200;

(tt) Failing to conduct monitoring or remonitoring in accordance with OAR 340-239-0600 that results in a failure to demonstrate compliance with a landfill compliance standard in OAR 340-239-0200 or the 200 ppmv threshold in OAR 340-239-0100(6)(b) or OAR 340-239-0400(2)(c);

(uu) Failure to take corrective actions in accordance with OAR 340-239-0600(1);

(vv) Failing to comply with a landfill gas collection and control system permanent shutdown and removal requirement in OAR 340-239-0400(1);

(ww) Delivering for sale a new noncompliant on highway heavy duty engine, truck or trailer in violation of rules set forth under OAR 340 division 261;

(xx) Failing to notify DEQ of changes in ownership or operational control or changes to related entities under OAR 340-271-0120;

(yy) Owning or operating a covered entity, identified in OAR 340-271-0110, after a submittal deadline under OAR 340-271-0150(1)(a) or OAR 340-271-0330(1)(b) without having submitted a complete application for a Climate Protection Program permit or Climate Protection Program permit addendum required under OAR 340-271-0150;

(zz) Emitting covered emissions from a covered entity, as identified in OAR 340-271-0110, that is a new source, as defined in OAR 340-271-0020, without having been issued a BAER order under OAR 340-271-0320 and a permit issued under OAR 340-271-0150(3)(c);

(aaa) Failing to submit a BAER assessment, updated BAER assessment, or a 5-year BAER report according to OAR 340-271-0310;

(bbb) Failing to comply with a BAER order issued under OAR 340-271-0320.

(ccc) Failing to comply with a condition in a permit, Climate Protection Program permit, or Climate Protection Program permit addendum issued according to OAR 340-271-0150 that requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;

(ddd) Failing to demonstrate compliance according to OAR 340-271-0450;

(eee) Failing to comply with the requirements for trading of compliance instruments under OAR 340-271-0500 or 340-271-0510;

(fff) Submitting false or inaccurate information on any application or submittal required under OAR chapter 340, division 271;

(ggg) Failing to register as a regulated party in the Oregon Clean Fuels Program under OAR 340-253-0100(1) and (4); or

(hhh) Failing by a fuel producer to inform DEQ if its operational carbon intensity exceeds its certified carbon intensity as described in OAR 340-253-0450(9)(e)(D) when credits generated from those certified carbon intensity values generated illegitimate credits as described in OAR 340-253-1005(7). .

(2) Class II:

(a) Constructing or operating a source required to have an Air Contaminant Discharge Permit (ACDP), ACDP attachment, or registration without first obtaining such permit or registration, unless otherwise classified;

(b) Violating the terms or conditions of a permit, permit attachment or license, unless otherwise classified;

(c) Modifying a source in such a way as to require a permit or permit attachment modification from DEQ without first obtaining such approval from DEQ, unless otherwise classified;

(d) Exceeding an opacity limit, unless otherwise classified;

(e) Exceeding a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission standard, operational requirement, control requirement or VOC content limitation established by OAR 340 division 232;

(f) Failing to timely submit a complete ACDP annual report or permit attachment annual report;

(g) Failing to timely submit a certification, report, or plan as required by rule, permit or permit attachment, unless otherwise classified;

(h) Failing to timely submit a complete permit application, ACDP attachment application, or permit renewal application;

(i) Failing to submit a timely and complete toxic air contaminant emissions inventory as required under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050;

(j) Failing to comply with the open burning requirements for commercial, construction, demolition, or industrial wastes in violation of OAR 340-264-0080 through 0180;

(k) Failing to comply with open burning requirements in violation of any provision of OAR 340 division 264, unless otherwise classified; or burning materials in a solid fuel burning device, fireplace, trash burner or other device as prohibited by OAR 340-262-0900(2).

(l) Failing to replace, repair, or modify any worn or ineffective component or design element to ensure the vapor tight integrity and efficiency of a stage I or stage II vapor collection system;

(m) Failing to provide timely, accurate or complete notification of an asbestos abatement project;

(n) Failing to perform a final air clearance test or submit an asbestos abatement project air clearance report for an asbestos abatement project;

(o) Violating on road motor vehicle refinishing rules contained in OAR 340-242-0620;

(p) Failing to comply with an Oregon Low Emission Vehicle reporting, notification, or warranty requirement set forth in OAR division 257;

(q) Failing to receive Green-e certification for Renewable Energy Certificates used to generate incremental credits when required by OAR 340-253-0470;

(r) Failing to register as an aggregator or submit an aggregator designation form under OAR 340-253-0100(3) and (4)(c);

(s) Failing to keep complete and accurate records under OAR 340-253-0600;

(t) Failing to ensure that a registered party has the exclusive right to the environmental attributes that it has claimed for biomethane, biogas, or renewable electricity either directly as a fuel or indirectly as a feedstock under OAR chapter 340, division 253 by either the registered party, the fuel producer, and/or fuel pathway holder;

(u) Failing to timely submit a complete and accurate quarterly report under OAR 340-253-0630;

(v) Violating any requirement under OAR chapter 340, division 272, unless otherwise classified;

(w) Violating any requirement under OAR chapter 340, division 239, unless otherwise classified;

(x) Failing to comply with the reporting notification or warranty requirements for new engines, trucks, and trailers set forth in OAR chapter 340, division 261;

(y) Violating any requirement under the Climate Protection Program, OAR chapter 340, division 271, unless otherwise classified;

(z) Violating any condition in a permit, Climate Protection Program permit, or Climate Protection Program permit addendum issued according to OAR 340-271-0150, unless otherwise classified;

(aa) Failing to notify DEQ of a change of ownership or control of a registered party under OAR chapter 340, division 253; or

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to perform testing or monitoring required by a permit, rule or order where missing data can be reconstructed to show compliance with standards, emission limitations or underlying requirements;

(b) Constructing or operating a source required to have a Basic Air Contaminant Discharge Permit without first obtaining the permit;

(c) Modifying a source in such a way as to require construction approval from DEQ without first obtaining such approval from DEQ, unless otherwise classified;

(d) Failing to revise a notification of an asbestos abatement project, when necessary, unless otherwise classified;

(e) Submitting a late air clearance report that demonstrates compliance with the standards for an asbestos abatement project;

(f) Licensing a noncompliant vehicle by an automobile dealer or rental car agency in violation of Oregon Low Emission Vehicle rules set forth in OAR Chapter 340, division 257;

(g) Making changes to a submitted quarterly or annual report under OAR Chapter 340, division 253 without DEQ approval under OAR 340-253-0650(4); or

(h) Failing to upload transactions to a quarterly report by the 45-day deadline under OAR 340-253-0630.

[Note: Tables and Publications referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020, 468A.025 & 468A.045
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 468.020 & 468A.025
History:
DEQ 17-2023, amend filed 11/16/2023, effective 11/16/2023
DEQ 16-2022, amend filed 09/23/2022, effective 09/23/2022
DEQ 11-2022, minor correction filed 08/09/2022, effective 08/09/2022
DEQ 27-2021, amend filed 12/16/2021, effective 12/16/2021
DEQ 17-2021, amend filed 11/17/2021, effective 11/17/2021
DEQ 16-2021, amend filed 10/04/2021, effective 10/04/2021
DEQ 14-2020, amend filed 05/07/2020, effective 05/07/2020
DEQ 199-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 01/01/2019
DEQ 197-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 11/16/2018
DEQ 13-2015, f. 12-10-15, cert. ef. 1-1-16
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 2-2011, f. 3-10-11, cert. ef. 3-15-11
DEQ 6-2006, f. & cert. ef. 6-29-06
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
Renumbered from 340-012-0050, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 6-2001, f. 6-18-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 22-1996, f. & cert. ef. 10-22-96
DEQ 21-1994, f. & cert. ef. 10-14-94
DEQ 13-1994, f. & cert. ef. 5-19-94
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 20-1993(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 11-4-93
DEQ 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 11-4-93
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 2-1992, f. & cert. ef. 1-30-92
DEQ 31-1990, f. & cert. ef. 8-15-90
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 5-1980, f. & ef. 1-28-80
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0055
Water Quality Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Causing pollution of waters of the state;

(b) Reducing the water quality of waters of the state below water quality standards;

(c) Discharging any waste that enters waters of the state, either without a waste discharge permit or from a discharge point not authorized by a waste discharge permit;

(d) Operating a discharge source or conducting a disposal activity without first obtaining an individual permit or applying for coverage under a general permit for that discharge or disposal activity;

(e) Failing to comply with statute, rule, or permit requirements regarding notification of a spill or upset condition, which results in a non-permitted discharge to public waters;

(f) Failing to take appropriate action, as required by the municipal wastewater treatment works owner's DEQ-approved pretreatment-compliance oversight program, against an industrial discharger to the municipal treatment works who violates any pretreatment standard or requirement, if the violation impairs or damages the treatment works, or causes major harm or poses a major risk of harm to public health or the environment;

(g) Making unauthorized changes, modifications, or alterations to a facility operating under a Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit;

(h) Allowing operation or supervision of a wastewater treatment and collection system without proper certification, by the permittee and/or owner;

(i) Applying biosolids or domestic septage to a parcel of land that does not have DEQ approval for land application;

(j) Applying biosolids that do not meet the pollutant, pathogen or one of the vector attraction reduction requirements of 40 CFR 503.33(b)(1) through (10);

(k) Violating a technology-based effluent limitation, except for removal efficiency, in an NPDES or WPCF permit if:

(A) The discharge level (except for pH and bacteria) exceeds the limitation by 50 percent or more;

(B) The discharge is outside the permitted pH range by more than 2 pH units;

(C) The discharge exceeds a bacteria limit as a result of an inoperative disinfection system where there is no disinfection; or

(D) The discharge of recycled water exceeds a bacteria limit by more than five times the limit.

(l) Violating a water quality based effluent limitation in an NPDES permit;

(m) Violating a WPCF permit limitation in a designated groundwater management area if the exceedance is of a parameter for which the groundwater management area was established;

(n) Failing to report an effluent limitation exceedance;

(o) Failing to collect monitoring data required in Schedule B of the permit;

(p) Contracting for operation or operating a prohibited Underground Injection Control (UIC) system other than a cesspool that only disposes of human waste;

(q) Operating an Underground Injection Control (UIC) system that causes a data verifiable violation of federal drinking water standards in an aquifer used as an underground source of drinking water; or

(r) Failing to substantially implement a stormwater plan in accordance with an NPDES permit.

(2) Class II:

(a) Violating a technology-based effluent limitation, except for removal efficiency, in an NPDES or WPCF permit if:

(A) The discharge level (except for pH and bacteria) exceeds the limitation by 20 percent or more, but less than 50 percent, for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), carbonaceous chemical oxygen demand (CBOD), and total suspended solids (TTS), or by 10 percent or more, but less than 50 percent, for all other limitations;

(B) The discharge is outside the permitted pH range by more than 1 pH unit but less than or equal to 2 pH units;

(C) The discharge exceeds a bacteria limit by a factor of five or more, unless otherwise classified; or

(D) The discharge of recycled water exceeds a bacteria limit by an amount equal to or less than five times the limit;

(b) Failing to timely submit a report or plan as required by rule, permit, or license, unless otherwise classified;

(c) Causing any wastes to be placed in a location where such wastes are likely to be carried into waters of the state by any means;

(d) Violating any management, monitoring, or operational plan established pursuant to a waste discharge permit, unless otherwise classified;

(e) Failing to timely submit or implement a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan, by a Designated Management Agency (DMA), as required by department order; or

(f) Failing to comply with the requirements in OAR 340-044-0018(1) to obtain authorization by rule to construct and operate an underground injection system.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to submit a complete discharge monitoring report;

(b) Violating a technology-based effluent limitation, except for removal efficiency, in an NPDES or WPCF permit if:

(A) The discharge (except for pH and bacteria) exceeds the limitation by less than 20 percent for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), carbonaceous chemical oxygen demand (CBOD), and total suspended solids (TSS), or by less than 10 percent for all other limitations;

(B) The discharge is outside the permitted pH range by 1 pH unit or less; or

(C) The discharge (except for recycled water) exceeds a bacteria limit by less than five times the limit;

(c) Failing to achieve a removal efficiency established in an NPDES or WPCF permit;

(d) Failing to register an Underground Injection Control (UIC) system, except for a UIC system prohibited by rule; or

(e) Failing to follow the owner's DEQ-approved pretreatment program procedures, where such failure did not result in any harm to the treatment works and was not a threat to the public health or the environment.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468B.015
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 468.090 - 468.140, 468B.025, 468B.220 & 468B.305
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 17-1986, f. & ef. 9-18-86
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0060
Onsite Sewage Disposal Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Performing sewage disposal services without a current license;

(b) Installing or causing to be installed an onsite wastewater treatment system or any part thereof, or repairing or causing to be repaired any part thereof, without first obtaining a permit;

(c) Disposing of septic tank, holding tank, chemical toilet, privy or other treatment facility contents in a manner or location not authorized by DEQ;

(d) Owning, operating or using an onsite wastewater treatment system that is discharging sewage or effluent to the ground surface or into waters of the state; or

(e) Failing to comply with statute, rule, license, permit or order requirements regarding notification of a spill or upset condition, which results in a non-permitted discharge to public waters.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to meet the requirements for satisfactory completion within 30 days after written notification or posting of a Correction Notice at the site;

(b) Operating or using a nonwater-carried waste disposal facility without first obtaining a letter of authorization or permit;

(c) Operating or using an onsite wastewater treatment system or part thereof without first obtaining a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion or WPCF permit;

(d) Advertising or representing oneself as being in the business of performing sewage disposal services without a current license;

(e) Placing into service, reconnecting to or changing the use of an onsite wastewater treatment system in a manner that increases the projected daily sewage flow into the system without first obtaining an authorization notice, construction permit, alteration permit, repair permit or WPCF permit;

(f) Failing to connect all plumbing fixtures to, or failing to discharge wastewater or sewage into, a DEQ-approved system, unless failure results in sewage discharging to the ground surface or to waters of the state;

(g) Allowing, by a licensed sewage disposal business, an uncertified installer to supervise or be responsible for the construction or installation of a system or part thereof;

(h) Failing to submit an annual maintenance report by a service provider of alternative treatment technologies;

(i) Failing to report that a required operation and maintenance contract has been terminated, by a service provider of alternative treatment technologies;

(j) Exceeding an effluent limit concentration in a WPCF permit for discharge to a soil absorption system;

(k) Exceeding the maximum daily flow limits in a WPCF permit to an onsite system;

(l) Failing to collect monitoring data required in Schedule B of a WPCF permit;

(m) Making unauthorized changes, modifications, repairs or alterations to a facility operating under a WPCF permit;

(n) Violating any management, monitoring or operational plan established pursuant to a WPCF permit unless otherwise classified; or

(o) Failing to timely submit a report or plan as required by rule, permit or license unless otherwise classified.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to obtain an operation and maintenance contract from a certified service provider, by an owner of an alternative treatment technology, recirculating gravel filter or commercial sand filter; or

(b) Placing an existing onsite wastewater treatment system into service or changing the dwelling or type of commercial facility, without first obtaining an authorization notice, where the design flow of the system is not exceeded.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 454.050, 454.625 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 454.635, 454.645 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 3-2005, f. 2-10-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 4-1981, f. & ef. 2-6-81
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0064
Fuel Tank Seismic Stability Enforcement Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failure to timely submit a facility Seismic Vulnerability Assessment as required under OAR 340-300-0004.

(b) Failure to timely submit a facility Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan or a final post-implementation report as required under OAR 340-300-0005.

(c) Failure to implement DEQ approved Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan.

(d) Failure to maintain equipment, personnel and training at levels described in an approved Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan.

(e) Operating a bulk fuel terminal without an approved facility Seismic Vulnerability Assessment or Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failure to allow access for facility inspection when requested.

(b) Failure to submit a modification request prior to changing an approved Seismic Vulnerability Assessment or Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan.

(c) Failure to implement required changes to an approved Seismic Vulnerability Assessment or Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failure to provide maintenance and inspections records of the storage and transfer facilities to DEQ upon request.

(b) Failing to notify DEQ within 14 calendar days of any significant changes that could affect implementation of a required Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan.

(c) Failing to retain records of Seismic Vulnerability Assessment or Risk Mitigation Implementation Plan as required in 340-300-0003(11) and 340-300-003(13).

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & SB 1567 (2022)
Statutes/Other Implemented: SB 1567 (2022)
History:
DEQ 13-2023, adopt filed 09/14/2023, effective 09/14/2023

340-012-0065
Solid Waste Management Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Establishing or operating a disposal site without first obtaining a registration or permit;

(b) Accepting solid waste for disposal in a permitted solid waste unit or facility that has been expanded in area or capacity without first submitting plans to DEQ and obtaining DEQ approval;

(c) Disposing of or authorizing the disposal of a solid waste at a location not permitted by DEQ to receive that solid waste;

(d) Violating a lagoon freeboard limit that results in the overflow of a sewage sludge or leachate lagoon;

(e) Accepting for treatment, storage, or disposal at a solid waste disposal site, without approval from DEQ, waste defined as hazardous waste, waste from another state which is hazardous under the laws of that state, or wastes prohibited from disposal by statute, rule, permit, or order;

(f) Failing to properly construct, maintain, or operate in good functional condition, groundwater, surface water, gas or leachate collection, containment, treatment, disposal or monitoring facilities in accordance with the facility permit, DEQ approved plans, or DEQ rules;

(g) Failing to collect, analyze or report groundwater, surface water or leachate quality data in accordance with the facility permit, the facility environmental monitoring plan, or DEQ rules;

(h) Mixing for disposal or disposing of recyclable material that has been properly prepared and source separated for recycling;

(i) Failing to establish or maintain financial assurance as required by statute, rule, permit or order;

(j) Failing to comply with the terms of a permit terminated due to a failure to submit a timely application for renewal; or

(k) Operating a composting facility in a manner that causes a discharge to surface water of pollutants, leachate or stormwater when that discharge is not authorized by a NPDES permit.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to accurately report the amount of solid waste disposed, by a permitted disposal site or a metropolitan service district;

(b) Failing to timely or accurately report the weight and type of material recovered or processed from the solid waste stream;

(c) Failing to comply with landfill cover requirements, including but not limited to daily, intermediate, and final covers, or limitation of working face size;

(d) Operating a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event or temporary site without first obtaining DEQ approval or without complying with an approved plan for a HHW collection event;

(e) Receiving or managing waste in violation of or without a DEQ-approved Special Waste Management Plan; or

(f) Unless otherwise specifically classified, operating a composting facility in a manner that fails to comply with the facility’s registration, permit, DEQ-approved plans or DEQ rules.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to post required signs;

(b) Failing to control litter;

(c) Failing to notify DEQ of any name or address change; or

(d) Violating any labeling requirement under ORS 459A.675-685.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459.045 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.205, 459.376, 459.995 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 6-2009, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-09
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 6-2001, f. 6-18-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 9-1996, f. & cert. ef. 7-10-96
DEQ 26-1994, f. & cert. ef. 11-2-94
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 1-1982, f. & ef. 1-28-82
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74

340-012-0066
Solid Waste Tire Management Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Establishing or operating a waste tire storage site without first obtaining a permit;

(b) Disposing of waste tires or tire-derived products at an unauthorized site;

(c) Violating the fire safety requirements of a waste tire storage site permit;

(d) Hauling waste tires without first obtaining a waste tire carrier permit; or

(e) Failing to establish and maintain financial assurance as required by statute, rule, permit or order.

(2) Class II: Failing to maintain written records of waste tire generation, storage, collection, transportation, or disposal.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to keep required records on use of vehicles;

(b) Failing to post required signs;

(c) Hiring or otherwise using an unpermitted waste tire carrier to transport waste tires; or

(d) Hauling waste tires in a vehicle not identified in a waste tire carrier permit or failing to display required decals as described in a permittee's waste tire carrier permit.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459.785 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.705 - 459.790, 459.992 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89

340-012-0067
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failing to investigate or confirm a suspected release;

(b) Failing to establish or maintain the required financial responsibility mechanism;

(c) Failing to obtain the appropriate general permit registration certificate before installing or operating an UST;

(d) Failing to install spill and overfill protection equipment that will prevent a release, or failing to demonstrate to DEQ that the equipment is properly functioning;

(e) Failing to install, operate or maintain a method or combination of methods for release detection such that the method can detect a release from any portion of the UST system;

(f) Failing to protect from corrosion any part of an UST system that routinely contains a regulated substance;

(g) Failing to permanently decommission an UST system;

(h) Failing to obtain approval from DEQ before installing or operating vapor or groundwater monitoring wells as part of a release detection method;

(i) Installing, repairing, replacing or modifying an UST system in violation of any rule adopted by DEQ;

(j) Failing to conduct testing or monitoring, or to keep records where the failure constitutes a significant operational compliance violation;

(k) Providing, offering or supervising tank services without the appropriate license; or

(l) Failing to assess the excavation zone of a decommissioned or abandoned UST when directed to do so by DEQ.

(2) Class II:

(a) Continuing to use a method or methods of release detection after period allowed by rule has expired;

(b) Failing to have a trained UST system operator for an UST facility after March 1, 2004;

(c) Failing to apply for a modified general permit registration certificate;

(d) Failing to have an operation certificate for each compartment of a multi-chambered or multi-compartment UST when at least one compartment or chamber has an operation certificate;

(e) Installing, repairing, replacing or modifying an UST or UST equipment without providing the required notifications;

(f) Failing to decommission an UST in compliance with the statutes and rules adopted by DEQ, including, but not limited to, performance standards, procedures, notification, general permit registration and site assessment requirements;

(g) Providing tank services at an UST facility that does not have the appropriate general permit registration certificate;

(h) Failing to obtain the identification number and operation certificate number before depositing a regulated substance into an UST, by a distributor;

(i) Failing, by a distributor, to maintain a record of all USTs into which it deposited a regulated substance;

(j) Allowing tank services to be performed by a person not licensed by DEQ;

(k) Failing to submit checklists or reports for UST installation, modification or suspected release confirmation activities;

(l) Failing to complete an integrity assessment before adding corrosion protection;

(m) Failing by an owner or permittee to pass the appropriate national examination before performing tank services; or

(n) Failing to provide the identification number or operation certificate number to persons depositing a regulated substance into an UST.

(3) Class III: Failing to notify the new owner or permittee of DEQ's general permit registration requirements, by a person who sells an UST.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 466.720, 466.746, 466.882, 466.994 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.706 - 466.835, 466.994 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 6-2003, f. & cert. ef. 2-14-03
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1991, f. & cert. ef. 8-14-91
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 2-1988, f. 1-27-88, cert. ef. 2-1-88

340-012-0068
Hazardous Waste Management and Disposal Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failing to make or document a complete and accurate hazardous waste determination of a residue as required;

(b) Failing to meet Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) requirements when disposing of hazardous waste;

(c) Operating a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility (TSD) without first obtaining a permit or without having interim status;

(d) Treating, storing or accumulating hazardous waste in a hazardous waste management unit, as defined in 40 C.F.R. 260.10, that does not meet the unit design or unit integrity assessment criteria for the hazardous waste management unit;

(e) Accepting, transporting or offering for transport hazardous waste without a uniform hazardous waste manifest; (f) Transporting, or offering for transport, hazardous waste or hazardous waste to a facility not authorized or permitted to manage hazardous waste or hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;

(f) Transporting, or offering for transport, hazardous waste or hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to a facility not authorized or permitted to manage hazardous waste or hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;

(g) Failing to comply with management requirements for ignitable, reactive, or incompatible hazardous waste;

(h) Illegally treating or disposing of a hazardous waste;

(i) Failing to submit Land Disposal Restriction notifications;

(j) Failing to have and maintain a closure plan or post closure plan for a TSD facility, reverse distributor accumulating potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or for each regulated hazardous waste management unit, as defined in 40 C.F.R. 260.10, by the owner or operator of facility or unit;

(k) Failing to carry out closure or post closure plan requirements, by an owner or operator of a TSD facility, such that the certification for completing closure or post closure work is not submitted, or is incomplete, inaccurate, or non-compliant with the approved plans;

(l) Failing to establish or maintain financial assurance or hazard liability requirements in 40 C.F.R. 264.147 or 40 C.F.R. 265.147, by an owner or operator of a TSD facility;

(m) Failing to follow emergency procedures in a Contingency Plan or other emergency response requirements during an incident in which a hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituent is released to the environment or the incident presents a risk of harm to employees, emergency responders or the public;

(n) Failing to comply with the export requirements in 40 C.F.R. 262.52 for hazardous wastes, 40 C.F.R. 266.508(b) for non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or 40 C.F.R. 266.509(d) for potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;

(o) Failing to properly install a groundwater monitoring system in compliance with permit requirements, by an owner or operator of a TSD facility;

(p) Failing to properly control volatile organic hazardous waste emissions, by a large-quantity hazardous waste generator or TSD facility, when such failure could result in harm to employees, the public or the environment;

(q) Failing to inspect, operate, monitor, keep records or maintain in compliance with a permit: hazardous waste landfill units, incineration equipment, Subpart X treatment equipment, hazardous waste treatment units, pollution abatement equipment for hazardous waste treatment or disposal, or hazardous waste monitoring equipment;

(r) Failing to immediately clean up spills or releases or threatened spills or releases of hazardous waste, or hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, by any person having ownership or control over hazardous waste;

(s) Failing to submit an exception report for generators shipping hazardous waste, for healthcare facilities shipping non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or for reverse distributors shipping evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;

(t) Reuse in vehicles of defective airbag modules or defective airbag inflators subject to a recall;

(u) Failing to accurately determine generator status;

(v) Failing to notify or withdraw for healthcare facilities or reverse distributors;

(w) Failing to comply with the prohibition against sewering hazardous waste pharmaceuticals;

(x) Transporting, or offering for transport, hazardous waste other than potentially creditable hazardous waste to a facility other than a reverse distributor;

(y) Failing to submit an unauthorized waste report;

(z) Accepting hazardous waste pharmaceuticals at a facility not authorized or permitted to manage the specific type of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals received; or

(aa) Failing to provide confirmation to the healthcare facility or reverse distributor that shipment of potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals has arrived at its destination and is under the control of the reverse distributor.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to place an accumulation start date on a container used for accumulation or storage of hazardous waste;

(b) Failing to label tanks or containers used for accumulation or storage of hazardous waste with “hazardous waste,” hazards of the contents, waste codes, or “hazardous waste pharmaceutical”;

(c) Failing to post required emergency response information next to the telephone, by a small quantity generator;

(d) Accumulating hazardous waste, non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals more than thirty (30) days beyond the specified accumulation time frame;

(e) Failing to submit a manifest discrepancy report;

(f) Shipping hazardous waste on manifests that do not comply with DEQ rules;

(g) Failing to prevent the unknown or unauthorized entry of a person or livestock into the waste management area of a TSD facility or into a portion of a reverse distributor’s facility where potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals are kept;

(h) Failing to conduct required inspections at hazardous waste generator or reverse distributor accumulation sites or at hazardous waste permitted storage areas;

(i) Failing to prepare a contingency plan;

(j) Failing to comply with the requirements of a groundwater monitoring program, unless otherwise classified;

(k) Failing to maintain adequate aisle space to allow the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination;

(l) Generating, treating, storing or disposing of hazardous waste, non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, without complying with the Personnel Training requirements;

(m) Failing to keep containers of hazardous waste, non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals closed, except when adding or removing wastes;

(n) Failing to comply with the requirements for management of containers, including satellite accumulation, other than the requirements for ignitable, reactive or incompatible waste, by a hazardous waste generator, storage facility, health care facility, or reverse distributor;

(o) Failing to comply with the preparedness, prevention, contingency plan or emergency procedure requirements, unless otherwise classified;

(p) Failing to manage universal waste and waste pesticide residue in compliance with the universal waste management requirements or waste pesticide requirements;

(q) Failing to obtain a hazardous waste EPA identification number when required;

(r) Failing to comply with 40 C.F.R. 264 or 265 Subparts J, W or DD standards, other than unit design or unit integrity assessment;

(s) Failing to comply with 40 C.F.R. 264 or 265 Subparts AA, BB or CC standards for hazardous waste generator and TSD facilities, unless otherwise classified;

(t) Failing to timely submit an annual report by a hazardous waste generator, TSD facility, reverse distributor, or hazardous waste recycling facility;

(u) Failing to comply with recalled airbag recordkeeping, management, or disposal requirements, unless otherwise classified;

(v) Failing to timely notify DEQ of LQG closure;

(w) Failing to comply with episodic generation conditions, not otherwise classified; or

(x) Failing to notify, keep records, or other requirements for consolidation of VSQG waste at LQG owned by the same person, by the LQG.

(3) Class III:

(a) Accumulating hazardous waste, non-creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, potentially creditable hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, or evaluated hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, up to thirty (30) days beyond the specified accumulation time frame;

(b) Failing to maintain on site, a copy of the one-time notification regarding hazardous waste that meets treatment standards by a hazardous waste generator; or

(c) Failing to submit a contingency plan to all police, fire, hospital and local emergency responders.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459.995, 466.070 - 466.080, 466.625 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.635 - 466.680, 466.990 - 466.994 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 20-2022, amend filed 11/21/2022, effective 01/01/2023
DEQ 20-2021, amend filed 11/18/2021, effective 01/01/2022
DEQ 13-2019, amend filed 05/16/2019, effective 05/16/2019
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 13-2002, f. & cert. ef. 10-9-02
DEQ 6-2001, f. 6-18-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88
DEQ 17-1986, f. & ef. 9-18-86
DEQ 9-1986, f. & ef. 5-1-86
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 1-1982, f. & ef. 1-28-82

340-012-0071
Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Treating, storing or disposing of PCBs anywhere other than a permitted PCB disposal facility or a location authorized by DEQ; or

(b) Establishing, constructing or operating a PCB disposal facility without first obtaining a permit or DEQ authorization.

(2) Class II: Violating any other requirement related to the treatment, storage, generation or disposal of PCBs is classified under OAR 340-012-0053.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459.995, 466.625, 467.030, 468.020 & 468.996
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.255, 466.265 - 466.270, 466.530 & 466.990 - 466.994
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 6-2001, f. 6-18-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88

340-012-0072
Used Oil Management Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Using used oil as a dust suppressant, pesticide, or otherwise spreading used oil directly in the environment;

(b) Burning a used oil mixture where the used oil mixture has less than 5,000 Btu/pound;

(c) Offering for sale used oil as specification used oil fuel when the used oil does not meet used oil fuel specifications;

(d) Selling off-specification used oil fuel to a facility not meeting the definition of an industrial boiler or furnace;

(e) Burning off-specification used oil in a device that does not meet the definition of an industrial boiler or furnace and is not otherwise exempt;

(f) Failing to make an on-specification used oil fuel determination when required, by a used oil generator, transporter, burner or processor;

(g) Storing or managing used oil in a surface impoundment;

(h) Failing to determine whether used oil exceeds the permissible halogen content, by a used oil transporter, burner or processor;

(i) Failing to perform required closure on a used oil tank or container, by a used oil processor or re-refiner;

(j) Failing to maintain required secondary containment at a used oil transfer facility or by a processor, burner, or marketer of used oil; or

(k) Failing to immediately clean up spills or releases or threatened spills or releases of used oil, by any person having ownership or control over the used oil.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to obtain a one-time written notification from a burner before shipping off-specification used oil fuel, by a used oil generator, transporter, processor or re-refiner;

(b) Failing to develop, follow and maintain records of a written waste analysis plan, by a used oil processor;

(c) Failing to close or cover a used oil tank or container;

(d) Failing to timely submit annual used oil handling reports, by a used oil processor;

(e) Failing to label each container or tank used for the accumulation or storage of used oil on site, unless otherwise classified;

(f) Failing to keep a written operating record at the facility, by a used oil processor;

(g) Failing to prepare and maintain an up-to-date preparedness and prevention plan, by a used oil processor; or

(h) Transporting, processing, re-refining, burning or marketing used oil without first obtaining an EPA ID number.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to label one container or tank in which used oil was accumulated on site, if five or more tanks or containers are present;

(b) Failing to label up to two containers used for the accumulation or storage of used oil on site; or

(c) Failing to label a tank having less than 100 gallon capacity when used for the accumulation or storage of used oil on site.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459.995, 468.020, 459A.590, 459A.595 & 468.996
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459A.580 - 459A.585, 459A.590 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 13-2019, amend filed 05/16/2019, effective 05/16/2019
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 33-1990, f. & cert. ef. 8-15-90

340-012-0073
Environmental Cleanup Classification of Violations

(1) Violating any otherwise unclassified environmental cleanup-related requirements is addressed under OAR 340-012-0053.

(2) Class II: Failing to provide information under ORS 465.250.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 465.280, 465.400 - 465.410, 465.435 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 465.210 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88

340-012-0074
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failing to report a confirmed release from an UST;

(b) Failing to initiate or complete the investigation or cleanup, or to perform required monitoring, of a release from an UST;

(c) Failing to conduct free product removal;

(d) Failing to properly manage petroleum contaminated soil; or

(e) Failing to mitigate fire, explosion or vapor hazards.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to report a suspected release from an UST;

(b) Failing to timely submit reports or other documentation from the investigation or cleanup of a release from an UST; or

(c) Failing to timely submit a corrective action plan or submitting an incomplete corrective action plan.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 466.746, 466.994 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.706 - 466.835 & 466.994
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0079
Heating Oil Tank (HOT) Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failing to report a release from an HOT as required by OAR 340-163-0020(4) when the failure is discovered by DEQ;

(b) Failing to initiate and complete the investigation or cleanup of a release from an HOT;

(c) Failing to initiate and complete free product removal;

(d) Failing to certify that heating oil tank services were conducted in compliance with all applicable regulations, by a service provider;

(e) Failing, by a responsible party or service provider, to conduct corrective action after DEQ rejects a certified report; or

(f) Providing or supervising HOT services without first obtaining the appropriate license.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to submit a corrective action plan;

(b) Failing to properly decommission an HOT;

(c) Failing to hold and continuously maintain insurance as required by OAR 340-163-0050;

(d) Failing to have a supervisor present when performing HOT services;

(e) Failing to timely report a release from an HOT as required by 340-163-0020(4) when the failure is reported to DEQ by the responsible person or the service provider; or

(f) Offering to provide heating oil tank services without first obtaining the appropriate service provider license.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 466.746, 466.858 - 466.994 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.706, 466.858 - 466.882, 466.994 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0081
Oil and Hazardous Material Spill and Release Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failing to immediately clean up spills or releases or threatened spills or releases of oil or hazardous materials, by any person having ownership or control over the oil or hazardous materials;

(b) Failing to immediately notify the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) of the type, quantity and location of a spill of oil or hazardous material; and corrective and cleanup actions taken and proposed to be taken if the amount of oil or hazardous material released exceeds the reportable quantity or will exceed the reportable quantity within 24 hours;

(c) Spilling or releasing any oil or hazardous materials which enters waters of the state;

(d) Failing to activate alarms, warn people in the immediate area, contain the oil or hazardous material or notify appropriate local emergency personnel;

(e) Failing to immediately implement a required plan; or

(f) Failing to take immediate preventative, repair, corrective, or containment action in the event of a threatened spill or release.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to submit a complete and detailed written report to DEQ of a spill of oil or hazardous material;

(b) Failing to use the required sampling procedures and analytical testing protocols for oil and hazardous materials spills or releases;

(c) Failing to coordinate with DEQ during the emergency response to a spill after being notified of DEQ's jurisdiction;

(d) Failing to immediately report spills or releases within containment areas when reportable quantities are exceeded and exemptions are not met under OAR 340-142-0040;

(e) Failing to immediately manage any spill or release of oil or hazardous materials consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS);

(f) Improperly or without approval of DEQ, treating, diluting or disposing of spill, or spill-related waters or wastes; or

(g) Using chemicals to disperse, coagulate or otherwise treat a spill or release of oil or hazardous materials without prior DEQ approval.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to provide maintenance and inspections records of the storage and transfer facilities to DEQ upon request; or

(b) Failing, by a vessel owner or operator, to make maintenance and inspection records, and oil transfer procedures available to DEQ upon request.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 466.625 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.635 - 466.680, 466.992 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-21-03
DEQ 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-03

340-012-0082
Contingency Planning Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Failing to immediately implement the oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plan or other applicable contingency plan, after discovering a spill;

(b) Operating an onshore or offshore facility without an approved or conditionally approved oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plan;

(c) Entering into the waters of the state, by a covered vessel without an approved or conditionally approved oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plan or purchased coverage under an umbrella oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plan;

(d) Failing to implement prevention measures identified in the facility or covered vessel spill prevention plan that directly results in a spill;

(e) Failing to maintain equipment, personnel and training at levels described in an approved or conditionally approved oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plan;

(f) Failing to establish and maintain financial assurance as required by statute, rule or order; or

(g) Failing by the owner or operator of an oil terminal facility, or covered vessel, to take all appropriate measures to prevent spills or overfilling during transfer of petroleum or hazardous material products.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to submit an oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plan to DEQ at least 90 calendar days before beginning operations in Oregon, by any onshore or offshore facility or covered vessel;

(b) Failing to have available on site, a simplified field document summarizing key notification and action elements of a required vessel or facility contingency plan;

(c) Failing, by a plan holder, to submit and implement required changes to a required vessel or facility contingency plan following conditional approval;

(d) Failing, by a covered vessel or facility contingency plan holder, to submit the required vessel or facility contingency plan for re-approval at least ninety (90) days before the expiration date of the required vessel or facility contingency plan;

(e) Failing to submit spill prevention strategies as required; or

(f) Failing to obtain DEQ approval of the management or disposal of spilled oil or hazardous materials, or materials contaminated with oil or hazardous material, that are generated during spill response.

(3) Class III:

(a) Failing to provide maintenance and inspections records of the storage and transfer facilities to DEQ upon request;

(b) Failing, by a vessel owner or operator, to make maintenance and inspection records and oil transfer procedures available to DEQ upon request;

(c) Failing to have at least one copy of the required vessel or facility contingency plan in a central location accessible at any time by the incident commander or spill response manager;

(d) Failing to have the covered vessel field document available to all appropriate personnel in a conspicuous and accessible location;

(e) Failing to notify DEQ within 24 hours of any significant changes that could affect implementation of a required vessel or facility contingency plan; or

(f) Failing to distribute amended page(s) of the plan changes to DEQ within thirty (30) calendar days of the amendment.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468B.350
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 468B.345
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-03

340-012-0083
Ballast Water Management Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Discharging ballast water in violation of OAR 340-143-0010;

(b) Failing to report ballast water management information required by OAR 340-143-0020 or 340-143-0040(2) to DEQ;

(c) Failing to develop and maintain a vessel-specific ballast water management plan in accordance with OAR 340-143-0020(5); or

(d) Failing to make a ballast water log or record book available in accordance with OAR 340-143-0020(6)(b).

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to report ballast water management information to DEQ at least 24 hours before entering waters of the state in accordance with OAR 340-143-0020(1); or

(b) Failing to maintain a complete ballast water log or record book in accordance with OAR 340-143-0020(6).

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 783.600 - 783.992
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 783.620
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-03

340-012-0097
Dry Cleaning Classification of Violations

(1) Class I:

(a) Discharging dry cleaning wastewater to a sanitary sewer, storm sewer, septic system, or boiler into waters of the state;

(b) Failing to have a secondary containment system under and around each dry cleaning machine or each tank or container of stored solvent;

(c) Failing to report a release outside of a containment system of more than one pound of dry cleaning solvent (approximately one cup if perchloroethylene) released in a 24-hour period;

(d) Failing to timely repair the cause of a release within a containment system of dry cleaning solvent;

(e) Failing to immediately clean up a release or repair the cause of a release outside of a containment system of dry cleaning solvents or waste water contaminated with solvent;

(f) Illegally treating or disposing of hazardous waste generated at a dry cleaning facility;

(g) Transporting, delivering or designating on a manifest, delivery of hazardous waste generated at a dry cleaning facility to a destination facility not authorized or permitted to manage hazardous waste;

(h) Failing to use closed, direct-coupled delivery, by a person delivering perchloroethylene to a dry cleaning facility; or

(i) Failing to have closed, direct-coupled delivery for perchloroethylene, by a dry cleaning operator.

(2) Class II:

(a) Failing to place or store hazardous waste generated at a dry cleaning facility in properly labeled and closed containers;

(b) Accumulating hazardous waste beyond the specified accumulation time period;

(c) Failing, by a dry cleaning owner or operator, to prominently post the Oregon Emergency Response System telephone number so the number is immediately available to all employees of the dry cleaning facility;

(d) Failing to immediately clean up a release within a containment system of dry cleaning solvent or hazardous waste;

(e) Failing to remove all dry cleaning solvent or solvent containing residue or to disconnect utilities from the dry cleaning machine within 45 days of the last day of dry cleaning machine operations; or

(f) Failing to timely submit an annual report to DEQ, by a dry cleaning owner or operator.

(3) Class III: Failing to notify DEQ of change of ownership or operator or closure at a dry cleaning business or dry cleaning store.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 466.070 - 466.080, 466.625 & 468.020
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 466.635 - 466.680, 466.990, 466.994 & 468.090 - 468.140
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0130
Determination of Violation Magnitude

(1) The appropriate magnitude of each civil penalty is determined by first applying the selected magnitude in OAR 340-012-0135. If none is applicable, the magnitude is moderate unless evidence shows that the magnitude is major under paragraph (3) or minor under paragraph (4).

(2) The person against whom the violation is alleged has the opportunity and the burden to prove that a magnitude under paragraph (1), (3) or (4) of this rule is more probable than the alleged magnitude, regardless of whether the magnitude is alleged under OAR 340-012-0130 or 340-012-0135.

(3) The magnitude of the violation is major if DEQ finds that the violation had a significant adverse impact on human health or the environment. In making this finding, DEQ will consider all reasonably available information, including, but not limited to: the degree of deviation from applicable statutes or commission and DEQ rules, standards, permits or orders; the extent of actual effects of the violation; the concentration, volume, or toxicity of the materials involved; and the duration of the violation. In making this finding, DEQ may consider any single factor to be conclusive.

(4) The magnitude of the violation is minor if DEQ finds that the violation had no more than a de minimis adverse impact on human health or the environment, and posed no more than a de minimis threat to human health or the environment. In making this finding, DEQ will consider all reasonably available information including, but not limited to: the degree of deviation from applicable statutes or commission and DEQ rules, standards, permits or orders; the extent of actual or threatened effects of the violation; the concentration, volume, or toxicity of the materials involved; and the duration of the violation.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.130
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 465.992, 466.990 - 466.994, 468.090 - 468.140 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0135
Selected Magnitude Categories

(1) Magnitudes for selected Air Quality violations will be determined as follows:

(a) Opacity limit violations:

(A) Major — Opacity measurements or readings of 20 percent opacity or more over the applicable limit, or an opacity violation by a federal major source as defined in OAR 340-200-0020;

(B) Moderate — Opacity measurements or readings greater than 10 percent opacity and less than 20 percent opacity over the applicable limit; or

(C) Minor — Opacity measurements or readings of 10 percent opacity or less over the applicable limit.

(b) Operating a major source, as defined in OAR 340-200-0020, without first obtaining the required permit: Major — if a Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) or Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analysis shows that additional controls or offsets are or were needed, otherwise apply OAR 340-012-0130.

(c) Exceeding an emission limit established under New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration (NSR/PSD): Major — if exceeded the emission limit by more than 50 percent of the limit, otherwise apply OAR 340-012-0130.

(d) Exceeding an emission limit established under federal National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs): Major — if exceeded the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standard emission limit for a directly-measured hazardous air pollutant (HAP), otherwise apply OAR 340-012-0130.

(e) Exceeding a cancer or noncancer risk limit that is equivalent to a Risk Action Level or a Source Risk Limit if the limit is a Risk Action Level established under OAR 340-245-0005 through 340-245-8050: Major, otherwise apply OAR 340-012-0130.

(f) Air contaminant emission limit violations for selected air pollutants: Magnitude determinations under this subsection will be made based upon significant emission rate (SER) amounts listed in OAR 340-200-0020.

(A) Major:

(i) Exceeding the annual emission limit as established by permit, rule or order by more than the annual SER; or

(ii) Exceeding the short-term (less than one year) emission limit as established by permit, rule or order by more than the applicable short-term SER.

(B) Moderate:

(i) Exceeding the annual emission limit as established by permit, rule or order by an amount from 50 up to and including 100 percent of the annual SER; or

(ii) Exceeding the short-term (less than one-year) emission limit as established by permit, rule or order by an amount from 50 up to and including 100 percent of the applicable short-term SER.

(C) Minor:

(i) Exceeding the annual emission limit as established by permit, rule or order by an amount less than 50 percent of the annual SER; or

(ii) Exceeding the short-term (less than one year) emission limit as established by permit, rule or order by an amount less than 50 percent of the applicable short-term SER.

(g) Violations of Emergency Action Plans: Major — Major magnitude in all cases.

(h) Violations of on road motor vehicle refinishing rules contained in OAR 340-242-0620: Minor — Refinishing 10 or fewer on road motor vehicles per year.

(i) Asbestos violations — These selected magnitudes apply unless the violation does not cause the potential for human exposure to asbestos fibers:

(A) Major — More than 260 linear feet or more than 160 square feet of asbestos-containing material or asbestos-containing waste material;

(B) Moderate — From 40 linear feet up to and including 260 linear feet or from 80 square feet up to and including 160 square feet of asbestos-containing material or asbestos-containing waste material; or

(C) Minor — Less than 40 linear feet or 80 square feet of asbestos-containing material or asbestos-containing waste material.

(D) The magnitude of the asbestos violation may be increased by one level if the material was comprised of more than five percent asbestos.

(j) Open burning violations:

(A) Major — Initiating or allowing the initiation of open burning of 20 or more cubic yards of commercial, construction, demolition and/or industrial waste; or 5 or more cubic yards of prohibited materials (inclusive of tires); or 10 or more tires;

(B) Moderate — Initiating or allowing the initiation of open burning of 10 or more, but less than 20 cubic yards of commercial, construction, demolition and/or industrial waste; or 2 or more, but less than 5 cubic yards of prohibited materials (inclusive of tires); or 3 to 9 tires; or if DEQ lacks sufficient information upon which to make a determination of the type of waste, number of cubic yards or number of tires burned; or

(C) Minor — Initiating or allowing the initiation of open burning of less than 10 cubic yards of commercial, construction, demolition and/or industrial waste; or less than 2 cubic yards of prohibited materials (inclusive of tires); or 2 or less tires.

(D) The selected magnitude may be increased one level if DEQ finds that one or more of the following are true, or decreased one level if DEQ finds that none of the following are true:

(i) The burning took place in an open burning control area;

(ii) The burning took place in an area where open burning is prohibited;

(iii) The burning took place in a non-attainment or maintenance area for PM10 or PM2.5; or

(iv) The burning took place on a day when all open burning was prohibited due to meteorological conditions.

(k) Oregon Low Emission Vehicle Non-Methane Gas (NMOG) or Green House Gas (GHG) fleet average emission limit violations:

(A) Major — Exceeding the limit by more than 10 percent; or

(B) Moderate — Exceeding the limit by 10 percent or less.

(l) Oregon Clean Fuels Program violations:

(A) Violating the clean fuel standards set forth in OAR 340-253-0100(6) and Tables 1 and 2 of OAR 340-253-8010: Major

(B) Failing to register under OAR 340-253-0100(1) and (4): Major;

(C) Failing to timely submit a complete and accurate annual compliance report or quarterly report under OAR chapter 340, division 253: Major;

(D) Generating an illegitimate credit under OAR chapter 340, division 253: Major;

(E) Committing any action related to a credit transfer that is prohibited under OAR 340-253-1005(8): Major.

(m) Failing to timely submit a complete and accurate emissions data report under the Oregon Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, OAR chapter 340, division 215, where the untimely, incomplete or inaccurate reporting impacts applicability, distribution of compliance instruments, or any compliance obligation under the Climate Protection Program, OAR chapter 340, division 271: Major.

(n) Oregon Climate Protection Program violations:

(A) Failing to demonstrate compliance according to OAR 340-271-0450: Major.

(B) Failing to comply with a BAER order issued under OAR 340-271-0320: Major

(C) Failing to comply with a condition in a permit, Climate Protection Program permit, or Climate Protection Program permit addendum issued according to OAR 340-271-0150 that requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Major.

(D) Failing to obtain a BAER order under OAR 340-271-0320 or a permit issued under OAR 340-271-0150(3)(c), for a covered entity, as identified in OAR 340-271-0110, that is a new source, as defined in OAR 340-271-0020: Major.

(2) Magnitudes for selected Water Quality violations will be determined as follows:

(a) Violating wastewater discharge permit effluent limitations:

(A) Major:

(i) The dilution (D) of the spill or technology based effluent limitation exceedance was less than two, when calculated as follows: D = ((QR /4) + QI)/ QI, where QR is the estimated receiving stream flow and QI is the estimated quantity or discharge rate of the incident;

(ii) The receiving stream flow at the time of the water quality based effluent limitation (WQBEL) exceedance was at or below the flow used to calculate the WQBEL; or

(iii) The resulting water quality from the spill or discharge was as follows:

(I) For discharges of toxic pollutants: CS/D was more than CAcute, where CS is the concentration of the discharge, D is the dilution of the discharge as determined under (2)(a)(A)(i), and CAcute is the concentration for acute toxicity (as defined by the applicable water quality standard);

(II) For spills or discharges affecting temperature, when the discharge temperature is at or above 32 degrees centigrade after two seconds from the outfall; or

(III) For BOD5 discharges: (BOD5)/D is more than 10, where BOD5 is the concentration of the five-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand of the discharge and D is the dilution of the discharge as determined under (2)(a)(A)(i).

(B) Moderate:

(i) The dilution (D) of the spill or the technology based effluent limitation exceedance was two or more but less than 10 when calculated as follows: D = ((QR /4)+ QI )/ QI, where QR is the estimated receiving stream flow and QI is the estimated quantity or discharge rate of the discharge; or

(ii) The receiving stream flow at the time of the WQBEL exceedance was greater than, but less than twice, the flow used to calculate the WQBEL.

(C) Minor:

(i) The dilution (D) of the spill or the technology based effluent limitation exceedance was 10 or more when calculated as follows: D = ((QR/4) + QI)/ QI, where QR is the receiving stream flow and QI is the quantity or discharge rate of the incident; or

(ii) The receiving stream flow at the time of the WQBEL exceedance was twice the flow or more of the flow used to calculate the WQBEL.

(b) Violating numeric water quality standards:

(A) Major:

(i) Increased the concentration of any pollutant except for toxics, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity, by 25 percent or more of the standard;

(ii) Decreased the dissolved oxygen concentration by two or more milligrams per liter below the standard;

(iii) Increased the toxic pollutant concentration by any amount over the acute standard or by 100 percent or more of the chronic standard;

(iv) Increased or decreased pH by one or more pH units from the standard; or

(v) Increased turbidity by 50 or more nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) over background.

(B) Moderate:

(i) Increased the concentration of any pollutant except for toxics, pH, and turbidity by more than 10 percent but less than 25 percent of the standard;

(ii) Decreased dissolved oxygen concentration by one or more, but less than two, milligrams per liter below the standard;

(iii) Increased the concentration of toxic pollutants by more than 10 percent but less than 100 percent of the chronic standard;

(iv) Increased or decreased pH by more than 0.5 pH unit but less than 1.0 pH unit from the standard; or

(v) Increased turbidity by more than 20 but less than 50 NTU over background.

(C) Minor:

(i) Increased the concentration of any pollutant, except for toxics, pH, and turbidity, by 10 percent or less of the standard;

(ii) Decreased the dissolved oxygen concentration by less than one milligram per liter below the standard;

(iii) Increased the concentration of toxic pollutants by 10 percent or less of the chronic standard;

(iv) Increased or decreased pH by 0.5 pH unit or less from the standard; or

(v) Increased turbidity by 20 NTU or less over background.

(c) The selected magnitude under (2)(a) or (b) may be increased one or more levels if the violation:

(A) Occurred in a water body that is water quality limited (listed on the most current 303(d) list) and the discharge is the same pollutant for which the water body is listed;

(B) Depressed oxygen levels or increased turbidity and/or sedimentation in a stream in which salmonids may be rearing or spawning as indicated by the beneficial use maps available at OAR 340-041-0101 through 0340;

(C) Violated a bacteria standard either in shellfish growing waters or during the period from June 1 through September 30; or

(D) Resulted in a documented fish or wildlife kill.

(3) Magnitudes for selected Solid Waste violations will be determined as follows:

(a) Operating a solid waste disposal facility without a permit or disposing of solid waste at an unpermitted site:

(A) Major — The volume of material disposed of exceeds 400 cubic yards;

(B) Moderate — The volume of material disposed of is greater than or equal to 40 cubic yards and less than or equal to 400 cubic yards; or

(C) Minor — The volume of materials disposed of is less than 40 cubic yards.

(D) The magnitude of the violation may be raised by one magnitude if the material disposed of was either in the floodplain of waters of the state or within 100 feet of waters of the state.

(b) Failing to accurately report the amount of solid waste disposed:

(A) Major — The amount of solid waste is underreported by 15 percent or more of the amount received;

(B) Moderate — The amount of solid waste is underreported by 5 percent or more, but less than 15 percent, of the amount received; or

(C) Minor — The amount of solid waste is underreported by less than 5 percent of the amount received.

(4) Magnitudes for selected Hazardous Waste violations will be determined as follows:

(a) Failure to make a hazardous waste determination;

(A) Major — Failure to make the determination on five or more waste streams;

(B) Moderate — Failure to make the determination on three or four waste streams; or

(C) Minor — Failure to make the determination on one or two waste streams.

(b) Hazardous Waste treatment, storage and disposal violations of OAR 340-012-0068(1)(b), (c), (h), (k), (l), (m), (p), (q) and (r):

(A) Major:

(i) Treatment, storage, or disposal of more than 55 gallons or 330 pounds of hazardous waste; or

(ii) Treatment, storage, or disposal of at least one quart or 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste.

(B) Moderate:

(i) Treatment, storage, or disposal of 55 gallons or 330 pounds or less of hazardous waste; or

(ii) Treatment, storage, or disposal of less than one quart or 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste.

(c) Hazardous waste management violations classified in OAR 340-012-0068(1)(d), (e) (f), (g), (i), (j), (n), (s) and (2)(a), (b), (d), (e), (h), (i), (k), (m), (n), (o), (p), (r) and (s):

(A) Major:

(i) Hazardous waste management violations involving more than 1,000 gallons or 6,000 pounds of hazardous waste; or

(ii) Hazardous waste management violations involving at least one quart or 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste.

(B) Moderate:

(i) Hazardous waste management violations involving more than 250 gallons or 1,500 pounds, up to and including 1,000 gallons or 6,000 pounds of hazardous waste; or

(ii) Hazardous waste management violations involving less than one quart or 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste.

(C) Minor: Hazardous waste management violations involving 250 gallons or 1,500 pounds or less of hazardous waste and no acutely hazardous waste.

(5) Magnitudes for selected Used Oil violations (OAR 340-012-0072) will be determined as follows:

(a) Used Oil violations set forth in OAR 340-012-0072(1)(f), (h), (i), (j); and (2)(a) through (h):

(A) Major — Used oil management violations involving more than 1,000 gallons or 7,000 pounds of used oil or used oil mixtures;

(B) Moderate — Used oil management violations involving more than 250 gallons or 1,750 pounds, up to and including 1,000 gallons or 7,000 pounds of used oil or used oil mixture; or

(C) Minor — Used oil management violations involving 250 gallons or 1,750 pounds or less of used oil or used oil mixtures.

(b) Used Oil spill or disposal violations set forth in OAR 340-012-0072(1)(a) through (e), (g) and (k).

(A) Major — A spill or disposal involving more than 420 gallons or 2,940 pounds of used oil or used oil mixtures;

(B) Moderate — A spill or disposal involving more than 42 gallons or 294 pounds, up to and including 420 gallons or 2,940 pounds of used oil or used oil mixtures; or

(C) Minor — A spill or disposal of used oil involving 42 gallons or 294 pounds or less of used oil or used oil mixtures.

[NOTE: Tables & Publications referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.065 & 468A.045
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 468.090 - 468.140 & 468A.060
History:
DEQ 17-2023, amend filed 11/16/2023, effective 11/16/2023
DEQ 16-2022, amend filed 09/23/2022, effective 09/23/2022
DEQ 27-2021, amend filed 12/16/2021, effective 12/16/2021
DEQ 14-2020, amend filed 05/07/2020, effective 05/07/2020
DEQ 199-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 01/01/2019
DEQ 197-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 11/16/2018
DEQ 13-2015, f. 12-10-15, cert. ef. 1-1-16
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 6-2006, f. & cert. ef. 6-29-06
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
Renumbered from 340-012-0090, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-03
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92

340-012-0140
Determination of Base Penalty

(1) Except for Class III violations and as provided in OAR 340-012-0155, the base penalty (BP) is determined by applying the class and magnitude of the violation to the matrices set forth in this section. For Class III violations, no magnitude determination is required.

(2) $12,000 Penalty Matrix:

(a) The $12,000 penalty matrix applies to the following:

(A) Any violation of an air quality statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person that has or should have a Title V permit or an Air Contaminant Discharge Permit (ACDP) issued pursuant to New Source Review (NSR) regulations or Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) regulations, or section 112(g) of the federal Clean Air Act, unless otherwise classified.

(B) Open burning violations as follows:

(i) Any violation of OAR 340-264-0060(3) committed by an industrial facility operating under an air quality permit.

(ii) Any violation of OAR 340-264-0060(3) in which 25 or more cubic yards of prohibited materials or more than 15 tires are burned, except when committed by a residential owner-occupant.

(C) Any violation of the Oregon Low Emission and Zero Emission Vehicle rules (OAR 340-257) by a vehicle manufacturer.

(D) Any violation of ORS 468B.025(1)(a) or (1)(b), or of 468B.050(1)(a) by a person without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, unless otherwise classified.

(E) Any violation of a water quality statute, rule, permit or related order by:

(i) A person that has an NPDES permit, or that has or should have a Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) permit, for a municipal or private utility sewage treatment facility with a permitted flow of five million or more gallons per day.

(ii) A person that has a Tier 1 industrial source NPDES or WPCF permit.

(iii) A person that has a population of 100,000 or more, as determined by the most recent national census, and either has or should have a WPCF Municipal Stormwater Underground Injection Control (UIC) System Permit, or has an NPDES Municipal Separated Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Stormwater Discharge Permit.

(iv) A person that installs or operates a prohibited Class I, II, III, IV or V UIC system, except for a cesspool.

(v) A person that has or should have applied for coverage under an NPDES Stormwater Discharge 1200-C General Permit for a construction site that disturbs 20 or more acres.

(F) Any violation of the ballast water statute in ORS Chapter 783 or ballast water management rule in OAR 340, division 143.

(G) Any violation of a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification by a 100 megawatt or more hydroelectric facility.

(H) Any violation of a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for a dredge and fill project except for Tier 1, 2A or 2B projects.

(I) Any violation of an underground storage tanks statute, rule, permit or related order committed by the owner, operator or permittee of 10 or more UST facilities or a person who is licensed or should be licensed by DEQ to perform tank services.

(J) Any violation of a heating oil tank statute, rule, permit, license or related order committed by a person who is licensed or should be licensed by DEQ to perform heating oil tank services.

(K) Any violation of ORS 468B.485, or related rules or orders regarding financial assurance for ships transporting hazardous materials or oil.

(L) Any violation of a used oil statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person who is a used oil transporter, transfer facility, processor or re-refiner, off-specification used oil burner or used oil marketer.

(M) Any violation of a hazardous waste statute, rule, permit or related order by:

(i) A person that is a large quantity generator or hazardous waste transporter.

(ii) A person that has or should have a treatment, storage or disposal facility permit.

(N) Any violation of an oil and hazardous material spill and release statute, rule, or related order committed by a covered vessel or facility as defined in ORS 468B.300 or by a person who is engaged in the business of manufacturing, storing or transporting oil or hazardous materials.

(O) Any violation of a polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) management and disposal statute, rule, permit or related order.

(P) Any violation of ORS Chapter 465, UST or environmental cleanup statute, rule, related order or related agreement.

(Q) Unless specifically listed under another penalty matrix, any violation of ORS Chapter 459 or any violation of a solid waste statute, rule, permit, or related order committed by:

(i) A person that has or should have a solid waste disposal permit.

(ii) A city with a population of 25,000 or more, as determined by the most recent national census.

(R) Any violation of the Oregon Clean Fuels Program under OAR Chapter 340, division 253 by a person registered as an importer of blendstocks,

(S) Any violation classified under OAR 340-012-0054 (1) (dd), (ee), (ff), or (gg).

(T) Any violation of the Oregon Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program under OAR Chapter 340, division 215 by a person with greenhouse gas emissions greater than or equal to 25,000 metric tons per year or by a person that has not reported greenhouse gas emissions to DEQ during the past five years, or by a person for which DEQ has insufficient information to accurately estimate emissions.

(U) Any violation of the Third Party Verification rules under OAR Chapter 340, division 272.

(V) Any violation of the Landfill Gas Emissions rules under OAR chapter 340, division 239 by a person required to comply with OAR 340-239-0110 through OAR 340-239-0800.

(W) Any violation of the rules for Emission Standards for New Heavy-Duty Trucks under OAR chapter 340 division 261 by engine, truck or trailer manufacturers and dealers.

(X) Any violation of the Climate Protection Program rules under OAR chapter 340, division 271.

(Y) Any violation of the Fuel Tank Seismic Stability Program rules under OAR chapter 340, division 300.

(b) The base penalty values for the $12,000 penalty matrix are as follows:

(A) Class I:

(i) Major — $12,000;

(ii) Moderate — $6,000;

(iii) Minor — $3,000.

(B) Class II:

(i) Major — $6,000;

(ii) Moderate — $3,000;

(iii) Minor — $1,500.

(C) Class III: $1,000.

(3) $8,000 Penalty Matrix:

(a) The $8,000 penalty matrix applies to the following:

(A) Any violation of an air quality statute, rule, permit, permit attachment, or related order committed by a person that has or should have an ACDP permit, except for NSR, PSD and Basic ACDP permits, unless listed under another penalty matrix, unless otherwise classified.

(B) Any violation of an asbestos statute, rule, permit or related order except those violations listed in section (5) of this rule.

(C) Any violation of a vehicle inspection program statute, rule, permit or related order committed by an auto repair facility.

(D) Any violation of the Oregon Low Emission Vehicle rules (OAR 340-257) committed by an automobile dealer or an automobile rental agency.

(E) Any violation of a water quality statute, rule, permit or related order committed by:

(i) A person that has an NPDES Permit, or that has or should have a WPCF Permit, for a municipal or private utility sewage treatment facility with a permitted flow of two million or more, but less than five million, gallons per day.

(ii) A person that has a Tier 2 industrial source NPDES or WPCF Permit.

(iii) A person that has or should have applied for coverage under an NPDES or a WPCF General Permit, except an NPDES Stormwater Discharge 1200-C General Permit for a construction site of less than five acres in size or 20 or more acres in size.

(iv) A person that has a population of less than 100,000 but more than 10,000, as determined by the most recent national census, and has or should have a WPCF Municipal Stormwater UIC System Permit or has an NPDES MS4 Stormwater Discharge Permit.

(v) A person that owns, and that has or should have registered, a UIC system that disposes of wastewater other than stormwater or sewage or geothermal fluids.

(F) Any violation of a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification by a less than 100 megawatt hydroelectric facility.

(G) Any violation of a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for a Tier 2A or Tier 2B dredge and fill project.

(H) Any violation of an UST statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person who is the owner, operator or permittee of five to nine UST facilities.

(I) Unless specifically listed under another penalty matrix, any violation of ORS Chapter 459 or other solid waste statute, rule, permit, or related order committed by:

(i) A person that has or should have a waste tire permit; or

(ii) A person with a population of more than 5,000 but less than or equal to 25,000, as determined by the most recent national census.

(J) Any violation of a hazardous waste management statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person that is a small quantity generator.

(K) Any violation of an oil and hazardous material spill and release statute, rule, or related order committed by a person other than a person listed in OAR 340-012-0140(2)(a)(N) occurring during a commercial activity or involving a derelict vessel over 35 feet in length.

(L) Any violation of the Oregon Clean Fuels Program under OAR chapter 340, division 253 unless the violation is otherwise classified in this rule.

(M) Any violation of the Oregon Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program under OAR Chapter 340, division 215 by a person with greenhouse gas emissions less than 25,000 metric tons per year but greater than or equal to 5,000 metric tons per year.

(N) Any violation of the Landfill Gas Emissions rules under OAR chapter 340, division 239 by a person that owns or operates a landfill with over 200,000 tons waste in place and is not required to comply with OAR 340-239-0110 through OAR 340-239-0800.

(O) Any violation of a hazardous waste pharmaceutical statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person that is a reverse distributor.

(b) The base penalty values for the $8,000 penalty matrix are as follows:

(A) Class I:

(i) Major — $8,000.

(ii) Moderate — $4,000.

(iii) Minor — $2,000.

(B) Class II:

(i) Major — $4,000.

(ii) Moderate — $2,000.

(iii) Minor — $1,000.

(C) Class III: $ 700.

(4) $3,000 Penalty Matrix:

(a) The $3,000 penalty matrix applies to the following:

(A) Any violation of any statute, rule, permit, license, or order committed by a person not listed under another penalty matrix.

(B) Any violation of an air quality statute, rule, permit, permit attachment, or related order committed by a person not listed under another penalty matrix.

(C) Any violation of an air quality statute, rule, permit, permit attachment, or related order committed by a person that has or should have a Basic ACDP or an ACDP or registration only because the person is subject to Area Source NESHAP regulations.

(D) Any violation of OAR 340-264-0060(3) in which 25 or more cubic yards of prohibited materials or more than 15 tires are burned by a residential owner-occupant.

(E) Any violation of a vehicle inspection program statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a natural person, except for those violations listed in section (5) of this rule.

(F) Any violation of a water quality statute, rule, permit, license or related order not listed under another penalty matrix and committed by:

(i) A person that has an NPDES permit, or has or should have a WPCF permit, for a municipal or private utility wastewater treatment facility with a permitted flow of less than two million gallons per day.

(ii) A person that has or should have applied for coverage under an NPDES Stormwater Discharge 1200-C General Permit for a construction site that is more than one, but less than five acres.

(iii) A person that has a population of 10,000 or less, as determined by the most recent national census, and either has an NPDES MS4 Stormwater Discharge Permit or has or should have a WPCF Municipal Stormwater UIC System Permit.

(iv) A person who is licensed to perform onsite sewage disposal services or who has performed sewage disposal services.

(v) A person, except for a residential owner-occupant, that owns and either has or should have registered a UIC system that disposes of stormwater, sewage or geothermal fluids.

(vi) A person that has or should have a WPCF individual stormwater UIC system permit.

(vii) Any violation of a water quality statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person that has or should have applied for coverage under an NPDES 700-PM General Permit for suction dredges.

(G) Any violation of an onsite sewage disposal statute, rule, permit or related order, except for a violation committed by a residential owner-occupant.

(H) Any violation of a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for a Tier 1 dredge and fill project.

(I) Any violation of an UST statute, rule, permit or related order if the person is the owner, operator or permittee of two to four UST facilities.

(J) Any violation of a used oil statute, rule, permit or related order, except a violation related to a spill or release, committed by a person that is a used oil generator.

(K) Any violation of a hazardous waste management statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person that is a very small quantity generator, unless listed under another penalty matrix.

(L) Any violation of ORS Chapter 459 or other solid waste statute, rule, permit, or related order committed by a person with a population less than 5,000, as determined by the most recent national census.

(M) Any violation of the labeling requirements of ORS 459A.675 through 459A.685.

(N) Any violation of rigid pesticide container disposal requirements by a very small quantity generator of hazardous waste.

(O) Any violation of ORS 468B.025(1)(a) or (b) resulting from turbid discharges to waters of the state caused by non-residential uses of property disturbing less than one acre in size.

(P) Any violation of an oil and hazardous material spill and release statute, rule, or related order committed by a person not listed under another matrix.

(Q) Any violation of the Oregon Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program under OAR Chapter 340, division 215 by a person with greenhouse gas emissions less than 5,000 metric tons per year.

(b) The base penalty values for the $3,000 penalty matrix are as follows:

(A) Class I:

(i) Major — $3,000;

(ii) Moderate — $1,500;

(iii) Minor — $750.

(B) Class II:

(i) Major — $1,500;

(ii) Moderate — $750;

(iii) Minor — $375.

(C) Class III: $250.

(5) $1,000 Penalty Matrix:

(a) The $1,000 penalty matrix applies to the following:

(A) Any violation of an open burning statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a residential owner-occupant at the residence, not listed under another penalty matrix.

(B) Any violation of visible emissions standards by operation of a vehicle.

(C) Any violation of an asbestos statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a residential owner-occupant.

(D) Any violation of an onsite sewage disposal statute, rule, permit or related order of OAR chapter 340, division 44 committed by a residential owner-occupant.

(E) Any violation of an UST statute, rule, permit or related order committed by a person who is the owner, operator or permittee of one UST facility.

(F) Any violation of an HOT statute, rule, permit or related order not listed under another penalty matrix.

(G) Any violation of OAR chapter 340, division 124 or ORS 465.505 by a dry cleaning owner or operator, dry store owner or operator, or supplier of perchloroethylene.

(H) Any violation of ORS Chapter 459 or other solid waste statute, rule or related order committed by a residential owner-occupant.

(I) Any violation of a statute, rule, permit or order relating to rigid plastic containers, except for violation of the labeling requirements under OAR 459A.675 through 459A.685.

(J) Any violation of a statute, rule or order relating to the opportunity to recycle.

(K) Any violation of OAR chapter 340, division 262 or other statute, rule or order relating to solid fuel burning devices, except a violation related to the sale of new or used solid fuel burning devices or the removal and destruction of used solid fuel burning devices.

(L) Any violation of an UIC system statute, rule, permit or related order by a residential owner-occupant, when the UIC disposes of stormwater, sewage or geothermal fluids.

(M) Any Violation of ORS 468B.025(1)(a) or (b) resulting from turbid discharges to waters of the state caused by residential use of property disturbing less than one acre in size.

(b) The base penalty values for the $1,000 penalty matrix are as follows:

(A) Class I:

(i) Major — $1,000;

(ii) Moderate — $500;

(iii) Minor — $250.

(B) Class II:

(i) Major — $500;

(ii) Moderate — $250;

(iii) Minor — $125.

(C) Class III: $100.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.090 - 468.140
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.995, 459A.655, 459A.660, 459A.685 & 468.035
History:
DEQ 13-2023, amend filed 09/14/2023, effective 09/14/2023
DEQ 16-2022, amend filed 09/23/2022, effective 09/23/2022
DEQ 4-2022, amend filed 03/16/2022, effective 03/16/2022
DEQ 27-2021, amend filed 12/16/2021, effective 12/16/2021
DEQ 20-2021, amend filed 11/18/2021, effective 01/01/2022
DEQ 17-2021, amend filed 11/17/2021, effective 11/17/2021
DEQ 16-2021, amend filed 10/04/2021, effective 10/04/2021
DEQ 14-2020, amend filed 05/07/2020, effective 05/07/2020
DEQ 199-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 01/01/2019
DEQ 197-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 11/16/2018
DEQ 13-2015, f. 12-10-15, cert. ef. 1-1-16
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 2-2011, f. 3-10-11, cert. ef. 3-15-11
DEQ 6-2006, f. & cert. ef. 6-29-06
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
Renumbered from 340-012-0042, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 6-2001, f. 6-18-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 9-1996, f. & cert. ef. 7-10-96
DEQ 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-94
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 33-1990, f. & cert. ef. 8-15-90
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89

340-012-0145
Determination of Aggravating or Mitigating Factors

(1) Each of the aggravating or mitigating factors is determined, as described below, and then applied to the civil penalty formula in OAR 340-012-0045.

(2) "P" is whether the respondent has any prior significant actions (PSAs). A violation becomes a PSA on the date the first formal enforcement action (FEA) in which it is cited is issued.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the values for "P" and the finding that supports each are as follows:

(A) 0 if no PSAs or there is insufficient information on which to base a finding under this section.

(B) 1 if the PSAs included one Class II violation or two Class III violations; or

(C) 2 if the PSAs included one Class I violation or Class I equivalent.

(D) For each additional Class I violation or Class I equivalent, the value of "P" is increased by 1.

(b) The value of "P" will not exceed 10.

(c) If any of the PSAs were issued under ORS 468.996, the final value of "P" will be 10.

(d) In determining the value of "P," DEQ will:

(A) Reduce the value of "P" by:

(i) 2 if all the FEAs in which PSAs were cited were issued more than three years before the date the current violation occurred.

(ii) 4 if all the FEAs in which PSAs were cited were issued more than five years before the date the current violation occurred.

(B) Include the PSAs:

(i) At all facilities owned or operated by the same respondent within the state of Oregon; and

(ii) That involved the same media (air, water or land) as the violations that are the subject of the current FEA.

(e) In applying subsection (2)(d)(A), the value of "P" may not be reduced below zero.

(f) PSAs that are more than ten years old are not included in determining the value of "P."

(3) "H" is the respondent's history of correcting PSAs. The values for “H” and the finding that supports each are as follows:

(a) -2 if the respondent corrected all prior violations cited as PSAs.

(b) -1 if the violations were uncorrectable and the respondent took reasonable efforts to minimize the effects of the violations cited as PSAs; or

(c) 0 if there is no prior history or if there is insufficient information on which to base a finding under paragraphs (3)(a) or (b).

(d) The sum of values for "P" and "H" may not be less than 1 unless the respondent took extraordinary efforts to correct or minimize the effects of all PSAs. In no case may the sum of the values of "P" and "H" be less than zero.

(4) "O" is whether the violation was repeated or ongoing. A violation can be repeated independently on the same day, thus multiple occurrences may occur within one day. Each repeated occurrence of the same violation and each day of a violation with a duration of more than one day is a separate occurrence when determining the “O” factor. Each separate violation is also a separate occurrence when determining the “O” factor. The values for “O” and the finding that supports each are as follows:

(a) 0 if there was only one occurrence of the violation, or if there is insufficient information on which to base a finding under paragraphs (4)(b) through (4)(d).

(b) 2 if there were more than one but less than seven occurrences of the violation.

(c) 3 if there were from seven to 28 occurrences of the violation.

(d) 4 if there were more than 28 occurrences of the violation.

(e) DEQ may, at its discretion, assess separate penalties for each occurrence of a violation. If DEQ does so, the O factor for each affected violation will be set at 0. If DEQ assesses one penalty for multiple occurrences, the penalty will be based on the highest classification and magnitude applicable to any of the occurrences.

(5) "M" is the mental state of the respondent. For any violation where the findings support more than one mental state, the mental state with the highest value will apply. The values for “M” and the finding that supports each are as follows:

(a) 0 if there is insufficient information on which to base a finding under paragraphs (5)(b) through (5)(d).

(b) 2 if the respondent had constructive knowledge (reasonably should have known) of the requirement.

(c) 4 if the respondent's conduct was negligent.

(d) 8 if the respondent's conduct was reckless or the respondent acted or failed to act intentionally with actual knowledge of the requirement.

(e) 10 if respondent acted flagrantly.

(6) "C" is the respondent's efforts to correct or mitigate the violation. The values for "C" and the finding that supports each are as follows:

(a) -5 if the respondent made extraordinary efforts to correct the violation or to minimize the effects of the violation, and made extraordinary efforts to ensure the violation would not be repeated.

(b) -4 if the respondent made extraordinary efforts to ensure that the violation would not be repeated.

(c) -3 if the respondent made reasonable efforts to correct the violation, or took reasonable affirmative efforts to minimize the effects of the violation.

(d) -2 if the respondent eventually made some efforts to correct the violation, or to minimize the effects of the violation.

(e) -1 if the respondent made reasonable efforts to ensure that the violation would not be repeated.

(f) 0 if there is insufficient information to make a finding under paragraphs (6)(a) through (6)(e), or (6)(g) or if the violation or the effects of the violation could not be corrected or minimized.

(g) 2 if the respondent did not address the violation as described in paragraphs (6)(a) through (6)(e) and the facts do not support a finding under paragraph (6)(f).

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.130
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 465.992, 466.990 - 994, 468.090 - 140 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 185-2018, minor correction filed 04/16/2018, effective 04/16/2018
DEQ 19-2018, minor correction filed 03/29/2018, effective 03/29/2018
DEQ 15-2018, minor correction filed 03/28/2018, effective 03/28/2018
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0150
Determination of Economic Benefit

(1) The Economic Benefit (EB) is the approximate dollar value of the benefit gained and the costs avoided or delayed (without duplication) as a result of the respondent's noncompliance. Except as provided in (3), the EB will be determined using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's BEN computer model. DEQ may make, for use in the model, a reasonable estimate of the benefits gained and the costs avoided or delayed by the respondent.

(2) Upon request of the respondent, DEQ will provide the name of the version of the model used and respond to any reasonable request for information about the content or operation of the model. The model’s standard values for income tax rates, inflation rate and discount rate are presumed to apply to all respondents unless a specific respondent can demonstrate that the standard value does not reflect the respondent’s actual circumstance.

(3) For violations of the Clean Fuels Program in OAR Chapter 340, division 253, DEQ will determine economic benefit according to subsections (a),(b), or (c), with interest and other considerations as needed to properly capture the full economic benefit of the violation.

(a) the actual purchase or sale price of the credits, or the implied value of the credits in a fuel transaction, when a transaction has been completed, if DEQ has sufficient information to determine it; or

(b) the average price of credits purchased or sold in the Clean Fuels Program market as published by DEQ for the time period relevant to the violation; or

(c) the Credit Clearance Market maximum credit price as calculated under OAR 340-253-1040, where a transaction has not been completed or DEQ has insufficient information to determine the price of the credits.

(4) DEQ need not calculate EB if DEQ makes a reasonable determination that the EB is de minimis or if there is insufficient information on which to make an estimate under this rule.

(5) DEQ may assess EB whether or not it assesses any other portion of the civil penalty using the formula in OAR 340-012-0045.

(6) DEQ's calculation of EB may not result in a civil penalty for a violation that exceeds the maximum civil penalty allowed by rule or statute. However, when a violation has occurred or been repeated for more than one day, DEQ may treat the violation as extending over at least as many days as necessary to recover the economic benefit of the violation.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.090 - 468.140
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 465.992, 466.210, 466.990, 466.994, 467.050, 467.990, 468.090 - 468.140 & 468.996
History:
DEQ 14-2020, amend filed 05/07/2020, effective 05/07/2020
DEQ 199-2018, amend filed 11/16/2018, effective 01/01/2019
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0155
Additional or Alternate Civil Penalties

(1) DEQ may assess additional civil penalties for the following violations as specified below:

(a) DEQ may assess a civil penalty of up to $250,000 to any person who intentionally or recklessly violates any provisions of ORS 164.785, 459.205-459.426, 459.705–459.790, Chapters 465, 466, 467, 468, or 468A or 468B or any rule or standard or order of the commission adopted or issued pursuant to 459.205–459.426, 459.705–459.790, Chapters 465, 466, 467, 468, 468A, or 468B, that results in or creates the imminent likelihood for an extreme hazard to public health or that causes extensive damage to the environment. When determining the civil penalty to be assessed under this subsection, the director will use the procedures set out below:

(A) The following base penalties apply:

(i) $100,000 if the violation was caused intentionally;

(ii) $150,000 if the violation was caused recklessly;

(iii) $200,000 if the violation was caused flagrantly.

(B) The civil penalty is calculated using the following formula: BP + [(.1 x BP) (P + H + O + C)] + EB.

(b) Any person who intentionally or negligently causes or permits the discharge of oil or hazardous materials into waters of the state or intentionally or negligently fails to clean up a spill or release of oil or hazardous materials into waters of the state will incur a civil penalty not to exceed $100,000 dollars for each violation. The amount of the penalty is determined as follows:

(A) The class and magnitude of the violation are determined according to OAR 340-012-0045, then the base penalty is determined according to OAR 340-012-0140.

(B) The multiplier for the base penalty is determined by adding the following values:

(i) 2 points if the violation was caused negligently; or 3 points if the violation was caused recklessly; or 4 points if the violation was caused intentionally with actual knowledge that a violation would occur; and

(ii) 1 point if the oil or hazardous material is or contains any constituent listed as a “hazardous substance” in 40 CFR 302; or 2 points if the oil or hazardous material is or contains any constituent listed as an “extremely hazardous substance” under 40 CFR 355; and

(iii) 2 points if the volume of the oil or hazardous material spilled, lost to the environment, or not cleaned up exceeds 1,000 gallons; and

(iv) 1 point if the violation impacted an area of particular environmental value where oil or hazardous materials could pose a greater threat than in other non-sensitive areas, for example, sensitive environments such as those listed in OAR 340-122-0115(50), drinking water sources, and cultural sites.

(C) The base penalty from paragraph (A) is multiplied by the sum of the points from paragraph (B) to determine the adjusted base penalty. The civil penalty formula in OAR 340-012-0045 is applied using the adjusted base penalty for the BP factor.

(c) Any person who willfully or negligently causes or permits the discharge of oil to state waters will incur, in addition to any other penalty derived from application of the applicable penalty matrix in 340-012-0140(2) and the civil penalty formula contained in 340-012-0045, a civil penalty commensurate with the amount of damage incurred. The amount of the penalty will be determined by the director with the advice of the director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In determining the amount of the penalty, the director may consider the gravity of the violation, the previous record of the violator in complying with the provisions of ORS 468B.450 to 468B.460, and such other considerations the director deems appropriate.

(d) Any person who has care, custody or control of a hazardous waste or a substance that would be a hazardous waste except for the fact that it is not discarded, useless or unwanted. will incur a civil penalty according to the schedule set forth in ORS 496.705 for the destruction, due to contamination of food or water supply by such waste or substance, of any of the wildlife referred to in ORS 496.705 that are property of the state.

(e) DEQ may assess a civil penalty of $500 to any owner or operator of a confined animal feeding operation that has not applied for or does not have a permit required by ORS 468B.050.

(2) Civil penalties for certain violations are subject to the following maximums in lieu of the maximum daily penalty provided in OAR 340-012-160(4):

(a) DEQ may assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each day of violation to any person that fails to comply with the prohibitions on the sale or distribution of cleaning agents containing phosphorus in ORS 468B.130.

(b) DEQ may assess a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation of each day to any person that fails to comply with Toxics Use Reduction and Hazardous Waste Reduction Act requirements of ORS 465.003 to 465.034.

(c) DEQ may assess a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation of ORS 459.420 to 459.426. Each battery that is improperly disposed of is a separate violation, and each day an establishment fails to post the notice required by ORS 459.426 is a separate violation.

(d) DEQ may assess a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation of the requirement to provide the opportunity to recycle as required by ORS 459A.005.

(3) DEQ may assess the civil penalties below in lieu of civil penalties calculated pursuant to OAR 340-012-0045:

(a) DEQ will assess a Field Penalty as specified under OAR 340-150-0250 unless DEQ determines that an owner, operator or permittee is not eligible for the Field Penalty.

(b) DEQ may assess Expedited Enforcement Offers as specified under OAR 340-012-0170(2).

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 465, 466, 468.020, 468.130, 468.996 & 783.992
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 465.021, 466.785, 466.835, 466.992, 468.090 - 468.140, 468.996, 468B.220, 468B.450 & 783.992
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 14-2008, f. & cert. ef. 11-10-08
DEQ 4-2006, f. 3-29-06, cert. ef. 3-31-06
Renumbered from 340-012-0049, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-03
DEQ 9-2000, f. & cert. ef. 7-21-00
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90

340-012-0160
DEQ Discretion Regarding Penalty Assessment

(1) In addition to the authority described in section (4) below, DEQ has the discretion to increase a base penalty determined under OAR 340-012-0140 to that derived using the next highest penalty matrix. Factors that may be taken into consideration in increasing a base penalty include the respondent's compliance history, the likelihood of future violations, the degree of environmental or human health impact, the deterrence impact and other similar factors.

(2) In determining a civil penalty, the director may reduce any penalty by any amount the director deems appropriate if the respondent has voluntarily disclosed the violation to DEQ. In deciding whether a violation has been voluntarily disclosed, the director may take into account any considerations the director deems appropriate, including whether the violation was:

(a) Discovered through an environmental auditing program or a systematic compliance program;

(b) Voluntarily discovered;

(c) Promptly disclosed;

(d) Discovered and disclosed independent of the government or a third party;

(e) Corrected and remedied;

(f) Prevented from recurring;

(g) Not repeated;

(h) Not the cause of significant harm to human health or the environment; and

(i) Disclosed and corrected in a cooperative manner.

(3) For the violation of spilling oil or hazardous materials into waters of the state, if the respondent exceeds relevant DEQ regulations pertaining to spill preparation and takes all other reasonably expected precautions to prevent spills and be prepared for spill response, DEQ may reduce the penalty for the spill by 10%. Depending on circumstances, such precautions may include, without limitation, employee safety training, company policies designed to reduce spill risks, availability of spill response equipment or staff, or use of alternative non-toxic oils.

(4) Regardless of any other penalty amount listed in this division, the director has the discretion to increase the penalty to $25,000 per violation per day of violation based upon the facts and circumstances of the individual case.

(5) DEQ may issue separate civil penalties to each potentially liable person for any violation or violations, regardless of whether the violations arise out of the same facts or circumstances, given compliance objectives, including the level of deterrence needed.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.130
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 183.745, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 465.992, 466.990, 466.994, 468.090-468.140, 468.996 & 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0162
Inability to Pay the Penalty

(1) After a penalty is assessed, DEQ may reduce a penalty based on the respondent's inability to pay the full penalty amount. In order to do so, DEQ must receive information regarding the respondent's financial condition on a form required by DEQ along with any additional documentation requested by DEQ.

(2) If the respondent is currently unable to pay the full penalty amount, the first option is to place the respondent on a payment schedule with interest. DEQ may reduce the penalty only after determining that the respondent is unable to meet a payment schedule of a length DEQ determines is reasonable.

(3) In considering the respondent's ability to pay a civil penalty, DEQ may use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ABEL, INDIPAY or MUNIPAY computer models to evaluate a respondent's financial condition or ability to pay the full civil penalty amount. Upon request of the respondent, DEQ will provide the respondent the name of the version of the model used and respond to any reasonable request for information about the content or operation of the model;

(4) DEQ, at its discretion, may refuse to reduce an assessed civil penalty. In exercising this discretion, DEQ may take into consideration any factor related to the violations or the respondent, including but not limited to the respondent's mental state, whether the respondent has corrected the violation or taken efforts to ensure the violation will not be repeated, whether the respondent's financial condition poses a serious concern regarding the respondent's ability to remain in compliance, the respondent's future ability to pay, and the respondent's real property or other assets.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 468.020 & 468.130
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 454.635, 454.645, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 465.992, 466.990 - 466.994, 468.090 - 468.140 & 468B.220 - 468B.450
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

340-012-0165
Stipulated Penalties

Nothing in OAR chapter 340, division 12 affects the ability of the commission or DEQ to include stipulated penalties in a Mutual Agreement and Order, Consent Order, Consent Judgment or any other order or agreement issued under ORS Chapters 183, 454, 459, 465, 466, 467, 468, 468A, or 468B.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 454.625, 459.995, 468.020 & 468.996
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 183.090 & 183.415
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
Renumbered from 340-012-0048, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 19-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-12-98
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89

340-012-0170
Compromise or Settlement of Civil Penalty by DEQ

(1) DEQ may compromise or settle a civil penalty assessed in a formal enforcement action at any amount that DEQ deems appropriate. In determining whether a penalty should be compromised or settled, DEQ may take into account the following:

(a) New information obtained through further investigation or provided by the respondent that relates to the penalty determination factors contained in OAR 340-012-0045;

(b) The effect of compromise or settlement on deterrence;

(c) Whether the respondent has or is willing to employ extraordinary means to correct the violation or maintain compliance;

(d) Whether the respondent has had any previous penalties which have been compromised or settled;

(e) Whether the respondent has the ability to pay the civil penalty as determined by OAR 340-012-0162;

(f) Whether the compromise or settlement would be consistent with DEQ's goal of protecting human health and the environment; and

(g) The relative strength or weakness of DEQ's evidence.

(2) Expedited Enforcement Offers:

(a) DEQ may pursue informal disposition of any alleged violation by making an expedited enforcement offer.

(b) The decision as to whether to make an expedited enforcement offer with respect to any alleged violation is within DEQ’s sole discretion, except as otherwise provided in this section (2).

(c) In determining whether to make an expedited enforcement offer, DEQ must consider the amount of the economic benefit gained by the alleged violator as a result of the noncompliance; whether the alleged violator has been the subject of a formal enforcement action or been issued a warning letter or pre-enforcement notice for the same or similar violations; whether the alleged violation is isolated or ongoing; and the mental state of the alleged violator.

(d) DEQ will not make an expedited enforcement offer to settle a Class I violation that has been repeated within the previous three years or to settle a violation that would be a major magnitude violation under OAR 340-012-0130(3) regardless of whether a selected magnitude under 340-012-0135 applies.

(e) The penalty amount for an alleged violation cited in an expedited enforcement offer will be 40% of the moderate base penalty listed in OAR 340-012-0140 under the applicable matrix and the applicable classification.

(f) Participation in the expedited enforcement program is voluntary. An alleged violator to whom DEQ makes an expedited enforcement offer is under no obligation to accept the offer.

(g) A person to whom an expedited enforcement offer is made has 30 calendar days from the date of the offer to accept the offer by paying the total amount stipulated in the expedited enforcement offer, or by making a payment toward the total amount if DEQ has approved a payment plan. The expedited enforcement offer payment and acceptance are deemed submitted when received by DEQ.

(h) By submitting payment to DEQ of the total amount stipulated in the expedited enforcement offer or a payment toward the total amount if DEQ has approved a payment plan, the alleged violator accepts the expedited enforcement offer, consents to the issuance of a final order of the commission which may include a compliance schedule, and agrees to waive any right to appeal or seek administrative or judicial review of the expedited enforcement offer, the final order, or any violation cited therein.

(i) Expedited enforcement offers incorporated into final orders of the commission will be treated as prior significant actions in accordance with OAR 340-012-0145.

(j) DEQ may initiate a formal enforcement action for any violation not settled by acceptance of the expedited enforcement offer.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 459, 466, 467, 468.020 & 468.130, 183.415 & 183.745
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 468.130-140, 183.415, 183.470, 183.745, 459.376, 459.995, 465.900, 466.990, 466.994, 468.035, 468.090 - 140 & 468B.220
History:
DEQ 1-2014, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-14
DEQ 14-2008, f. & cert. ef. 11-10-08
Renumbered from 340-012-0047, DEQ 4-2005, f. 5-13-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05
DEQ 21-1992, f. & cert. ef. 8-11-92
DEQ 15-1990, f. & cert. ef. 3-30-90
DEQ 4-1989, f. & cert. ef. 3-14-89
DEQ 22-1988, f. & cert. ef. 9-14-88, Renumbered from 340-012-0075
DEQ 22-1984, f. & ef. 11-8-84
DEQ 78, f. 9-6-74, ef. 9-25-74