How are the conditions in NPDES permits enforced by the ADEQ?
There are various methods used to monitor NPDES permit conditions. The permit will require the facility to sample its discharges and notify the state of these results. In addition, the permit will require the facility to notify the state regulatory agency when the facility determines it is not in compliance with the requirements of a permit. The state regulatory agency also will send inspectors to companies in order to determine if they are in compliance with the conditions imposed under their permits. Federal laws provide the state regulatory agency with various methods of taking enforcement actions against violators of permit requirements. For example, the state regulatory agency may issue administrative orders which require facilities to correct violations and that assess monetary penalties. Equally important is how the general public can enforce permit conditions. The facility monitoring reports are public documents, and the general public can review them through the state agency.
