Coast Guard expands scope of notice of violation program
The U.S. Coast Guard has expanded the range of its Notice of Violation (NOV) program, an expedited means for assessing civil penalties that allows parties to pay proposed penalties without further administrative process.
The NOV program had been limited to oil spills of less than 100 gallons and to minor violations of pollution or prevention regulations.
Effective Jan. 5, the program will be expanded to include spills of 1,000 gallons or less, and to violations of all laws and regulations enforced by the Coast Guard.
The NOV program will not be used when the total proposed penalty exceeds $10,000.
Parties have the option of declining participation in the NOV program and asking for a full administrative hearing prior to the formal assessment of a penalty.
For more information, contact Lieutenant Commander Scott Budka, (202) 267-2026 or sbudka@comdt.uscg.mil