NOTICE OF VIOLATION

 

Via Certified Mail #:

Via Certified Mail #:

_______________________________

__________________________

To:

Ralph Barnes d.b.a.

Paul McKee

 

Barnes Septic Service

Rural Route #1 Box 205

 

P.O. Box 107

Elnora, Indiana 47529

 

Plainville, Indiana 47568

 

 

Case No. 2004-14187-S

Case No. 2004-14188-S

 

Based on an investigation on April 14, 2004, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has reason to believe that Ralph Barnes d.b.a. Barnes Septic Service and Paul McKee (Respondents) have violated environmental rules.  The violations are based on the following:

 

1.                  Ralph Barnes d.b.a. Barnes Septic Service (case #2004-14188-S) operated on property owned by Paul McKee, (case #2004-14187-S) (Respondents) located at the intersection of County Road 1100 North and County Road 250-275 East, in Elnora, Daviess County, Indiana (Site).

 

2.                  Pursuant to 327 IAC 7.1-7-1 (d) (1), no disposal of wastewater shall be permitted on the land at any property or location without a valid land application approval issued under 327 IAC 7.1-8

 

Respondents caused and/or allowed the deposition of wastewater on the land at the site without a valid approval, in violation of 327 IAC 7.1-7-1 (d) (1). 

 

In accordance with IC 13-30-3-3, the Commissioner herein provides notice that a violation may exist and offers an opportunity to enter into an Agreed Order providing for the action required to correct the violation and for the payment of a civil penalty.  The Commissioner is not required to extend this offer for more than sixty (60) days.

 

As provided in IC 13-30-3-3, an alleged violator may enter into an Agreed Order without admitting that the violation occurred.  IDEM encourages settlement by Agreed Order, thereby resulting in quicker correction of the environmental violation and avoidance of extensive litigation.  Timely settlement by Agreed Order may result in a reduced civil penalty.  Also, settlement discussions will allow the opportunity to present any mitigating factors that may be relevant to the violation.

 

If an Agreed Order is not entered into within sixty (60) days of receipt of this Notice of Violation, the Commissioner may issue a Notice and Order under IC 13-30-3-4 containing the actions that must be taken to correct the violation and requiring the payment of an appropriate civil penalty.  Pursuant to IC 13-30-4-1, the Commissioner may assess penalties of up to $25,000 per day for each violation.

 

To discuss this matter further, please contact Melissa Farrington at 317-232-8409 within fifteen (15) days after receipt of this Notice to request a conference.  If settlement is reached, an Agreed Order will be prepared and sent for review and signature.

 

For the Commissioner:

Signed on 11/17/04

Felicia A. Robinson

Deputy Commissioner

for Legal Affairs

 

cc:        Washington County Health Department

Washington County Public File

Mike Goering, Washington County Solid Waste Management District