NOTICE OF VIOLATION

 

Via Certified Mail No.:

Via Certified Mail No.:

 

 

Frank McCoy, President

Gregory Hagan, R.A.

Omega 2000, Inc.

304 West U.S. Highway 6

P.O. Box 50030

Valparaiso, IN 46385

Henderson, NV 89016

 

 

Case No. 2006-15322-S

 

Based on the inspection by staff from the office of Land Quality on June 27, 2005, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (“IDEM”) has reason to believe that (Respondent) has violated environmental rules.  The violations are based on the following:

 

1.                  Respondent owns and/or operates the underground storage tank (“UST”) systems, UST Facility I.D. No. 8975, located at 283 Melton Road in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana (“Site”).

 

2.                  Pursuant to 329 IAC 9-2.1-1(a), all existing UST systems shall comply with one of the following requirements no later than December 22, 1998: (1) new UST performance standards under 329 IAC 9-2-1; or (2) upgrading requirements under sections (b) through (d), (3) closure requirements under 329 IAC 9-6, including applicable requirements for corrective action under 329 IAC 9-5.

 

The Respondent failed to properly upgrade and/or permanently close the UST systems at the Site in compliance with 329 IAC 9-2.1-1(a).

 

3.                  Pursuant to 329 IAC 9-6-5(c)(1), when a UST system has been temporarily closed for twelve (12) months, the owner or operator shall permanently close the UST system if it does not meet (1) the performance standards in 329 IAC 9-2-1 for new UST systems; or (2) the upgrading requirements of 329 IAC 9-2.1, except that spill and overfill equipment requirements do not have to be met.

 

The Respondent failed to permanently close the UST systems at the Site that have been in temporary closure for more than twelve (12) months and either do not meet the performance standards in 329 IAC 9-2-1 or the upgrading requirements of 329 IAC 9-2.1.

 

In accordance with IC 13-30-3-3, the Commissioner is required to notify an alleged violator in writing that violations may exist and offer an opportunity to enter into an Agreed Order providing for the action required to correct the violation[s] and for the payment of a civil penalty.  The Commissioner is not required to extend this offer for more than sixty (60) days.

 

Entering into an Agreed Order will prevent the issuance of a Notice and Order of the Commissioner under IC 13-30-3-4, or the filing of a civil court action under IC 13-14-2-6.    IDEM encourages settlement by Agreed Order, thereby saving time and resources.  Timely settlement by Agreed Order may result in a reduced civil penalty.  Settlement discussions will allow the opportunity to present any mitigating factors that may be relevant to the violations.  In addition, as provided in IC 13-30-3-3(c), an alleged violator may enter into an Agreed Order without admitting that the violations occurred.

 

If settlement is not reached within sixty (60) days of receipt of this Notice of Violation, the Commissioner may issue a Notice and Order containing the actions that must be taken to achieve compliance, the required time frames, and an appropriate civil penalty.  Pursuant to IC 13-23-14-3, the Commissioner may assess penalties of up to $10,000 per UST per day for each violation.

 

To discuss this matter further, please contact Steven Carmer at (317) 234-4432 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:

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

Signed on July 14, 2006

 

 

 

Matthew T. Klein

 

 

 

Assistant Commissioner for

 

 

 

Compliance & Enforcement

 

cc:       Sandra Siler, US EPA Region 5

Amy Fardy IDEM OLQ LUST Section, IGCN Bldg, 11th Floor

IDEM OLC Enforcement Section, IGCN Bldg, 13th Floor

Porter County Health Department

UST Public File, ID #8975

http://www.in.gov/idem

Enforcement File