The attached Consent Agreement/Final Order resolves a violation of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1311, resulting from Charles County's ( Charles or Respondent ) violation of its NPDES MS4 Permit. On July 31, 2002, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issued Charles a NPDES MS4 Discharge Permit No. MD 0068365 ( Permit ). The expiration date of the Permit was administratively extended pending a final decision on the renewal application.
On June 25 and 26, 2013, EPA conducted a compliance inspection of the Respondent's MS4. EPA determined that Respondent failed to conduct preventative maintenance inspections of at least 214 stormwater management facilities on a triennial basis, as required by the Permit.
As a result of the above violations, EPA issued an administrative Complaint to Respondent on October 10, 2014.The Administrative Complaint proposed a penalty in the amount of $37,500. This matter is being resolved for a total penalty amount of $25,000.
I recommend that you execute the Final Order, as settlement of this matter, under the terms of the CAFO, without a hearing, is in the best interest of the Agency.