What events trigger a Class I Civil Penalty?

A Class I Civil Penalty is specifically triggered when lower levels of enforcement, such as a Letter of Warning (LOW) or Notice of Violation (NOV), are deemed insufficient to address the situation. This can occur in circumstances where the violations are serious enough that informal actions would not adequately deter future noncompliance or correct the issues at hand.

In the context of pollution response, using a Class I Civil Penalty indicates a significant concern regarding regulatory compliance and emphasizes the importance of maintaining adherence to environmental regulations. The decision to elevate the enforcement action reflects the understanding that more stringent measures are necessary to ensure compliance and protect public health and the environment.

Other options refer to situations that may not adequately justify the imposition of a Class I Civil Penalty, as minor violations or smaller spills typically fall under different handling procedures.