Stormwater Violation Resolution & Prevention
Complying with Stormwater Code & Permits
If you’ve received a letter of non-compliance or a notice of violation (NOV), also called a corrective notice, it’s important to respond quickly and appropriately. Delayed action can lead to fines, increased liability and additional enforcement measures. The sooner you address the issue; the more opportunities you may have to reduce penalties and prevent future compliance concerns.
AQUALIS specializes in resolving stormwater NOVs and helping property owners ensure compliance while minimizing costs, risk and operational disruption.
Understanding Stormwater Violations
The EPA, state agencies and local governments may issue a Stormwater Notice of Violation (NOV) when a property fails to comply with permit requirements or environmental regulations. Violations may be identified during inspections, permit reviews or following complaints.
If you receive a stormwater NOV:
- Review the notice and required corrective actions.
- Document site conditions and address immediate concerns.
- Contact a stormwater compliance professional for guidance.
Taking prompt action can help reduce liability and improve outcomes with regulators.
Most Common Violations in Stormwater Permit Compliance
Many stormwater violations result from routine maintenance and documentation issues. In many cases, violations can be prevented through regular inspections, proper recordkeeping and proactive maintenance. Understanding the most common compliance challenges can help property owners reduce risk and avoid enforcement actions.
- Missed inspections or incomplete records
- Poor maintenance
- Unauthorized discharges or erosion issues
Learn more about common stormwater violations and their consequences.
What to Do If Your Property Receives a Stormwater Notice of Violation (NOV)
Receiving a Stormwater NOV requires immediate attention but does not automatically mean significant penalties. A prompt response can help reduce fines, satisfy regulatory requirements and prevent future violations.
- If you fully understand the reasoning for receiving the NOV, the impact and the necessary corrective actions, then respond to the NOV and regulatory body in writing. Explain the cause, how you plan to clean up the damage and your timeline for doing so, any interim steps you’ve taken, and the full extent of the permanent corrective measures to be taken to prevent future violations.
- If you fully understand the NOV but believe it is unwarranted, you can appeal the violation as detailed in the notice.
- If there’s anything you don’t fully understand, seek the consultation of a professional stormwater management company who can help you understand and fix the cause of the violation.
AQUALIS helps property owners navigate the NOV process, implement corrective actions and restore compliance efficiently.
This property received violations for nuisance vegetation, severe erosion, damaged pipes and missing/damaged fencing.
Stormwater violations are issued to property owners when the stormwater system is not operating as designed.
Resolving Stormwater NOVs
A timely and professional response can help reduce fines, satisfy regulatory requirements and prevent future violations. AQUALIS provides nationwide stormwater violation solutions including site assessments, corrective action planning, regulatory coordination and long-term compliance support. Our team also offers stormwater compliance consulting to help prevent future violations and reduce long-term compliance costs.
Prolong The Life of Your Stormwater System
AQUALIS offers comprehensive maintenance and regular servicing solutions tailored to your property to ensure your stormwater systems operate correctly while extending the life of your investment and avoiding costly NOVs.
Systems We Maintain
Vegetated system designed to hold a permanent volume of water at all times with extra capacity for rain events
Vegetated system designed to hold temporary volumes of water during and following a rain event
Vegetated system designed with specific water quality and quantity aspects to channel runoff while promoting infiltration
Vegetated system designed with highly permeable soils that facilitate infiltration and groundwater recharge
Devices installed at pipe or channel outfalls that convert high-velocity channelized flow into diffused sheet flow for infiltration and removal of particulate pollutants
Outfalls are the drainage or discharge point of a stormwater system. They are designed to convey water away from urban areas.
Underground storage for collecting stormwater. Vaults have a storage capacity that regulates the flow of stormwater as it continues further downstream and off property.
These assets are collection points that allow stormwater runoff to enter stormwater assets where the water can be stored.
Underground infrastructure, also called pipelines, that convey stormwater from one place to another.
Underground systems that utilize technology and innovations to removal trash, debris, sediment and hydrocarbons from stormwater.
An underground SCM that allows stormwater to infiltrate back into the groundwater rather than another SCM or body of water.
Designed systems often retrofitted into storm sewers with storage and pollutant removal capabilities where aboveground SCM may be costly or unviable.
Water Quality NOV- Maynard, Massachusetts
During a routine investigation of the Town’s drainage infrastructure, water quality testing found excess nutrients in the water leaving a retail property in the Town of Maynard, resulting in a violation.
Did you receive an NOV? Have an urgent need? We can help.
Reach out to an AQUALIS representative today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stormwater Violations
What is a Notice of Violation (NOV)?
A Notice of Violation (NOV) is a formal notification issued by a regulatory agency indicating that a property has failed to comply with stormwater regulations, permit requirements or environmental laws. NOVs outline the violation, required corrective actions and response deadlines.
Who can help resolve a stormwater NOV for a commercial property?
AQUALIS helps commercial property owners, facility managers, municipalities and industrial operators resolve Stormwater NOVs through site assessments, corrective action planning, regulatory coordination and long-term compliance support.
What are AQUALIS services that reduce long-term water permit compliance costs for commercial properties?
AQUALIS provides inspections, maintenance programs, permit compliance support, stormwater consulting and infrastructure management services that help reduce risk, prevent violations and lower long-term compliance costs.
What should I do if my commercial property receives a stormwater notice of violation?
Review the notice immediately, document site conditions and address urgent concerns. Learn more in our guide: Handling a Stormwater Notice of Violation (NOV).
Does AQUALIS provide stormwater violation solutions nationwide?
Yes. AQUALIS provides nationwide stormwater violation solutions for commercial properties, municipalities, industrial facilities and multi-site portfolios across the United States.
How can I ensure stormwater compliance for my commercial property?
Routine inspections, preventative maintenance and permit management help reduce the risk of violations. AQUALIS offers stormwater compliance consulting to help property owners maintain compliance.
Who does AQUALIS provide stormwater non-compliance solutions to?
AQUALIS serves municipalities, retail centers, commercial properties, industrial facilities, healthcare campuses, educational institutions and more.
How quickly should a commercial property respond to a stormwater NOV?
Property owners should begin addressing an NOV immediately. Prompt action can help minimize fines, reduce liability and improve outcomes with regulators.
Does AQUALIS provide emergency response for stormwater violations?
Yes. AQUALIS offers stormwater emergency response services for urgent compliance issues and environmental incidents.
What happens if a stormwater violation is not corrected?
Unresolved stormwater violations can result in escalating fines, additional enforcement actions, legal liability and increased environmental impacts.
Do stormwater compliance requirements vary by city or state?
Yes. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and permit type. Visit our stormwater regulations resource to learn more.
What repairs may be needed to resolve a stormwater NOV?
Depending on the violation, repairs may include BMP restoration, erosion control solutions, stormwater infrastructure repairs, sediment removal or drainage system maintenance.
When should a property owner bring in a stormwater compliance partner?
Property owners should seek professional assistance as soon as a violation is identified or an NOV is received. Early involvement often leads to faster resolution and reduced compliance risk.