Source: https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/titles/8/chapters/1/subchapters/II/
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 23:09:59+00:00

Document:
D.C. Law Library - Subchapter II. Water Pollution Control.
↪ Subchapter II. Water Pollution Control.
Subchapter I-A. Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection.
Subchapter II-A. Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fertilizer Act.
Subchapter II. Water Pollution Control.
§ 8–103.02. Discharge of pollutants prohibited; exception.
§ 8–103.03. Protection of aquatic life.
§ 8–103.03a. Fishing License Fund.
§ 8–103.04. Classification of beneficial uses of waters.
§ 8–103.05. Monitoring for compliance with subchapter.
§ 8–103.06. Certain discharges permitted; terms of permit; additional enforcement procedures; effect of federal permit; public hearing on permit; special requirements for treatment facilities; permits for industrial discharges; certain discharges from watercraft prohibited.
§ 8–103.07. Location of discharge; recognition of reduction of pollutants; restrictions on quantity of materials discharged; discharge of used motor oil to sewer prohibited.
§ 8–103.08. Discharge of pollutant from vessel or onshore or offshore facility; removal of these pollutants; contingency plan for environmental emergencies.
§ 8–103.09. Accounting for revenues and expenses of pollutant removal; available funds for future years; District of Columbia Wetland and Stream Mitigation Trust Fund.
§ 8–103.09b. Stormwater In-Lieu Fee Payment Fund.
§ 8–103.09c. Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Fund.
§ 8–103.09d. Stormwater Fees Fund.
§ 8–103.10. Spill prevention and cleanup plan for onshore or offshore facility; discharge from underground facility; testing of underground tanks for leaks.
§ 8–103.11. Water quality management plan.
§ 8–103.12. Mayor authorized to issue research grants.
§ 8–103.13. Mayor authorized to regulate construction.
§ 8–103.13a. Well construction, maintenance, and abandonment.
§ 8–103.13b. Fees, reimbursements, and costs.
§ 8–103.14. Use of sludge from treatment facilities.
§ 8–103.15. Subpoena and inspection powers of Mayor.
§ 8–103.17. Enforcement of subchapter.
§ 8–103.19. Private rights of action permitted; prior notice to Mayor; regulations and investigations concerning reported violations.
(1) “Act” means the Water Pollution Control Act of 1984.
(1A) “Abandon” means to cease using a functioning well, to fill or plug a well to render it unproductive, to permanently disconnect a well from a water system, to allow a well to fall into a state of disrepair so extensive that it is impractical to obtain ground water, or to fail to renew a permit pursuant to § 8-103.13a within 90 days after expiration.
(2) “Aquatic animals and plants” and “aquatic life” mean the animals and plants which have typically lived in or otherwise established as a habitat the waters of the District of Columbia.
(3) “Combined sewer” means a sewer which conveys both sanitary sewage and storm water and may also convey industrial wastewater.
(4) “Criteria” means any of the group of physical, chemical, biological, and radiological water quality parameters and the associated numerical concentrations or levels which compose the numerical standards of the water quality standards and which define a component of the quality of the water needed for a designated beneficial use.
(5) “Discharge” means the spilling, leaking, releasing, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, or dumping of any pollutant or hazardous substance, including a discharge from a storm sewer, into or so that it may enter District of Columbia waters.
(6) “District” means the District of Columbia.
(7) “Dredge and fill activity” means the removal of dirt, sediment, sand, gravel, rock, or other solid matter from the underwater lands, and the placement of solid or semi-solid material into the waters of the District so that the material is or may be deposited on the underwater lands; the placement of pipelines, electrical cables, communication lines, tunnels, bulkheads, riprap, structural members of bridges, buildings, piers, and other facilities, and other man-made objects into the waters of the District or the underwater lands. The following activities are excluded: Federal or District navigational aids, permitted discharges of wastewater, removal of floating debris, stormwater discharges, recreational activities of individual private citizens other than mechanized mineral recovery, and the removal of materials accidentally placed in the waters of the District.
(8) “Federal Water Pollution Control Act” means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 466 et seq. [transferred; see now 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.].
(9) “Groundwater” means underground water, but excludes water in pipes, tanks, and other containers created or set up by people.
(10) “Hazardous substance” means any toxic pollutant referenced in or designated in or pursuant to § 307(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; any substance designated pursuant to § 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; or any hazardous waste having the characteristics of those identified under or listed pursuant to the District of Columbia Hazardous Waste Management Act of 1977, as amended.
(11) “Industrial wastewater” means water that has been used and contains pollutants but does not contain significant amounts of human body waste and disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
(12) “Mayor” means the Mayor of the District of Columbia or any representative or agency designated by the Mayor to carry out the provisions of this subchapter.
(13) “Nonpoint source” means any source from which pollutants are or may be discharged other than a point source.
(14) “Offshore facility” means vessels, pipelines, and other equipment operated in the District of Columbia waters.
(15) “Onshore facility” means equipment, instruments, buildings, vehicles, or other structures not in the water.
(16) “Owner” or “operator” means for a vessel or onshore or offshore facilities, a person owning, operating, or chartering by demise the vessel or the facilities, except that, for the purpose of §§ 8-103.13a and 8-103.13b, the term “owner” means a person who has the legal right to construct a well for personal use or for the use of another person.
(17) “Person” means any individual, including any owner or operator as defined in this section; partnership; corporation, including a government corporation; trust association; firm; joint stock company; organization; commission; the District or federal government; or any other entity.
(18) “Point source” means any discrete source of quantifiable pollutants, including but not limited to a municipal treatment facility discharge, residential, commercial or industrial waste discharge or a combined sewer overflow; or any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged.
(19) “Pollutant” means any substance which may alter or interfere with the restoration or maintenance of the chemical, physical, radiological, and biological integrity of the waters of the District; or any dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemicals, chemical wastes, hazardous wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, oil, gasoline and related petroleum products, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural wastes.
(20) “Sanitary sewage” or “municipal wastewater” means draining or flushing liquids used to flush or rinse away human body waste from people, liquids used for washing and other household activities, and other liquids or rinsed away waste which may have been contaminated with disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
(21) “Sanitary sewer” means a sewer for waste materials, but not one for rain water.
(22) “Sludge” means the solid or semi-solid material removed from wastewater during treatment, including but not limited to grit, screenings, grease, oil, settleable solids, and chemicals added to the treatment processes.
(23) “Treatment facility” means the plant, the equipment, and the operations used to eliminate pollutants in wastewater, and includes the facilities and the activities administering to or supplying the treatment of wastewater.
(23A) “Underground injection” means discharging any substance through a well into ground water, or into the subsurface where the substance has the potential to enter the waters of the District.
(24) “Underwater land” means the land beneath the waters of the District at mean high tide or the ordinary high waterline or the elevation of the highest water stage that occurs at a frequency of once per year.
(25) “Wastewater” means the waters which have been removed from their normal course or place and have been used in a manner that pollutants have been added or increased during the use, or have been altered so that discharge into the waters of the District may result in pollution.
(26) “Waters of the District” or “District waters” means flowing and still bodies of water, whether artificial or natural, whether underground or on land, so long as in the District of Columbia, but excludes water on private property prevented from reaching underground or land watercourses, and also excludes water in closed collection or distribution systems.
(26A) “Well” means any test hole, shaft, or soil excavation created by any means including, but not limited to, drilling, coring, boring, washing, driving, digging, or jetting, for purposes including, but not limited to, locating, testing, diverting, artificially recharging, or withdrawing fluids, or for the purpose of underground injection.
(27) “Wetland” means a marsh, swamp or other area periodically inundated by tides or having saturated soil conditions for prolonged periods of time and capable of supporting aquatic vegetation.
This section is referenced in § 2-1226.40 and § 8-103.16.
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(a) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(a) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
Short title of subtitle B of title VI of Law 15-39: Section 611 of D.C. Law 15-39 provided that subtitle B of title VI of the act may be cited as the Water Pollution Control Amendment Act of 2003.
The “Water Pollution Control Act of 1984,” referred to in paragraph (1) of this section, is D.C. Law 5-188.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, referred to in paragraph (8), is now codified at 33 U.S.C § 1251 et seq.
“Section 307(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,” referred to in paragraph (10) of this section, is codified as 33 U.S.C. § 1317 (a).
“Section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,” referred to in paragraph (10) of this section, is classified as 33 U.S.C. § 1321(b)(2)(A).
Spring Valley Scientific Advisory Panel, see Mayor’s Order 2001-32, March 1, 2001 ( 48 DCR 2387).
Delegation of authority pursuant to D.C. Law 5-188, see Mayor’s Order 85-152, September 12, 1985.
Delegation of authority pursuant to D.C. Law 5-188, the “Water Pollution Control Act of 1984”, see Mayor’s Order 98-50, April 15, 1998 ( 45 DCR 2696).
Except as provided in § 8-103.06, no person shall discharge a pollutant to the waters of the District.
(a) While regulating against water pollution and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Mayor shall protect aquatic animals and plants, and shall preserve and restore aquatic life in District waters for aesthetic enjoyment, for recreation, and for industry.
(b)(1) The Mayor shall study the number and the well-being of aquatic plants and animals, and shall determine the need to license or otherwise limit fishing and other forms of hunting, sports or industry which take or destroy aquatic life or the aquatic habitat. The Mayor shall consider the economic impact upon the various segments of the public before establishing fees for licenses.
(2) No person shall hunt, fish, capture, intentionally harm or attempt to hunt, fish, capture, or intentionally harm fish in District waters, except while in physical possession of a license issued by the Mayor. The Mayor may establish and modify, through administrative orders, the seasons, methods, species, and allowable volume of take for fishing; provided, that if the Mayor issues an administrative order pursuant to this paragraph, the Mayor, pursuant to Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall first issue rules outlining how the administrative orders will be made public, which shall include a website where the public may access up-to-date information about seasons, methods, species, and volume of take authorized pursuant to this section.
(c) The Mayor may enter into agreements with state and federal agencies to manage and protect aquatic life.
(d) The Mayor may protect against aquatic life which creates a nuisance in the District.
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Water Pollution Control Emergency Amendment Act of 2004 (D.C. Act 15-655, December 29, 2004, 52 DCR 477).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Water Pollution Control Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2005 (D.C. Act 16-54, March 17, 2005, 52 DCR 3172).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Water Pollution Control Emergency Amendment Act of 2005 (D.C. Act 16-201, November 17, 2005, 52 DCR 10509).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Water Pollution Control Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2006 (D.C. Act 16-280, February 27, 2006, 53 DCR 1626).
For temporary (225 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Water Pollution Control Temporary Amendment Act of 2004 (D.C. Law 15-321, April 8, 2005, law notification 52 DCR 4710).
(a) There is established as a special fund the Fishing License Fund ("Fund"), which shall be administered by the Mayor in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Proceeds from the sale of fishing licenses or licensure endorsements, including proceeds collected pursuant to part A of subchapter III of Chapter 22 of this title, shall be deposited into the Fund.
(c) Monies deposited into the Fund shall be used solely for the administration and management of the District's fish and wildlife resources by the agency responsible for protecting and managing those resources.
(d)(1) The money deposited into the Fund shall not revert to the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time.
(2) Subject to authorization in an approved budget and fiscal plan, any funds appropriated in the Fund shall be continually available without regard to fiscal year limitation.
(a) At least once every 3 years, the Mayor shall review the water quality standards and if appropriate revise the classification of the beneficial uses of the waters and the criteria for water needed for the particular classes of beneficial uses.
(b) The classifications and the criteria shall accompany guidelines for preserving the waters for the beneficial uses and for preventing harm to the water quality.
(c) Before promulgating the classifications, criteria, and guidelines, the Mayor shall consider the environmental, technological, institutional, and socio-economic impact of applying and enforcing them.
(d) The Mayor shall regularly monitor District waters, according to their classification under subsection (a) of this section, to determine whether the water fulfills the quality standards established under this subchapter.
(a) The Mayor shall ensure that all monitoring for compliance under this subchapter acquires accurate data and forms the basis for valid and reliable determinations.
(b) Monitoring for compliance as a condition for a permit under this subchapter shall comply with a quality assurance plan approved by the Mayor.
(4) Allow underground injection, except for any hazardous waste as defined by § 8-1302(2), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(B) Removing pollutants with control technology.
(c)(1) If the Mayor limits pollution from nonpoint sources under subsection (a)(2) of this section, then the regulation of the nonpoint sources shall apply to real estate construction and development.
(2) Before any real estate construction takes place, the person performing the construction or the development shall obtain a permit for controlling pollution from the nonpoint source.
(d) Before any permit is issued under subsection (a)(1), (3), or (4) of this section, or any federal permit is certified under subsection (j) of this section, the Mayor may require the person seeking the permit or certification to perform studies to ensure conformance with this subchapter.
(e)(1) The permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed 5 years and may be renewed for up to 5-year increments; provided the Mayor may by regulation provide for modification, revocation and reissuance, and termination of permits.
(2) If the permittee timely files a complete application for renewal according to the renewal terms of the permit, then, during any delay before the permit is renewed, the Mayor may extend the validity of the expired permit for 6-month periods until the renewal takes place.
(f)(1) If an affected state protests against a permit or a term in a permit, then the Mayor shall include the protest in the record concerning the application for the permit and shall duly consider the protest.
(2) The Mayor shall deliver to the United States Environmental Protection Agency a copy of the protest and the Mayor’s preliminary determination concerning the protest.
(2) Require the permittee to submit for approval a plan to eliminate the violation and in this plan describe the personnel, engineering, and the operations necessary to eliminate any further violation of this subchapter.
(3) The permittee has submitted a timely and complete application for a District permit; and, the Mayor, through no fault of the permittee, does not issue a new permit on or before the expiration date of the previous permit.
(i) Before issuing any permit, the Mayor shall provide notice of the intent to issue the permit and the opportunity for a public hearing.
(j) Before a federal permit is issued, the Mayor shall certify whether the permit conforms with this subchapter, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the related regulations.
(k)(1) Treatment facilities shall keep and have available a current manual describing the operation and maintenance procedures for the facility.
(2) The Mayor shall periodically inspect and monitor permitted facilities to evaluate the operation and maintenance of the facility.
(l) The Mayor may issue permits for industrial discharges to sanitary sewers flowing to municipal treatment facilities.
(m) The discharge of sanitary sewage, wash or process water, oil laden bilge water, refuse, or litter from watercraft is prohibited.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.02, § 8-103.09, and § 8-103.13b.
D.C. Law 15-39, in subsec. (a), made a nonsubstantive change in par. (2), rewrote par. (3), and added par. (4); and rewrote subsec. (d).
D.C. Law 15-354, in subsecs. (b)(2) and (d), validated previously made technical corrections.
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(b) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(b) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, referred to in subsections (b)(1) and (j), is codified at 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.
(a) While pollution from point sources into storm sewers shall be considered discharges into District waters, the location of the discharge of the storm sewer wastewater into the waters of the District or other jurisdictions shall be the location of the discharge for any permit issued by the Mayor.
(b) Except for loss of heat, no reduction of pollutants in the discharged wastewater while flowing in the storm sewer will be recognized by the Mayor.
(c) No person shall discharge to a sanitary or combined sewer any material in a quantity which would interfere with or pass through a municipal treatment facility or a unit process of the facility, cause or contribute to a violation of any permit or water quality standard, or interfere with the potential to use sludge for a beneficial purpose.
(d) The discharge of oil, gasoline, anti-freeze, acid, or other hazardous substance, pollutant or nuisance material to any street, alley, sidewalk or other public space in quantities sufficient to constitute a hazard or nuisance is prohibited.
(e) The discharge of used motor oil to any sewer is prohibited.
(a)(1) A person in charge of a vessel or an onshore or an offshore facility shall, as soon as a discharge of a pollutant from the vessel or the facility has been discovered, notify the Mayor about the discharge.
(2) Notice or information resulting from the notice shall not be used against a person in a criminal case, except a prosecution for perjury or for giving a false statement.
(b) Whenever there is a discharge or a substantial threat of discharge into the waters of the District of a hazardous substance, or there is a discharge or substantial threat of discharge into the waters of the District of a pollutant which may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare, including danger to the livelihood of members of the public health or welfare, the Mayor is authorized to act to remove or arrange for the removal of the pollutant, and the Corporation Counsel of the District may bring suit on behalf of the District in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or any other court of competent jurisdiction to restrain immediately any person causing or contributing to a discharge or threat of discharge, to recover any costs of removal incurred by the District, to impose civil penalties or to seek any other relief as the public interest may require.
(c)(1) By September 1, 1985, the Mayor shall establish a contingency plan for responding to environmental emergencies pursuant to the authority granted in this section.
(G) Establish or cooperate in a system for state and local coordination.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.09, § 8-103.16, and § 8-103.17.
(a)(1) The Mayor shall establish a financial system to account for revenues and expenses associated with removing pollutants.
(2) Civil penalties and other charges recovered under §§ 8-103.15 through 8-103.19 shall finance the pollution removal when the person responsible for the pollution cannot be found and the Mayor determines that the pollution should be removed, and may be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the § 8-103.08(c) plan.
(3) Agencies may be reimbursed after incurring expenses for removing or preventing the spread of pollution.
(b) After reimbursements and discretionary equipment purchases under subsection (a) of this section at the end of the fiscal year, the Mayor shall make available for use in future years subsection (a)(2) of this section funds up to $250,000.
(d)(1) The District of Columbia Wetland and Stream Mitigation Trust Fund (“Wetland Fund”) is hereby established as a nonlapsing, revolving fund pursuant to an act of Congress, to be administered by the Mayor and used for restoration, creation, and enhancement of wetlands and the waters of the District. The money deposited into the Fund shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time. Subject to authorization in an approved budget and financial plan, any funds appropriated in the Fund shall be continually available without regard to fiscal year limitation.
(2) The Wetland Fund shall be financed by payments received to mitigate the damage to or destruction of habitat pursuant to § 8-103.06(a)(3).
(3) The Wetland Fund shall be accounted for under the procedures established pursuant to subchapter V of Chapter 3 of Title 47, and any other applicable law.
(4) The Mayor may use the Wetland Fund to repair or replace aquatic habitat that is damaged or destroyed by activities in wetlands or on underwater lands including, but not limited to, dredge and fill activity, or construction activities.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.06.
D.C. Law 15-39, in the section heading, substituted “District of Columbia Wetland and Stream Mitigation Trust Fund” for “District of Columbia Water Pollution Control Fund”; repealed subsec. (c); and added subsec. (d).
D.C. Law 15-354, in the section heading, validated previously made technical corrections.
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 6062 of Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-167, Oct. 24, 2017, 64 DCR 10802).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 6062 of Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2017 (D.C. Act 22-104, July 20, 2017, 64 DCR 7032).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(c) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(c) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
“Sec. 9087. Adjudication Hearings (Air Quality) Fund.
“Notwithstanding any other law, the funds which are deposited in the fund designated for accounting purposes by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer as fund 0664 within the District Department of the Environment pursuant to the Water Pollution Control Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-188; D.C. Official Code § 8-103.01 et seq.), shall be deposited in the General Fund of the District of Columbia and shall not be accounted for by a separate fund or account within the General Fund of the District of Columbia. Any unexpended funds in the fund on the effective date of this subtitle shall be transferred to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia.
“Sec. 9088. Adjudication Hearings (Water Quality) Fund.
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 612(d) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 612(d) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
(a) There is established as a special fund the Stormwater In-Lieu Fee Payment Fund (“In-Lieu Fee Fund”), which shall be administered by the Mayor in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) The In-Lieu Fee Fund shall consist of revenue from payments to the In-Lieu Fee Fund to achieve stormwater retention obligations of regulated properties, as required by the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit issued to the District by the Environmental Protection Agency.
(c) The In-Lieu Fee Fund shall be used for the installation, operation, and maintenance of stormwater retention facilities.
(d)(1) The money deposited into the In-Lieu Fee Fund, and interest earned, shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time.
(2) Subject to authorization by Congress, any funds appropriated in the In-Lieu Fee Fund shall be continually available without regard to fiscal year limitation.
(e) The District Department of the Environment shall publish on its website at least annually a report which includes a description of how revenues are spent from the In-Lieu Fee Fund and Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund, established by subchapter I-A of this chapter [§ 8-102.01 et seq.].
(4) For each of the stormwater retention facilities installed using In-Lieu Fee Fund dollars, the type of best management practices used by the facility, the gallons per year of stormwater volume achieved by the facility, the sub-drainage or watershed location of the facility, and a summary of the capital and maintenance costs of the project.
For temporary (90 days) addition of this section, see § 6022 of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-130, July 30, 2013, 60 DCR 11384, 20 DCSTAT 1827).
For temporary (90 days) addition of this section, see § 6022 of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-204, October 17, 2013, 60 DCR 15341, 20 DCSTAT 2311).
Section 6021 of D.C. Law 20-61 provided that Subtitle C of Title VI of the act may be cited as the “Stormwater In-Lieu Fee Special Purpose Revenue Fund Amendment Act of 2013”.
(a) There is established as a special fund the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Fund ("Fund"), which shall be administered by the Director of the Department of Energy and Environment in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Revenue collected under this subchapter from the Department of Energy and Environment's review of construction plans for erosion and sediment control shall be deposited in the Fund.
(c) Money in the Fund shall be used for the purposes of supporting and administering the soil erosion and sediment control programs of the Department of Energy and Environment.
(d)(1) The money deposited into the Fund shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time.
For temporary (90-day) creation of this section, see § 6042 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2017, effective October 24, 2017 (D.C. Act 22-167; 64 DCR 10802).
For temporary (90-day) creation of this section, see § 6042 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2017, effective July 20, 2017 (D.C. Act 22-104; 64 DCR 7032).
(a) There is established as a special fund the Stormwater Fees Fund ("Fund"), which shall be administered by the Director of the Department of Energy and Environment in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) Revenue collected under this subchapter from the Department of Energy and Environment's review of construction and grading plans for stormwater management shall be deposited into the Fund.
(c) Money in the Fund shall be used for the purposes of supporting and administering the stormwater management programs of the Department of Energy and Environment.
For temporary (90-day) creation of this section, see § 6052 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2017, effective October 24, 2017 (D.C. Act 22-167; 64 DCR 10802).
For temporary (90-day) creation of this section, see § 6052 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2017, effective July 20, 2017 (D.C. Act 22-104; 64 DCR 7032).
Section 6063 of D.C. Law 22-33 provided that this section shall apply as of September 30, 2017.
(a)(1) No person shall store a pollutant or hazardous substance at an onshore or offshore facility until the Mayor has approved a spill prevention and cleanup plan for the pollutant or hazardous substance.
(2) The plan shall describe the procedures and the equipment, as well as the personnel preparations, for preventing and cleaning up a spill of the pollutant into District waters.
(b)(1) If information indicates that a discharge exists from an underground facility then the Mayor may require the owner or operator to monitor to determine if the discharge exists and the extent of the discharge.
(2) The Mayor may also require the owner or operator to remove and prevent the spread of the discharge.
(c) The owner or operator of an underground storage tank containing oil, gasoline, or any other pollutant shall test the tank at regular intervals for leaks in conformity with the requirements of subchapter VII of this chapter.
(a) The Mayor shall establish a water quality management plan according with which activities regulated under this subchapter shall comply.
(b) The plan should include pollution control alternatives, evaluation of the attainment of the water quality standards, the population affected, the costs of implementing the plan, the designation of agencies to implement the various portions of the plan, and the benefits of implementing the plan.
(c) The plan shall be reviewed periodically.
(d) The Mayor may certify that water quality management plans from the state, the local, or the federal government are acceptable.
(e) The Mayor shall review environmental impact statements and assessments, feasibility studies, facility plans, and other proposals in order to determine if the activity conforms with the water quality management plans of the District.
The Mayor may issue grants for research concerning the quality of the District waters to universities and institutions.
Extension of authority: The authority of the Mayor to issue grants under this section was extended to both the Department of Regulatory Affairs and the Department of Public Works by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1987, effective July 3, 1987.
Delegation of authority pursuant to Law 5-188, see Mayor’s Order 87-278, December 11, 1987.
(a) The Mayor may regulate construction that bears upon the quality of the waters of the District.
(b) No person shall construct a treatment facility which has not been approved by the Mayor before construction begins.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, no person may construct a well without first obtaining a permit subject to the terms, conditions, or restrictions the Mayor deems necessary including the right to inspect the permittee’s property during reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, to ensure compliance with this subchapter or any rules promulgated thereunder. A permit issued pursuant to this subsection shall be valid for a period of 2 years after the date of issue. The Mayor may issue rules for modifying, revoking, reissuing, or terminating permits.
(b) The owner of a well shall maintain the well in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Mayor.
(c) A person shall provide at least 30 days written notice to the Mayor before abandoning the well. Within 30 days of the date of this notice, the person shall seal and fill the well pursuant to rules issued by the Mayor. A person who fails to renew a permit within 90 days after the expiration date of the permit shall be deemed to have provided notice of abandoning the well and shall seal and fill the well within 120 days of the permit’s expiration date.
(d) The Mayor may create categories of wells and exempt certain categories of wells from the requirements of this section and § 8-103.13b.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.01, § 8-103.13b, and § 8-103.16.
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 612(e) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 612(e) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
(a) The Mayor shall establish a schedule of fees for permits required by § 8-103.13a.
(b) The Mayor may require reimbursement of costs for services including, inspections, sample collection, or document review pursuant to § 8-103.13a.
(c) The Mayor may charge a fee for any permit issued pursuant to § 8-103.06.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.01 and § 8-103.13a.
(a) The Mayor may review and, as appropriate, approve studies, plans and specifications, operating manuals, and procedures for the disposal or use of sludge from treatment facilities and shall issue construction or operation permits.
(b) If the use of the sludge involves distribution to the public, then a distribution permit will also be required specifying the quality control and health protection conditions which must be met prior to distribution.
(c) For sludge originating outside of the District, a permit by reciprocity may be issued based upon an evaluation of the regulations of the originating state.
(a) The Mayor may issue a subpoena to compel the presentation of information pertinent to the regulation of the quality of District waters. If any person neglects or refuses to obey the subpoena, the Mayor may invoke the aid of a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with the subpoena. The court may issue an order requiring the subpoenaed person to appear before the Mayor to produce the information requested. The court may punish any failure to obey an order issued pursuant to this subsection as a contempt thereof.
(3) Inspect and copy any record, report, information, or test result required to be maintained pursuant to the rules issued pursuant to this subchapter.
(c) If the Mayor is denied access to any place, that reasonably relates to the regulation of the quality of District waters, the Mayor may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a search warrant.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.09.
D.C. Law 15-39, rewrote subsecs. (a) and (b); and added subsec. (c).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(f) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(f) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
(a)(1) A person who willfully or negligently violates this subchapter or the regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(2) The person shall be fined at least $2,500 or no more than $25,000 for each day of the violation, imprisoned for no more than 1 year, or both fined and imprisoned according to this paragraph, except that any person who violates § 8-103.13a, or the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for no more than 90 days, or both.
(3) If the person has been previously convicted under this subsection, then the person shall be fined at least $2,500 or no more than $50,000 for each day of the violation, imprisoned for no more than 2 years, or both fined and imprisoned according to this paragraph, except that any person who violates § 8-103.13a, or the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for no more than one year, or both.
(b)(1) Any person who knowingly makes a false statement in an application, record, report, plan, or other document maintained under this subchapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(2) The person shall be fined no more than $10,000, imprisoned no more than 6 months, or both fined and imprisoned according to this paragraph.
(c) Any person who violates § 8-103.08(a)(1) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the term “person” shall mean, in addition to the definition contained in § 8-103.01, any responsible corporate officer.
(e) The Corporation Counsel shall prosecute violations of this subchapter in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or any other court of competent jurisdiction.
(f) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this subchapter, or any rules or regulations issued under the authority of this subchapter, pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2. Adjudication of any infraction shall be pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2.
D.C. Law 15-39, in subsec. (a), inserted “except that any person who violates § 8-103.14a, or the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for no more than 90 days, or both” before the period in par. (2), and inserted “except that any person who violates § 8-103.14a, or the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for no more than one year, or both” before the period in par. (3).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(g) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-105, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5613).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 612(g) of Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-149, September 22, 2003, 50 DCR 8360).
(a) When the Mayor has reason to believe that a person has violated this subchapter or regulations or orders established under this subchapter, the Mayor shall enforce this subchapter by use of any measure, or combination of measures, authorized by this subchapter; provided, however, that a person shall not, for the same violation, be assessed a civil penalty through both the judicial and the administrative processes.
(C) Set a deadline for the person’s compliance with the commands under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph.
(2)(A) The Mayor shall with the order notify the person that the person has a right to timely challenge the order at a hearing before the Mayor, where the hearing will determine whether the order shall become effective.
(B) The order shall state with reasonable specificity the nature of the violation.
(C) The order shall set forth the corrective or remedial action to be taken.
(D) The order shall clearly explain when it shall become effective.
(E) The order shall clearly state the deadline for the person to request a hearing with the Mayor under subparagraph (F) of this paragraph.
(F) If the person requests a hearing, then the Mayor shall conduct a hearing within 10 days of receiving the request and shall render a decision concerning the order within 10 days of the hearing.
(3) Any compliance order issued by the Mayor may be served personally or by registered mail to the person’s last known address, as shown on the Mayor’s records.
(c)(1) If water quality sufficient for a designated beneficial use of the water quality standards is not being attained or maintained and there is reason to believe that the use represents a health hazard to the public, the Mayor shall issue an order forbidding the use.
(G) The measures needed to implement the order and to improve the water quality.
(d)(1) A civil penalty under § 8-103.18(b)(2) may be assessed by the Mayor after the Mayor notifies and provides an opportunity for a hearing to the person charged with the violation.
(C) The extent of the success in mitigating the effects of the discharge.
(e) Except where an owner or operator can prove that an unauthorized discharge was caused solely by (1) an act of God, (2) negligence on the part of the District, (3) an act of war, (4) an act or omission of a 3rd party, or (5) any combination of the foregoing causes, an owner or operator of any vessel or onshore or offshore facility from which a hazardous substance or pollutant is discharged shall be liable for the full costs of removal, or for the cost of any assistance provided or arranged by the Mayor, in accordance with § 8-103.08(b), and for such amount as represents the damage to water quality and the aquatic life, in addition to any civil penalty.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.18.
(a)(1) The Mayor is authorized to institute a civil action for a prohibitory or mandatory injunction or other appropriate relief by way of a temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, or other judicial decree.
(2) The action shall be brought in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or any other court of competent jurisdiction.
(3) In any action under this subsection, upon a showing that any person is violating or is about to violate any provision of this subchapter or any regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter or any order, permit, or permit condition established according to this subchapter, the court may grant an injunction without requiring a showing of a lack of an adequate remedy at law.
(b)(1) For violations of this subchapter or related regulations or orders, the Mayor may bring civil action in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or any other court of competent jurisdiction.
(2)(A) A person who violates the laws referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $50,000 for each violation; provided, that the Mayor may adjust this civil penalty by rulemaking to account for inflation.
(B) A person who willfully violates the laws referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $250,000 for each violation.
(iv) The nature and the extent of success in the person’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the discharge.
(3) If the Mayor does not apply the administrative remedy under § 8-103.17(d)(1), then the Mayor may bring suit in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or any other court of competent jurisdiction to charge the penalty described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(4) Each violation of the laws referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be considered a separate offense.
This section is referenced in § 8-103.17.
(2) The Mayor has not within the 90-day period either taken reasonable action to bring the alleged violator into compliance or initiated enforcement proceedings in accordance with this subchapter.
(b)(1) The Mayor shall promulgate regulations for receiving and ensuring proper consideration of information submitted by the public about violations.
(2) The Mayor shall investigate and provide a written response to all reports submitted in accord with the procedures promulgated pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3) The Mayor shall not oppose intervention by any citizen in a civil action brought pursuant to this section.
(4) Before settlement of any enforcement action brought pursuant to this section the Mayor shall publish notice of the proposed settlement in the District of Columbia Register and shall allow at least 30 days for public comment.
The Mayor shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2.
This section is referenced in § 2-1226.40b.

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