Opinion ID: 178776
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Administrative Penalty Authority

Text: As noted above, section 402(b) of the CWA requires, as one of the nine criteria specified for the evaluation of a state's proposed program, that the EPA determine whether such submitted program has adequate authority to abate violations of the permit or the permit program, including civil and criminal penalties and other ways and means of enforcement. 33 U.S.C. § 1342(b)(7); see also 40 C.F.R. § 123.27. Petitioners argue that the EPA failed to ensure that the State of Alaska had adequate enforcement tools to abate violations, as required by the CWA. Petitioners point to the fact that state officials lack the ability to assess civil penalties administratively. See Alaska Stat. § 46.03.760(e). Indeed, the State must initiate a legal proceeding to impose a civil penalty against a permit violator. Id. In contrast, under the CWA the EPA may assess civil penalties administratively without a court proceeding. 33 U.S.C. § 1319(g). There is no requirement in the CWA or its regulations that state officials have the authority to impose an administrative penalty, however. The language of the statute says nothing about administrative penalties, and the regulations provide that administrative assessment of penalties by a state are not mandatory [but] highly recommended. 40 C.F.R. § 123.27(c) (Note). Given that the regulation explicitly says that administrative assessments are not mandatory, the lack of authority to impose administrative penalties cannot by itself require the denial of the state's application. Moreover, the EPA has identified two other highly recommended means of enforcement: suing to recover costs related to remedial efforts and suing for compensation for environmental damage, 40 C.F.R. § 123.27.(c) (Note), both of which are expressly permitted by Alaska law. Alaska Stat. § 46.03.760. Since Alaska law enables the State to sue permit violators, there is no reason to conclude that Alaska lacks adequate enforcement remedies.