§190.207. Notice of probable violation. — Inbound Citations

(2) In cases commenced under § 190.207, the notice of probable violation and the violation report;

(a) In an enforcement proceeding commenced under § 190.207, an attorney from the Office of Chief Counsel prepares a recommended decision after expiration of the 30-day response period prescribed in § 190.208. If a hearing is held, the Presiding Official prepares the recommended decision as set forth in § 190.211. The recommended decision is forwarded to the Associate Administrator who considers the case file and issues a final order. The final order includes—

(1) A statement of findings and determinations on all material issues, including a determination as to whether each alleged violation has been proved;

(2) If a civil penalty is assessed, the amount of the penalty and the procedures for payment of the penalty, provided that the assessed civil penalty may not exceed the penalty proposed in the notice of probable violation; and

(3) If a compliance order is issued, a statement of the actions required to be taken by the respondent and the time by which such actions must be accomplished.

When a Regional Director has reason to believe that a person is engaging in conduct that violates 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq., 33 U.S.C. 1321(j), or any regulation or order issued thereunder, and if the nature of the violation and the public interest so warrant, the Regional Director may initiate proceedings under §§ 190.207 through 190.213 to determine the nature and extent of the violations and for the issuance of an order directing compliance.

When a Regional Director has reason to believe that a person has committed an act violating 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq., 33 U.S.C. 1321(j), or any regulation or order issued thereunder, the Regional Director may initiate proceedings under §§ 190.207 through 190.213 to determine the nature and extent of the violations and appropriate civil penalty.

(g) The Associate Administrator will terminate a corrective action order whenever the Associate Administrator determines that the facility is no longer hazardous to life, property, or the environment. If appropriate, however, a notice of probable violation may be issued under § 190.207.

(f) Nothing in this section precludes PHMSA from issuing a Notice of Probable Violation under § 190.207 or taking other enforcement action if noncompliance is identified at the facilities that are the subject of a safety order proceeding.