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The permit will require the facility to sample its discharges and notify EPA and/or the state regulatory agency of these results. Also, the permit will require the facility to notify EPA or the state when the facility determines it is not in compliance with the requirements of a permit. EPA and state regulatory agencies will send inspectors to companies in order to determine if they are in compliance with the conditions imposed under their permits.
Federal laws provide EPA and authorized states with various methods of taking enforcement actions against violators of permit requirements. For example, EPA and state regulatory agencies may issue administrative orders which require facilities to correct violations and that assess monetary penalties. EPA and state agencies may pursue civil and criminal actions that may include mandatory injunctions or penalties, as well as jail sentences for persons found willfully violating requirements and endangering the health and welfare of the public or environment. Further, the general public can enforce permit conditions. If any member of the general public finds that a facility is violating its NPDES permit, that person can independently start a legal action, unless EPA or the state regulatory agency has already taken an enforcement action.