5 Tips For Handling a Stormwater Notice of Violation (NOV)

Expert Guidance to Deal with and Prevent Violations

Receiving a Stormwater Notice of Violation (NOV) might feel overwhelming – after all, no one likes getting a letter from authorities that says they are breaking a rule. But the truth is that a Notice of Violation is actually an opportunity to improve your property’s stormwater management system and contribute positively to the environment. By following these five tips, you can quickly and responsibly resolve a NOV.

1. Understand the Notice

The first thing to do when you receive a NOV is to read it carefully. This document may be confusing with terms and regulations you don’t quite understand. However, the notice will actually tell you exactly what issues need to be corrected and how to prove that these corrections were made. Here’s how you can tackle it:

• Read Carefully: Look at all the details provided in the notice. Understand what part of your stormwater system is not compliant and why. Also, make sure it’s clear what authority sent you this notice.
• Ask Questions: If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to reach out to the issuing authority or the team at iSTORMWATER for clarification.

2. Act Quickly

As soon as you understand the reason for the violation, it’s important to take quick action to prevent any further issues and meet the compliance deadline. In many cases, you may have as little as 30 days to correct the issue and submit the correct paperwork. That’s truly not a lot of time especially if you are required to make a substantial repair. Waiting longer than the deadline could result in ecological harm, damage to your property, or costly fines – no property/facilities manager wants to be responsible for that.

• Stop Any Ongoing Issues: If there’s something like illegal dumping or a chemical leak, make sure to stop it immediately.
• Clean Up and Contain: If there are spills or debris, clean them up and contain any contaminants to prevent them from spreading.

These actions show that you’re serious about fixing the problem and that you’re helping to prevent any further environmental damage.

3. Contact iSTORMWATER to Review the Issue

After taking care of any immediate problems, it’s time to come up with a plan to correct the issue. This means contacting a provider that specializes in stormwater management services. Companies like iSTORMWATER know how to work with local authorities, correct issues, create and submit the necessary paperwork, and help you create a management plan to prevent future violations.

• Document the Issue: Take pictures of the property and the stormwater notice of violation you received.
• Schedule a Consultation: Call the team at iSTORMWATER at (443) 230-4721 to schedule a free consultation or survey. It’s helpful to send the pictures and NOV so the team can jump right to it.

Working with a reputable company can save you time, frustration, and money. The iSTORMWATER team has 20+ years of experience working with authorities and customers to correct and prevent stormwater issues in DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina and parts of Pennsylvania.

4. Complete Corrective Actions

Once you have a service partner in place, it’s time to go to work. iSTORMWATER will work with you and local authorities to meet requirements, keep an open line of communication, schedule the work, and provide all necessary documentation to get you in compliance.

• Approve Work: iSTORMWATER will provide a comprehensive plan and quote to address the issues noted in the NOV. Once you understand the plan and ask all the questions you’d like, an approval will put the team to work.
• Schedule Work: The team will schedule the work at a time most convenient for you.
• Archive Your Report: Once the work is completed, you’ll receive a robust report outlining the work and documenting the corrective actions. Submit this report to the authority who issued the NOV and keep a copy for your records.

It’s important to complete the work as requested by the authority who sent the NOV. Cutting corners or attempting to handle the work without professional experience may result in another violation or further damage to your property or the environment.

5. Schedule Routine Servicing & Prevent Future Violations

After addressing the NOV, it’s important to put measures in place to avoid future violations. Proactive management can prevent issues, protect your property, and safeguard the environment. Here’s what you can do:

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections of your stormwater system to catch potential problems early. The frequency of inspections depends on your property and your specific stormwater system.
• Perform Routine Maintenance: Keep up with maintenance tasks like cleaning debris and repairing any damage.
• Update Your Practices: Regularly review and update your best management practices to stay compliant with current regulations.
• Commit to An Extended Service & Maintenance Plan: iSTORMWATER offers long-term plans to keep your property on the up and up. From regular inspections and maintenance to discounts on repairs, the team can proactively act to save you money, prevent violations, and protect your property.

When property/facility managers or HOA/COA boards neglect regular maintenance, repairs and servicing can become a financial burden. Being proactive helps you stay compliant, plan for servicing and maintenance costs, keeps your property in good shape, and helps protect your local watersheds. Staying a step ahead is key.

Get It Done & Get It Done Right

Handling a Stormwater Notice of Violation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the notice, taking immediate action, working with a reputable stormwater management company, completing required work, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can manage the NOV smoothly and effectively.

Remember, addressing a NOV is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting the environment and ensuring your stormwater system functions well. If you need help, iSTORMWATER is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to keep our water clean and our communities thriving.

To learn how iSTORMWATER can assist your business in Maryland, DC or Virginia, please call us or contact us online to schedule a consultation.