16 USC 4307 - Civil penalties

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 4307.

Civil penalties

(a)

Assessment

(1)

The Secretary may issue an order assessing a civil penalty against any person who violates any prohibition contained in this chapter, any regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter, or any permit issued under this chapter. Before issuing such an order, the Secretary shall provide such person written notice and the opportunity to request a hearing on the record within 30 days. Each violation shall be a separate offense, even if such violations occurred at the same time.

(2)

The amount of such civil penalty shall be determined by the Secretary taking into account appropriate factors, including (A) the seriousness of the violation; (B) the economic benefit (if any) resulting from the violation; (C) any history of such violations; and (D) such other matters as the Secretary deems appropriate. The maximum fine permissible under this section is $10,000.

(b)

Judicial review

(c)

Collection

If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty—

(1)

within 30 days after the order was issued under subsection (a), or

(2)

if the order is appealed within such 30-day period, within 10 days after court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary under subsection (b),

the Secretary shall notify the Attorney General and the Attorney General shall bring a civil action in an appropriate United States district court to recover the amount of penalty assessed (plus costs, attorney’s fees, and interest at currently prevailing rates from the date the order was issued or the date of such final judgment, as the case may be). In such an action, the validity, amount, and appropriateness of such penalty shall not be subject to review.

(d)

Subpoenas

(Pub. L. 100–691, § 8, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4550.)

cite as: 16 USC 4307