Code of Virginia - Title 10.1 Conservation - Section 10.1-559.4 (Repealed effective October 1, 2008) Issuance of corrective orders

§ 10.1-559.4. (Repealed effective October 1, 2008) Issuance of corrective orders

A. If any owner or operator who has been issued a notice under § 10.1-559.3 fails to submit an agricultural stewardship plan, begin actively implementing the plan, complete implementation of the plan, or maintain the stewardship measures as provided in § 10.1-559.3, the Commissioner shall issue a corrective order to such owner or operator. The order shall require that such activity be accomplished within a stated period of time.

B. A corrective order issued pursuant to subsection A shall be issued only after an informal fact-finding conference, with reasonable notice being given to the owner or operator, or both, of the time, place and purpose thereof, and shall become effective not less than five days after date of delivery to the last known address as provided in subsection C. The corrective order shall be suspended pending appeal by the recipient made within five days after delivery of such order to the last known address of the owner or operator.

C. The Commissioner shall mail a copy of the corrective order by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent to the last known address of the owner or operator, or by personal delivery by an agent of the Commonwealth.

D. Notwithstanding other provisions of this article, if the Commissioner determines that a recurring polluting condition which is the subject of an approved plan is occurring or that an emergency condition exists due to runoff from an agricultural activity which is causing or is likely to cause an imminent or substantial danger to (i) the public health, safety or welfare or to the health of animals, fish or aquatic life; (ii) a public water supply; or (iii) recreational, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other beneficial uses, the Commissioner may issue, without advance notice, informal fact-finding conference or hearing, an emergency corrective order. Such order may direct the owner or operator of the agricultural activity, or both, to cease immediately all or part of the agricultural activity, and to implement specified stewardship measures or any necessary emergency measures within a stated period of time. Following the issuance of an emergency corrective order, the Commissioner shall provide the opportunity for a hearing or an informal fact-finding conference, after reasonable notice as to the time and place thereof, to the owner or operator, for the purpose of affirming, modifying, amending or canceling the emergency corrective order.

E. The Commissioner shall not issue a corrective order to any land owner or operator if the person is:

1. Actively implementing the agricultural stewardship plan which has been reviewed by the district in which the agricultural activity is located and approved by the Commissioner, or

2. Actively implementing stewardship measures that have failed to prevent pollution, if the Commissioner determines that the pollution is a direct result of unusual weather events or other exceptional circumstances which could not have been reasonably anticipated.

(1996, c. 773; 2000, c. 973.)

Sections:  Previous  10.1-556  10.1-557  10.1-558  10.1-559  10.1-559.1  10.1-559.2  10.1-559.3  10.1-559.4  10.1-559.5  10.1-559.6  10.1-559.7  10.1-559.8  10.1-559.9  10.1-559.10  10.1-559.11  Next

Last modified: April 16, 2009