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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 20.58.02.05" title_num="20" subtitle_num="58" chapter_num="02" heading="Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV).">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>General.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Division may issue to an operator an NOPV upon finding good cause to believe a violation of the federal pipeline safety laws under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 or Public Utilities Article, §§11-201—11-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, has occurred.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An NOPV may contain a proposed compliance order.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An operator shall respond to the Division in writing within 30 days after receipt of an NOPV.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The Commission may waive the requirements of §A(3) of this regulation after a written request from an operator demonstrating sufficient cause.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Contents of the Notice of Probable Violation. An NOPV shall include:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A statement identifying the statute, regulation, or rule allegedly violated by an operator;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A description of the evidence indicating a possible violation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Notice of response options available to the operator;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>If appropriate, the amount of the proposed civil penalty and the maximum civil penalty applicable under law; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If appropriate, a statement of the required remedial action.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Response Options. An operator shall respond to an NOPV as follows:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If an NOPV contains a proposed compliance order, an operator may:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Agree to the proposed compliance order;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Request the execution of a consent order;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Object to the proposed compliance order and submit a written explanation, information, or other material in answer to the allegations in the notice; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Request a hearing under Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If an NOPV contains a proposed civil penalty, an operator may:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Pay the penalty;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Submit a compromise to the proposed civil penalty;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Object to the proposed civil penalty and submit a written explanation, information, or other material to mitigate the proposed civil penalty; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Request a hearing under Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>