Notice of Violation (NOV)

A Notice of Violation (NOV) is a legal document issued by a regulatory agency to a person or entity that is believed to be in violation of an environmental law or regulation. The NOV typically includes a description of the alleged violation, the relevant legal authority, and the potential consequences of continued non-compliance. The purpose of the NOV is to provide notice to the violator and to give them an opportunity to correct the violation before further enforcement action is taken. The NOV may require the violator to take specific actions, such as submitting a compliance plan or paying a fine, and it may set a deadline for those actions. NOVs are an important tool in the environmental enforcement process, as they help to ensure that regulated entities are aware of their obligations and are held accountable for any violations. They can also serve as a deterrent to future violations by putting the regulated community on notice that the agency is actively monitoring compliance.