Overview
The
EPC has broad authority under its enabling Act and SOA to respond to
complaints related to wastewater and water quality affecting Hillsborough
County. Each year the Water Management Division receives hundreds of these
types of complaints and responds to each and every one. Responding to
complaints is viewed as one of the EPC’s primary responsibilities to the
community. As such, the Water Management Division dedicates a significant
portion of its staff to this activity.
The Complaint Process
Most complaints are received by telephone from ordinary citizens who have a
concern about a particular activity. Other government agencies as well as
EPC staff generate other complaints. Complaint information is documented and
then assigned to staff for investigation. The level of response to a
complaint is dictated by the information received and the threat to the
environment. Some complaints may only required a phone call to resolve while
others require a field visit and water sampling. Nonetheless, all complaints
are investigated within five days of receipt. Those wishing to follow up
with a complaint may call the Compliance Assurance Section, refer to the
complaint number, and receive a status report of their complaint.
To the extent possible, the Compliance Assurance Section will work with
alleged violators to resolve problems. With the cooperation of the
responsible party, many complaints can be resolved without resorting to
issuance of a warning notice
or initiation of formal
enforcement
action. The section has the flexibility to work at the complaint
level for up to 90 days before having to escalating the complaint to the
next level of action.
If a complaint can not be resolved or if the investigation findings dictate
a more formal course of action is appropriate, a warning notice is issued to
place the alleged violators on notice that the EPC believes a condition
exits which requires a quick and aggressive response to correct the alleged
violations. Understanding that some problems are complex and required an
extended period to correct, warning notices may remain open for up to 180
days before formal enforcement must be considered. Upon successful
completion of corrective actions the alleged violator is notified, the
warning notice is closed and the information is filed.
